The Giver of Life

On Sunday, 16 March 2014, my dear friend, Dery (Rev. Raymond Dery) was in a motorcycle accident. He had driven to his preaching assignment in the Tamale area, wearing his helmet. He led worship. He preached the word of God. Then, he got back on his motorcycle to drive back home to his wife and children. On the way home, he hit a "home made speed bump" that was not there earlier in the day. He flipped his bike, destroying his helmet. He was taken to Tamale Teaching Hospital. Dery was unresponsive. He was in a coma. The coma lasted six days. Now, three weeks later, his eyes are open. He can speak a few words, although sometimes they are in context and make sense and sometimes they are meaningless. He can eat small. He has sat up for five minutes at a time, with much help.



I saw him a week ago today. I thought I was prepared. I wasn't. I walked into his ward, looking for him. His bed was by the window. Plenty of people were there. He was covered with a sheet, because it is too hot to have any blankets on. My eyes started tearing up. I made my way to his side and said, "Dery, it is your nasapog (white woman.) He had a far off look in his eyes. It was if he couldn't focus on anything. He had no idea who I was. Then, I said, "Naangmen mal fo. (God bless you.) You taught me that." Then, I stepped back to let others come close. As I went into the hall, I saw Vida, his wife sitting on a chair, so I joined her. I put my arm around her and we wept together. No words were said, no words were needed. Before I left Tamale, I was asked if I wanted to visit Dery again. I said "no" because I didn't think I could handle it again.

I KNOW it is a miracle that Dery is alive. I know it is a miracle that he is out of the coma. I know it is a miracle that he has spoken small. I know it is a miracle that he can eat small. I know he has come a long way in a short time. I know head/brain injuries take time to heal. Yet, the reality of what I saw overcomes what I KNOW God can do. My God is a God of miracles. My God is a God of healing. My God is the giver of life.

This past week, I have emailed a friend whose husband was in a bad accident. Just reading part of her story and her words of encouragement...they were balm to my spirit. I felt flickers of hope, not only for Dery, but in my life, too. Then, I started preparing my sermon for tomorrow...Jesus the giver of life...the valley of the dry bones....Lazarus being raised from the dead after being in the tomb for four days.  

Yes, my God is the giver of life...