At the age of nine, John O’Leary suffered burns over his entire body in a gasoline explosion, losing all his fingers and facing little chance of survival. His remarkable journey of recovery, faith, and purpose is now portrayed in Sony’s upcoming film ‘Soul on Fire’. Directed by Sean McNamara, the film depicts how O’Leary transformed tragedy into triumph, discovering hope in Christ and encouragement through others. Legendary baseball announcer Jack Buck became a key supporter, visiting John in hospital and later welcoming him to the Cardinals. John’s family, especially his mother and sister, modelled sacrificial love, urging him to cling to God and fight for life. Today, O’Leary speaks globally, teaching gratitude as essential, even in prison cells or painful trials. He insists God redeems all suffering for good, turning victims into victors. Based on his bestselling book ‘On Fire’, the film shows how faith, love, and gratitude can ignite resilience, inspiring countless lives worldwide.
Joe and Nancy’s journey to Christ began amid the hippie counterculture of Southern California. They first met in 1969 at a friend’s home during a police drug raid, and their instant connection led them into a shared search for meaning. Drawn into the psychedelic scene, they explored Eastern mysticism, following gurus like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Meher Baba. Yet, when Meher Baba died without fulfilling his promise of a world-changing word, their spiritual hunger deepened. Living in Hawaii, they discovered Christian literature and later, through Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Nancy encountered the Gospel powerfully. Desperate for truth, she accepted Christ and was soon baptised. Joe initially resisted but was later moved to repentance and baptised the same day. Married in 1970, they have remained in church fellowship ever since. Now celebrating 55 years together, their enduring testimony shows how God redeems searching hearts with lasting love and truth.
Born into a devout Muslim family in Tehran, Mohsen Khaleghi grew disillusioned by the contradictions he saw in Islam. As a young man, he pursued wealth, gambling, and pleasure, but the emptiness left him suicidal. After a failed attempt to end his life, Mohsen moved to the USA to study. One night, in desperation, he prayed to the unknown God for help. He then had a vivid vision of an older man named Randy, who urged him: 'Search for the light … Mariners’. Finding out about Mariners Church in Irvine, California, he drove for nine hours to visit it. There, he heard a pastor declare, 'Jesus is the light of the world. If you follow Him, you will find peace.' Amazed, Mohsen realised God had answered his prayer through a supernatural encounter. Later, he met Randy in person - exactly as seen in his dream. Now discipled at Mariners, Mohsen serves the homeless, ministers in rehab centres, and leads a small group. He has dedicated his life to Christ, testifying that true joy is found in Jesus.
Matt Williams of Tennessee was heartbroken when his Bible case, filled with family photos and treasured memories, was stolen from his vehicle. In that moment, he turned to God in prayer, surrendering the situation: 'Not my will but yours’. Astonishingly, his Bible was later discovered inside another stolen car, placed alongside a second copy of the Scriptures. The chain of events that led to its recovery seemed providential: the mother of the woman whose car had been stolen posted online about finding the Bible, and Williams recognised it as his. The unexpected return of his precious Bible reminded him of God’s intimate care: 'Not even a sparrow falls without His notice. Apparently not even a Bible gets stolen without His response.' This showed Williams that God is attentive to the details of His children’s lives and answers prayer in personal, unexpected ways. His testimony is a reminder that God values His people deeply and delights to show His faithfulness.
Bita’s life in Iran was marked by abandonment, abuse, and despair. Raised in hardship, forced into servitude, and married at 14 to an unfaithful addict, she endured decades of rejection and loneliness. Broken and suicidal, she was rescued by a friend, then invited to a secret house church. There she first heard of Jesus’ love for the brokenhearted, and for the first time she felt truly seen. That night she surrendered her shattered life to Christ. Immediately, her children noticed a change: her burdens lifted, and joy began to replace despair. Later, at a women’s conference for persecuted believers, she testified that God had wiped away bitterness and given her 'unimaginable joy.' Though she must still worship in secret, hiding her Bible and whispering prayers, Bita’s faith is unshaken. She longs to help other women find the same freedom and healing in Jesus. Her story mirrors numerous Iranian women who, despite persecution and rejection, are discovering the beauty of Christ’s redeeming love.
