July 3, 1998, was a difficult day for my family. We received word that my Uncle Kenny fell asleep at the wheel, and his car was T-boned by a pick-up truck. Hospital doctors decided Kenny should be flown to a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. They told my family that things weren’t looking good and encouraged them to get there as soon as possible. Kenny had his whole life ahead of him. We wondered, How could God allow this to happen?

Kenny’s parents were Adventist Christians; he was taught early on of Jesus’ love and kindness. Kenny attended Adventist schools, but after graduation he went off on his own. He left the church and turned to alcohol.

Would Kenny be in the Kingdom if he died? This nagging question filled our thoughts constantly as we prayed for God to perform a miracle. My mom and grandma flew immediately to Phoenix. On the way, they made plans for the funeral that seemed inevitable.

At the hospital, the reality of Kenny's situation hit them hard. Both watched as Kenny’s breathing was controlled by a respirator. A doctor explained his injuries to them. Kenny had a ruptured aorta; 99 percent of people with a ruptured aorta die.

The two women made arrangements for Kenny to be anointed. They prayed as long and hard as they ever had in their entire lives while they waited for a local pastor to arrive. They pleaded with God to give Kenny a second chance at life.

The pastor finally arrived, and they solemnly surrounded Kenny's bed for the simple service. Kenny, who had been so full of life such a short time ago, seemed about to die. Tears flowed as they watched the oil dribble on Kenny’s head. They believed with all their hearts that Jesus could perform a miracle for Kenny.

About halfway through the pastor’s prayer, the respirator beeped. My mother’s heart beat faster and faster as the machine continued to beep. A nurse entered and checked the machine. She told them Kenny had started taking breaths on his own. They had never seen anything like this, and the nurse shook her head in disbelief while the three prayer warriors cried tears of joy and thanked God profusely. God had sent a miracle.

Doctors say Kenny should have died that unforgettable summer day. They still don’t understand how he survived, but I have a theory: Jesus’ love and grace. Kenny had turned his back on God, but I strongly believe it was through Jesus’ healing hand that he survived. God wasn’t finished with Kenny, and He gave him a second chance to get right with Him.

During the next two years, Kenny began to attend church, and he started his life over. In 2001, Kenny had a brain seizure unexpectedly while sleeping, and he passed away. Even though I still miss him, I’m comforted knowing that I’ll see his face in Heaven.

Kalissa Jardine is a sophomore at Andrews Academy. She attends the Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Kalissa will receive a $100 scholarship since her article was selected for publication.