On June 1st, 2014, I was traveling up the Lehigh River in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in my boat around 6 AM on a brisk Sunday morning. I chose an unfamiliar route, and when I reached an impassable section of the river, my throttle stuck open, forcing me to make a quick decision before my boat slammed into the rocks. I had only a few split seconds to formulate a plan.

My plan was to run along the deck of the boat as I was ejected from the center console seat and jump into the water when I reached the edge. However, my mind worked faster than my legs. When I got to the edge of the boat, I couldn’t lift my legs to jump because everything happened so fast. Instead, I fell over the side of the boat. My last memory is of sticking my hands out to break my fall and seeing rocks.

In that moment, I entered an incredibly calm state. REALLY CALM. I lost all sensation of being in my body and became aware that this may be the end. I could hear the peaceful trickle of water but felt no wetness or floating. I was in this state for what seemed like a long time, though I estimate it was about 30 seconds to a minute maximum.

Then, I heard a voice command, “GET UP.” The voice repeated, “GET UP,” but I couldn’t respond. After the first command, I felt the back of my feet touching rocks and a floating sensation as my arms and hands also touched the rocks. Suddenly, I was ripped out of the water. I found myself standing in the river, facing upstream away from my boat.

Reflecting on this event, especially after my recent spiritual journey and close encounter with God and finding Jesus, I recall the intense feeling of POWER (His power) within me as I stood there with water rushing off me. Although the following events are less important, I ended up fishing without my glasses or phone, which was ruined by water (waterproof phones weren’t available then). For the record, I did catch one fish.

By all accounts, I should be dead. Instead, I am alive. I believe I am alive because God wants me to be. This was God’s will for me, not to leave my children and family behind as my father did when he died of stomach cancer at 36. I was just seven years old.

I’ve pondered the voice and the force that lifted me out of the water. Without a shred of doubt, I believe it was God. However, I have questioned; could it have been my dad or an angel? In recent years, my pastor preached that it’s biblical to believe in encounters with angels. My Pastors words provided me with what I believe to be a concrete answer I had lacked since that day in June 2014. I am certain I have encountered at least one angel.

This month is the 10th anniversary of that event. I remember it like it was yesterday. I can not explain why I was given more time on this earth. I am however, forever grateful for the opportunity to continue to straighten out my life for the better of my marriage and family.

God rescued me from the river. I have no other explanation for how I survived that accident. My hope for you is that in this story you see the hand of God. God saved a man so that he could improve himself for the better of his wife and children. God saved a man so his children did not have to grow up fatherless like he did. God saved a man so he could walk in His footsteps of the journey of life.

Over the past 15 years, and particularly in the last eight, my journey has been profoundly fulfilling. Witnessing God’s work and His revelations fills me with excitement and joy.

Best to you on your journey and may you encounter God and his Angels along the way….