Jenn Johnson, worship leader with Bethel Music, has shared a powerful testimony of encountering an angel during a critical moment in hospital. Speaking to CBN News, she described seeing an angel appear in her hospital room just before undergoing a C-section for her daughter’s birth. The angel, bald with a gold earring, simply looked at her, nodded, and turned away - but the peace Johnson felt in that moment was overwhelming. The encounter inspired her song ‘Mention of Your Name’, born from the deep reassurance she received when she needed it most. 'Peace went through my body’, she said, recounting how unafraid she was despite the gravity of the situation. The experience left her longing for more such glimpses of heaven. Johnson also shared a separate miracle: the healing of her leg after it had been lifeless for two years due to a back condition. After being prayed for, sensation returned instantly. These encounters have deepened her faith and stirred hope in many who hear her story.
Aidan Perry, a 20-year-old man from Florida, is praising God for saving his life after he was accidentally shot in the chest at close range on 7 June. The incident occurred when a friend was showing off a .40-calibre pistol that unexpectedly discharged. In the terrifying moments afterward, Aidan recalled seeing blood and fearing he would die. However, he credits both divine intervention and his cross necklace - a Christmas gift from his father - for his survival. Doctors confirmed that the necklace had deflected much of the bullet’s force, causing it to ricochet and lodge harmlessly in Aidan’s chest rather than striking vital organs. Aidan, who already had faith before this incident, said the experience has deepened his belief in God, reminding him to ‘never stop believing’. Meanwhile, the friend involved has been arrested and charged with culpable negligence causing injury.
Tyler Blevins, famously known as 'Ninja’, one of the world’s top video game streamers, has opened up about a personal journey of faith. During a recent livestream, he shared that he and his wife Jess now attend church every Sunday and are growing in their relationship with God and Jesus. 'I’m just trying to be a better person’, he explained, responding to criticism of his gaming habits. Acknowledging past flaws such as a quick temper and moments of hypocrisy, Blevins says he’s striving to live more biblically and to genuinely walk the Christian path. He also has stepped away from toxic gaming environments and resisted the urge to retaliate against critics. Earlier this year, he made headlines for affirming his belief by declaring, 'Jesus is King’. Many fans have praised this transformation, with one calling his faith commitment 'the biggest streamer glow-up ever’. Blevins’ candid testimony highlights a growing trend of influencers boldly embracing and sharing their Christian faith.
Vanessa Joy Lancellotti was a newlywed in 2016 when she suddenly suffered a ruptured arteriovenous malformation in her brain. Unaware she even had this condition, the terrifying incident occurred while having tea with her sisters. As her pain intensified, she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, fearing she was about to die. En route in the ambulance, she prepared to meet Jesus, repenting and reviewing her life. Then, unexpectedly, she experienced what she believes was a supernatural encounter: pain and fear vanished, and she found herself in a place of pure peace and radiant light. There she encountered Jesus, who embraced her lovingly and told her, “It is not yet your time.” Though never clinically dead, Vanessa believes she was taken to paradise. Her miraculous survival transformed her spiritually, igniting a deeper relationship with Christ and a new understanding of the Holy Spirit’s power. Today, she shares her story through her book, Miracles Really Do Happen, encouraging others with the hope and reality of Christ’s love and healing presence. * Near Death Experience
Captain Brian Walpole, once commander of British Airways’ Concorde fleet and recipient of an OBE, has enjoyed an extraordinary aviation career. From RAF training to piloting over 800 supersonic transatlantic flights at 1,350mph, he experienced the awe of seeing the earth’s curvature at 60,000 feet. Yet it wasn’t until his late forties that he truly began to see not just the world, but the Creator behind it. A dinner conversation led him to Guildford Baptist Church, where a long journey of scientific and spiritual enquiry began. Influenced by Josh McDowell’s Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Brian was convinced of Jesus’ resurrection and the truth of the gospel. While his own conversion was gradual, his wife Rosemary had a dramatic encounter with the Holy Spirit, and their daughter Shelley went on to serve in ministry in Canada. Now in his nineties, Brian continues to testify that no human accomplishment compares to knowing Christ. His story is a powerful reminder that eternal truth outshines earthly success.