And the story of a near-death experience at the end
These are two who have not yet lost their faith. They talk and live accordingly. Pastor Hans Jürgen Jung (left) got up early in the Brazilian city of Joinville to translate Dr. John’s talk at the Lutherans in Jaraguá do sul. The Rev. William Bretzke (right) struggled out of bed as early as 5:30 a.m. to pray for the service. It should not be a wasted time.
When the German-Peruvian says his last sentence, not only the 200 participants in the community center are moved, but also listeners throughout the city. The radio service broadcast on secular radio has a long tradition in Jaraguá do sul. “God is real and He sees our secret tears!” was how the mission doctor had put it at the end. After that, he has to shake many hands. Some who embrace him have tears in their eyes.
Where just a moment ago there were 36 books on a table by the exit, after a few minutes only one remains. Interestingly, buyers put a lot more Brazilian reals in the basket than the recommended book price.
Dr. John takes the orphaned book titled “Eu VI DEUS” (I have seen God) and walks up to a couple who are engrossed in conversation. “I’ll give you that” says the doctor, laughing at them both. “I bought a copy long ago,” the woman replies. “Then give it to her neighbor!” – The Brazilian nods. “Yes, I’m happy to do that!”
Her husband now takes the floor: “We have heard the report about Diospi Suyana, now I would like to tell my story!”
A small group gathers and listens to the experiential transcript that should send a shiver down most people’s spines.
March 2022: Sandro Marquardt (51) keeps fit and rides his bike accordingly often. Just as he cycles past a parked car at lunchtime, the driver yanks open the door. What happens now happens in fractions of a second. Sandro falls onto the upper edge of the door. The force of the impact shreds the soft tissues of his neck; like a knife, the metal slices through his right carotid artery. He falls to the ground and immediately notices that with each heartbeat a fountain of blood splashes onto the asphalt. Quick-witted, he presses his hand on the wound. But soon he faints. A nurse is on hand and she, too, tries to curb the blood loss by applying external pressure.
Around 1 p.m., he is lying on the operating table under general anesthesia. Vascular surgeons are fighting for his life, but his chances are not good.
While the doctors are doing their best, Sandro has a dream on the operating table. He can remember the details exactly. “Then Jesus stood before me,” says the entrepreneur, “and spoke to me!” – I am sending you back so that you can tell this story. Most people no longer ask about God and ignore the Bible…!”
Just six months have passed since the accident. Sandro’s eyes fill with tears and he fights for his composure. We all suspect what is going on inside him. “The surgeons told me my survival would have been a miracle!” Sandro takes a break. “Pastor,” the missionary doctor remarks, “here I come from faraway Peru to tell you about our experiences. Your congregation really needs to hear Sandro Marquardt!” – Pastor Bretzke nods “definitely, Sandro will give his testimony before our congregation. That’s for sure!”
