The wheel locks up sending the van into the guardrail. With a sharp change in direction the vehicle begins to roll over and over again, and in the aftermath lay several members of The World Races 3rd Generation P Squad. All are rushed to the hospital alive and breathing…. The first miracle. Unfortunately though not all are unscathed. The accident has severely injured Vanessa Martinez. Her spine is broken and she is instantly paralyzed from the waist down. No feeling…. No movement…
To say this is heartbreaking in itself is an understatement, but this blog is not to tell the story of how Vanessa is doing or how she is persevering through her injuries with the strength given to her by Christ ( which she is doing by the way). No, this blog is to tell one of many stories to come on how God is redeeming what has happened to Vanessa. A few days after the accident the squad is still in Bangalore and I was asked to go stay with her and her family along with another squad mate who was in the hospital for kidney stones. Being a paramedic, the leadership saw fit that I stay with them for a while, which I was happy to do. Little did I know how God would use this experience to solidify His purpose for me and the role He has called me to in this world.
I arrived at the hospital eager to see my two squad mates and ready to do some serious questioning of the nurses and doctors to make sure my friends were getting the best care possible on my watch. Walking into the room I see my squad mates and Vanessa’s parents and instantly go into paramedic mode asking how they are, what the doctors say, how the nurses have been treating them. Then checking the iv fluids and lines asking about pain levels, vitals, and what meds they are on for management. As the day and night carry on however the conversations turn from the medical to the emotional, and God reveals His heart to me. I stayed with them for around 24 hours and at that time God gave me the strength to do more than simply recite medical practices to my patients and their loved ones. I was able to comfort, speak life, encourage, and mourn right alongside my squad mates and the Martinez’s. The time came for me to go, so I said my goodbyes and headed to the house for some rest, but as I sat back at the house God hit my heart with the weight of a thousand men. I was left feeling a deep sadness for what Vanessa was going through, but at the same time a deep desire to go back to the hospital and be with her and her family. And this was it. God speaking to me and his words were ” I cried for Vanessa too, and I have made you for such a time as this. That when people are in there darkest nightmare that you would be my hands and feet to care for them as I do. That is why I have broken your heart and instilled in you the desire to go be with these people. Vanessa is my child, I love her, and now you have a glimpse at just how much.”
I continue to ask God to heal her, and I hope He does so sooner rather than later. I always end this prayer the same way though. ” your will be done” I don’t know if God will heal Vanessa this side of heaven, but I know one thing is for sure. He will be using her story to further the kingdom with every story told.
