Faith
‘Soul on Fire’ Celebrates Faith and Community
Faith Facts
- The film “Soul on Fire” tells John O’Leary’s story of survival through faith and community support.
- Christian values of love, selflessness, and hope are highlighted by cast and real-life heroes alike.
- Scripture and prayer are central themes in John’s journey, reminding viewers that miracles come through God’s people.
Decades after surviving life-threatening burns as a child, John O’Leary and the St. Louis community reunited to celebrate the premiere of “Soul on Fire.” The film’s red carpet at Powell Hall was filled with local heroes, the cast, and those whose faith and persistence shaped O’Leary’s life.
“It’s surreal,” O’Leary told The Christian Post. “I never expected to have a film made about my life. But this isn’t a story celebrating me, it’s about how the people around me showed up. It’s about how great God is, working through ordinary people.”
Actors John Corbett, William H. Macy, Joel Courtney, and Maisie McLean reflected on how the story honors selfless acts and perseverance rooted in faith.
“John wasn’t supposed to live more than 24 hours, so the fact that he survived that horrible fire is amazing. But what really moved me was seeing how many people fought for him, Jack Buck, Nurse Roy, his parents. Everyone came together to save this kid,” Corbett said.
William H. Macy said he was drawn to the film’s focus on quiet heroism. “John said it best; it’s not a movie about him,” Macy said. “It’s about the community that stepped up when someone needed help, and they did it quietly and selflessly. That’s what we need more of in this country.”
Maisie McLean, portraying Beth O’Leary, pointed to unconditional love as a reflection of the Gospel. “Beth is not scared of scars,” McLean said. “She sees John’s pain and steps toward it instead of away. To me, she’s a reflection of the Gospel. God looks at us in our brokenness and says, ‘I choose you anyway.’ That’s what Beth does for John.”
Joel Courtney emphasized hope in Christ through life’s struggles, sharing how Jeremiah 29:11 inspired the filming. “That verse is John’s story,” he said. “He didn’t always believe it, but God clearly had plans for him.”
Inspiring moments throughout the movie show the power of faith, prayer, and ordinary people acting with extraordinary compassion—transforming tragedy into testimony. “Soul on Fire” stands as a reminder that God moves through believers to bring healing and hope.
Faith and freedom flourish when communities strengthen each other by living out Biblical love. Let’s remember the power of prayer, heroic sacrifice, and standing together as God’s people.
Faith Facts
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines is home to 14 congregations of the Churches of Christ, spanning the main island and the Grenadines.
- Attendance and youth participation have declined as denominational competition grows and young people depart.
- God often uses those who feel small, as demonstrated through stories of faithful Christians on islands worldwide and the biblical account of Gideon.
Before sharing spiritual lessons in St. Vincent, brother Maxwell Ince offered a heartfelt prayer, seeking attentiveness among listeners.
The southern tip of St. Vincent, with its volcanic beaches, provided a stunning backdrop for a gathering of believers seeking encouragement and renewal.
Though not a preacher or traditional reporter, my focus was to share spiritual insights gained from years of covering stories that impact the Kingdom.
St. Vincent’s congregations have faced hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and a decline in membership, yet their commitment to the Gospel endures.
Katra Walker’s work in women’s prison ministry highlights practical ways believers put faith into action, following in the steps of those who have served before her.
Meeting believers on Bequia and learning about missions in the Caribbean echoed the long tradition of outreach that began in the 1960s.
Many Christians here feel small or insignificant, but as I reminded them through the story of Gideon in Judges 7, God delights to use the faithful few for mighty purposes.
I offered evangelism ideas from experiences in Africa, such as serving underserved populations as a pathway to sharing Christ’s love.
Let us be reminded that in God’s economy, even those who seem least are valuable and can be used powerfully for His purposes.
Stand firm in faith and continue lifting one another up, knowing the Lord sees and blesses every act done for His glory.
Faith Facts
- Believers in St. Lucia honored the memory of Botham Jean at the Gros Islet Church of Christ.
- The Botham Jean Foundation continues to support youth and seniors based on Christian charity.
- Churches of Christ in Dallas and St. Lucia have built bridges and strengthened community ties.
On a Sunday morning in St. Lucia, Christians gathered at the Gros Islet Church of Christ, united in worship and fellowship. Members welcomed each other warmly and prepared for the Lord’s Supper with reverence, led by Pastor Dilian J. Bellot, who preached about God’s unchanging truth.
Young Desean Louis-Fernand lifted his voice in song, inspired by his late cousin Botham Jean, whose leadership and faith left a lasting mark on both St. Lucia and Dallas. Desean’s memory of Botham’s kindness and encouragement highlights the impact of strong Christian role models.
The Botham Jean Foundation, established in his honor, continues his legacy by providing resources to youth in need and caring for the elderly. The foundation’s Red Tie Gala was held in St. Lucia for the first time, welcoming guests from Dallas and beyond to celebrate Christian service and unity.
Emory Tease, a church elder from Dallas, described the deep sense of loss after Botham’s passing, but also praised how faith brought together believers of different backgrounds to work together as one body in Christ.
Through tragedy, these congregations found renewed fellowship, celebrating their shared values and commitment to Christian love. Let us keep praying for unity, honoring faith, family, and freedom in every community.
Faith Facts
- Chanelle Alvarez, just 15, was fatally shot in her home, allegedly by her 16-year-old boyfriend, in Ogden, Utah.
- Her pastor described her as a joyful, compassionate young woman who brought life to those around her.
- The suspect faces multiple charges, including murder, while the tragedy highlights the ongoing need for strong, faith-based families and community bonds.
The heartbreaking loss of Chanelle Alvarez reminds us to pray fervently for our youth and to stand guard against the darkness threatening our families.
Her family’s courage in calling attention to domestic violence urges us, as Christians, to protect the vulnerable with wisdom and love rooted in Biblical truth.
Pastor Jeff Stephenson said,
“She was an absolutely spectacular young woman. So much life.”
As we mourn this loss, let us work to foster homes filled with God’s love, safety, and upright values—standing against violence and raising a generation anchored in faith.
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