Running to the Fire

Helping in Jesus' Name

By: Ken Isaacs, Robert Noland, Franklin Graham - foreword

Narrated by: Ken Isaacs, Franklin Graham

How did a small-town boy with no experience become the “Indiana Jones of global relief” with one of the most effective humanitarian organizations in the world? Because God dreams bigger than we do.

Join Ken Isaacs on his personal journey from answering God’s “Are you serious?” call through three decades of boots-on-the-ground stories showing us how to be a Good Samaritan no matter where we are. Offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into the incredible work of Samaritan’s Purse, this action-packed memoir takes us from the 1989 Ethiopian famine to the 1994 Rwandan genocide to the 2011 Japanese tsunami up to today’s worldwide crises—and the countless decisions, dangers, and prayers along the way.

With reflections drawn from Scripture and decades of ministry, Running to the Fire is a testimony to God’s goodness as well as a call to live boldly, love radically, and trust deeply in the God who guides us not away from the fire but through it.

Features bonus content only available in the audiobook—including a special word from Franklin Graham plus a presentation by Ken Isaacs on the global mission of Samaritan's Purse.

©2025 Ken Isaacs and Robert Noland (P)2025 David C Cook

Critic reviews

“This book is as fun and adventurous as the author himself. I would travel anywhere with Ken Isaacs because he’s like a cross between MacGyver and Ethan Hunt in the Mission Impossible series—he’s a troubleshooter, a fixer, a strategic analyst, and highly adaptable to any situation. Running to the Fire takes you on his harrowing journeys across the globe into some of modern history’s worst catastrophes—both natural and man-made—to show you how Christ’s love can transform people and nations. This book will challenge you to put your own faith on the line to see the same transformation in the lives around you.”―Skip Heitzig, senior pastor at Calvary Church, Albuquerque; board member of Samaritan’s Purse

“Kenney is the most fascinating person I have ever met and has helped thousands and thousands of people. I have traveled with him and have seen the work firsthand. This book powerfully tells much of the story. Fabulous, so beautifully written.”―Greta Van Susteren, 30-year award-winning news anchor

“Running to the Fire is exciting to read and deeply biblically instructed. This book takes it to another dimension with its globe-trotting narrative of faith and action. Isaacs tells how commitment of faith changes his life and helps millions. Read this book.”―Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State

Gutsy, Gritty Faith

Ken Isaacs takes you to the scenes of the worst humanitarian crises over the past 40 years, and his heart breaks anew as he remembers the overwhelming human needs that he’s witnessed in his career of leading disaster responses. (Ken is the reader of the Audible version, so you have the added benefit of hearing the stories and all the emotion in his own voice.)

Readers learn quickly that Ken is an ordinary guy who takes a straightforward approach to problem solving as a well driller, and yet he senses God calling him “to the world.” Because of his well drilling experience, God opens a door for Ken and his family to provide clean water in Ethiopia, and God continues to position Ken to take on increasingly complex challenges where people are suffering. As a life-long learner, he logs lessons, gains insights, and builds relationships that enhance his readiness and effectiveness for the next crisis response, but more foundationally, Ken’s faith is strengthened as he witnesses God at work in seemingly impossible circumstances.

Outside of the Bible, nothing has strengthened my faith as much as biographies—I’ve probably read 100. Hebrews 11 encourages us to remember stories of faith because they serve as signposts for us, pointing us forward on the journey of obedience—saying “yes” to whatever God calls us to do. This biography is at the top of my list as a faith-strengthening witness to the trustworthiness of our God.

Amazing

It’s so inspiring to see God’s amazing work through Ken, a regular drilling man who obeyed God’s voice in spite of serious challenges. Full respect to him and Samaritan’s Purse’s actions around the world.
I love it that Ken was reading the book himself, It’s so touching, and such a great performance.

Great Book helped my to reflect of the power of God

Running to the Fire is a powerful reminder of who God truly is sovereign, mighty, and fully capable of doing the impossible. This book humbled my faith and challenged the shallow, comfortable Christianity we can easily fall into in America. Through Ken Isaacs’ stories and testimonies, I was reminded that God is the King of the universe, not limited by circumstances or human weakness.

Reading this book reshaped my prayers and renewed my trust in God’s power. The faith and obedience of those who literally run toward the fire testify to a deep confidence in God’s sovereignty. This book is an encouraging and timely reminder that God is still at work and still unstoppable. Highly recommend.

Splendiferious Faith Out of Pure Love for God and Humanity

I highly respect and honor Ken Isaac for his servant leadership. However, after listening to him narrating his amazing Faith-Challenging book "Running to the Fire" is a real title, I was astounded and captivated by real time adventures with a goal.of saving humanity from natural to man-made disasters; from delivering food to starved communities in Ethiopia to extending hope to nation devastated by genocide in Rwanda, to adventures in the bushes of South Sudan [during civil war and liberation era, and participating in the historic birth of new nation of South Sudan, was honored to be the protocol ascort for Rev. Franklin Graham and you with Samaritan Purse team in Juba July 9 2011 on the independence day. You played a significant role and an advocate for justice by sharing facts that captured attention of Presidents and Law-maker on Capitol Hill. How about crossing dangerous war zones in Afghanistan, Ukraine to deliver humanitarian assistance, deploying diplomatic expertise to closed nations as China.
Your faith in God protected you from losing your life during covide19...
quite an outstanding life worth a Nobel - Peace - Prize.

Perhaps a Workbook can be developed to teach those interested and are called into Missionaries and International Humanitarian Service.
Much to glean from this amazing book.
So blessed to know you in Person my friend Ken Isaac.
God bless your Heart of Love and Service for Mankind.

Hon Amb Jehan Mechak Deng
South Sudan

Behind the scene at Samaritan Purse

I’ve known Kenny for 46 years and have understood that he isn’t the normal guy you meet on the street ! His commitment to our Lord Jesus and his love for his family have truly been revealed within the pages of this book . It’s quite amazing what he has experienced and survived in order to assist our fellow man in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. I’m glad to call him my Brother in our Lord Jesus as well as my friend . Al Sumner 09/15/25