What Should Have Been a Tragedy
Last Thursday we were cleaning out a thrift shop in inner city Denver, when a few of us guys decided to go outside for a few minutes to take a break. We had been out there for a matter of thirty seconds, talking about how different the standards of living were between those we were serving and what we had grown up with– a night and day difference. All of a sudden there was a loud crashing noise of metal bending and shattering glass. I whipped my head around just in time to see a van flipping end over end in our direction. When the van settled, gas poured out of it, smoking terribly. Though the driver of the car was alone, there turned out to be five people in the van, two children, the parents and a grandmother. Someone called 911 and, thankfully, one of our youth leaders who happens to be a lifeflight nurse reacted immediately.
Thank the Lord that, even though the van flipped and one person was not wearing their seat belt, only one person was rushed to the hospital and no one was seriously injured. Everything was clearly in the Lord's hands. Looking back at this situation it is extremely amazing that everyone survived relatively unscathed, especially given the speed and impact. It is clearly a miracle of the protection God granted.
Jacob F., 17
Rock Valley, IA.
At the time of the car accident I was taking a break from my work, sitting outside talking to my friends. My back was to the accident, but I turned in time to see the van roll. While the family was being taken from the vehicle to be medically examined, I approached the man driving the camry to make sure he was fine. He took full responsibility for the accident, knowing he had run the stop sign, and was very shaken up, though unhurt.
This event showed me that even in a car accident God is with those involved. Because, without Him, this could have easily been a fatal accident. It also showed me how abruptly life could be taken away from you; that we must live everday like it is our last–because it very well could be. I thank God that He took care of these people and that no one lost their lives. I hope this has opened the eyes of more people than just me.
Adam S. 17
Rock Valley, IA
