Good Friday on 16th April was barely five weeks from 13th March when Vince was airlifted to the Loma Linda Hospital after being knocked off his motorcycle by a hit-and-run driver. He was badly injured, including a traumatic brain injury and brain bleed, and the outcome was bleak.
The Loma Linda is one of the country’s leading trauma hospitals and we are eternally grateful for its expertise, its care, and Christian principles, There are Scripture verses on screen savers on patients’ computers, and on corridor walls here and there are plaques displaying the hospital’s values. When Vince was first admitted a doctor asked Janel if she would like him to pray, and others have prayed with us since.
And miraculously, this Easter Sunday he is back to himself! He is out off isolation so we don’t need to robe in yellow gowns and gloves. Nearly all the tubes and monitors have been removed together with the staples from his head. He is walking a little, sitting in a chair during the day, eating and drinking, and significantly, that quirky sense of humour still shows.
We are so grateful to everyone – pastors, friends, colleagues, and family who have prayed diligently for Vince. They will always have our deep, endless thanks. Their prayers have made the difference between life and death. A trauma nurse told us that they don’t see many miracles in Intensive Care but she sees a miracle in Vince’s recovery. Would he and his wife Janel visit in a few months’ time to encourage the team, she asked.
Even while I’m thanking God for Vince I’m thinking of others who haven’t survived traumatic circumstances – those in Ukraine for example; in the Covid-19 pandemic, and other circumstances. A couple of weeks ago a friend’s young son and father of two was killed in a fall while mountain climbing. What comfort is there for their families?
Thank God, that’s what Easter is all about. It’s when Jesus was crucified and rose from the grave. In His ministry He taught how those who accepted Him as Lord and Saviour received His Holy Spirit, and would follow Him into eternal life. He even demonstrated His power over death to His disciples by calling Lazarus out of his grave.
We will all ‘lay aside this earthly tent’ one day (2 Peter 1:14). Easter Sunday tells us that life with Jesus Christ will be glorious! Until then, we take comfort from knowing that our times are in His hands.
And during our pilgrimage here He cares for us and responds to prayer – 1 John 5:15. ‘And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.’ (NASB)
