A Remarkable Encounter on the Football Field
It all started with a tough tackle on the football field. 12-year-old Derek Ruth from Lincoln, Nebraska, had just been knocked down, but he managed to answer all his coach’s questions correctly, suggesting he was fine.
However, the next moment, Derek ripped off his helmet, screamed, “My head!” and collapsed in his coach’s arms.
As Derek was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, something extraordinary happened.
He experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus that marked the beginning of a long journey of recovery. Sixteen years later, Derek has written a book about his experiences, titled The Eight-Minute Flight, in hopes of helping others and sharing his story of faith.
A Heavenly Encounter
After Derek’s first surgery, he fell into a coma, and his doctors used methods like a tilt table and induced hypothermia to try to save him. Despite their efforts, a second surgery was necessary when his brain began to swell. But while his body fought to stay alive, Derek had a vivid memory of standing before Jesus in heaven.
Derek recalls not feeling disconnected from his physical body. Instead, he says, it felt as though his earthly body had been purified and glorified, especially the sensation in his hands and feet. He describes the experience as feeling “perfect,” with a sense of peace surrounding him. The presence of Jesus was overwhelming, radiating pure love and a glow so white it was like nothing he had ever seen before.
The Choice That Changed Everything
During this heavenly encounter, Derek was given a choice.
And with that, his battle to recover from the traumatic brain injury began.
When he eventually woke up from his coma, Derek could no longer do anything for himself.
He was completely dependent, and his body felt foreign to him.
As he struggled through the early stages of recovery, he faced deep fear and uncertainty.
Yet, each day he fought to regain the abilities he had lost, with the support of his family and prayers from countless people.
His faith, too, played a pivotal role in his recovery.
Leaning on Faith and Prayer
Derek found strength in his Catholic faith, which had always been an important part of his life.
Even during the toughest moments of his recovery, he turned to prayer.
His connection with God grew stronger through this journey, and eventually, he shared his spiritual experience with his mother, who wasn’t surprised by his encounter with Jesus.
She knew how important his faith was to him and supported him through the healing process.
As he continued to recover, Derek experienced more visits from Jesus and even the Blessed Mother, Mary.
Each encounter was a surprise, but Derek found great comfort in these appearances, despite the fear that sometimes accompanied them.
A Life Transformed
Today, Derek is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned a sociology degree.
Although he still faces some physical limitations from his brain injury, including issues with his gait and fine motor skills, he has learned to live independently.
He uses a text-to-speech device to communicate and has a number of visible scars that remind him of the challenges he’s overcome.
This experience has fundamentally changed Derek.
He says, “I’ve learned not to take anything for granted, especially the little things, because life can change in an instant.”
Sharing His Story
Over the years, Derek has kept a journal of his recovery, his faith, and the spiritual encounters he experienced.
While in college, he made the decision to turn these writings into a book so he could reach more people with his message of hope.
The Eight-Minute Flight is now available both locally and online.
Derek has also begun speaking at various events, sharing his story with others.
He hopes that by telling his journey, he can inspire others who are facing their own struggles.
Encouraging Words from Bishop Conley
One person who has been deeply moved by Derek’s story is Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln.
He first met Derek in 2013 and has since witnessed the strength of his faith and resilience.
Bishop Conley said that Derek’s story of courage, perseverance, and hope has profoundly impacted him.
Through his hard work and unwavering faith, Derek continues to be a source of inspiration for others.
His journey proves that no matter the challenges we face, there is always hope and a path forward.
For more details and to read testimonials about The Eight-Minute Flight, you can visit Derek’s website at theeightminuteflight.com.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn