Facing the Fire

Kelvin Cochran overcame poverty, prejudice, and pain to fulfill a childhood dream of helping others, rising to the top of firefighting’s professional ladder in Atlanta, Georgia. At one time nationally recognized as “America’s fire chief,” Kelvin unexpectedly found himself caught in a fireball of controversy over his orthodox Christian beliefs, for which he ultimately was fired by the city—making him a focal point in a national battle over religious freedom. Misrepresented by activists and the media, Kelvin relied on his faith to bring him through. In due course, he emerged from the flames of scandal unscathed, like the friends of the prophet Daniel who were thrown into the fiery furnace. Kelvin’s story is a sobering warning of how Christians faithful to biblical teachings are increasingly at risk of persecution in today’s culture. It is also an inspiring example of overcoming racial prejudice and adversity and finding the courage to take the heat and stand for the truth.