Posted on 11/10/2006 6:41:03 AM PST by NYer
Andy Holcomb shares his near-death experience in hopes of helping others with the problems they face in life.
|
The Akron man was nearly killed in early 2005 when an industrial accident claimed the entire lower half of his body. Doctors believe Holcomb should have died that day, but he survived as a medical miracle.
For the first time, Holcomb is talking publicly about the journey he said he took during those moments while trapped in an industrial machine.
"Last thing I saw was the light before that happened," Holcomb said. "First thing I thought to do was to say the Lord's Prayer. There's a real comforting presence the whole time It was there. It was almost as if like, God had taken me from my body, because I could like see me.
"As soon as I closed my eyes, I opened them and I was in this train. I had no legs and I was searching around me frantically looking for my phone. So I could call my family and tell them goodbye."
At one point, rescuers believed Holcomb was gone, but he says his journey was just beginning.
"This angel stopped me and she looked at me. She wore a white gown and she told me that I couldn't go where everyone else was going and I said 'well why not?' and she said 'because you're not dead yet.
"I asked her if I could keep my legs and she was like 'Well I talked to Him (God), and He said you can't keep your legs but you'll have something much better than that when you get back.'"
Holcomb says he was swept away by the amazing sounds of an angelic choir.
"It's indescribable," he said. "Hearing it as loud and as graceful and as peaceful as it was. That's kind of the sound when no one else is around. That kind of sound in the background."
Holcomb is hopeful that military surgeons can help him with a special prosthetic, similar to what American troops injured in battle can receive. He struggles with daily pain, but says his new mission in life is sharing his faith.
"He gave me life twice," Holcomb said. "I want to help other people like myself. Those people who are one in a million."
Amazing!
ping
btt
Luke
Chapter 12
- 1
- 1 Meanwhile, so many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. He began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees.
- 2
- 2 "There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.
- 3
- Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.
- 4
- I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more.
- 5
- I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; 3 yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
- 6
- Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? 4 Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
- 7
- Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.
- 8
- I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.
My pastor often refers to Matthew's Gospel with its description of hell
" ... the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."
Not exactly the kind of place anyone of us would like to spend eternity. Think of that ... eternity ... forever ... forever!!!
Holcomb says he was swept away by the amazing sounds of an angelic choir. "It's indescribable," he said. "Hearing it as loud and as graceful and as peaceful as it was. That's kind of the sound when no one else is around. That kind of sound in the background."
:> It's hard for any of us to believe what that "sounds of an angelic choir" is. :>
Heaven/Paradise is a Real Place--an Object.
WOW!
Thanks for sharing!!
I bet there isn't anyone who hears that story that will be able to walk away unmoved!
NYer, thanks for sharing this!
PING to trussell
I'll bet that second vision put her undies in a knot....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.