Samuel Gross, a Hutterite boy, was an 8 years old when disaster struck on April 9, 2009. Southern Manitoba braces itself for spring time flooding – this year was no different.

On this day, Samuel and a young friend took a walk along a local swollen stream overflowing with icy cold water. Samuel fell into the stream, sank below the surface and lost consciousness. He was under water for several minutes and appeared as if he was dead. But, as his family said as they prayed for him, “as long as there’s life, there’s hope.”

Samuel was rushed to hospital in Winnipeg according to Patrick White of the April 23/09 edition of the Globe & Mail.  The boy was in a coma and unresponsive. Motivated by the hope of saving this boy, the doctors kept his body chilled for two days to prevent the brain from becoming inflamed. Then his body was gradually warmed up over a full day. The medical team worked carefully but urgently until the vital body systems including the lungs could be opened up and restored. I cannot help but admire the urgency and the intentional effort of the doctors.

After many days, Samuel finally opened his eyes but did not seem aware of his environment. But, soon, he spoke. The doctor questioned Samuel about his age, and his dad’s cell phone number. Amazingly, he knew it all. Test passed with flying colors!

After so long under water and in a coma, Samuel was delivered from death and living a normal life.

Now, imagine the situation with so many people around us. Many of them are also facing disaster. They need help. Like young Samuel Gross, they too need the help of a team of people so that they may enjoy the real full life that God desires for them. Genuine followers of Jesus need to possess the same urgency in their prayers and act with great diligence to guide others along the path that leads to a full and eternal life. Moses was willing to risk his life so that his people might live (Exodus 32:32). The Apostle Paul displayed the same sacrificial commitment for the spiritual deliverance of his fellow Jews (Romans 9:1-3).

Were they crazy to be so very concerned for others?  Of course not. Moses and Paul were reflecting the very heart and will of God for everyone in such need. Luke chapter 15 presents a picture of God’s great concern for those facing death without really knowing Jesus as their Savior. As Jesus reminds us:

“…there is more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7)