Evidence of healing

Compound fractures are nothing to scoff at. To break a bone is bad enough, but to have it rip through your skin for all to see takes the pain to another level. But it makes an excellent testimony.

Norm and Rick, a couple of friends, had the urge to go to a well-known amusement park. It had an arcade, go-karts, miniature golf, and various other activities to alleviate boredom. And, like most of my friends at the time, they were adrenalin junkies. So each activity became a competition. And sessions on the trampolines appeared to rival the Olympics in their competitive minds. But the pursuit of victory – even a fantasized one – is often tarnished by the agony of defeat. 

Norm missed his mark, and when his leg descended between the springs and concrete border he felt the snap. He was helped to the side. And he and Rick – both were pursuing their education to become firemen – quickly discovered the extent of the damage: the compound fracture of the lower leg, near the ankle.

Park employees called 911, while Rick began to administer first aid. But Norm, who was fairly composed in-spite of the pain, suggested spiritual aid. And the employees and looky-loos soon witnessed Christian brothers laying on hands while fervently praying to God for a healing touch.

The touch was apparently given as dozens of witnesses saw the miracle. The protruding bone receded and the blood ceased as the open wound closed. When EMTs and paramedics arrived at the park the blood-soaked pant leg, sock, and shoe was the only external evidence that remained of the wound. Later, however, x-rays showed a healed fracture.

The incident occurred over a dozen years ago, but it left its mark on those who were present: especially on Norm and Rick. Norm pursued his dream and has been a fireman over a decade. Rick, however, never became a fireman. He’s a senior pastor of a church in Northern California.  

[* Testimony told by one of the participants.]