Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) likes to run short, 250-word stories in each weekend's bulletin to tie in with the sermon or events happening within the church. The approximate bulletin count is 7,200 every weekend.
Overcoming Tragedy: A Warrior’s Profile
It was the long-awaited family vacation to Hawaii. Peter Nearman, CCV member and volunteer usher, and his family awoke early to get in as much beach time as possible. Yet, little did they know that their day would be cut short due to a freak accident that left Peter fighting for his life and the family clinging to their faith.
As Peter was enjoying an early morning swim, a wave crashed into him, knocking him facedown into the sandy ocean floor. As Peter struggled to stand up, he found his body helpless and not cooperating. His wife Heather ran to assist him only to find her strength not strong enough to save her husband. If Peter didn’t find help instantly, he would have drowned.
God intervened. Sure enough, a high-school football team was training on the beach and jumped in to save Peter. The diagnosis once Peter reached the hospital was a broken neck with no hope of ever walking again. The Nearmans understand that most people aren’t equipped to handle the kind of tragedy they have experienced. But they also know that life without faith is not worth fighting for. “I don’t know how people go through tragedy without God,” Peter said.
Peter, the ultimate example of a real-life warrior who has risen from the battle, believes his resiliency is based on his faith. “We want to be used to glorify God with our lives,” Peter says of him and his family. “Only God knows what influence we will ultimately have on others for His sake. This is not my life to live, but His to live through me.”
Neighborhood groups are teeing off on 4/8 to participate in “Drive For A Ride” at Trilogy Golf Club in Vistancia. This benefit golf tournament will help equip a handicap-accessible van for the Nearman family. If you are interested in participating, please visit DriveForaRide.com.
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