Merly Lucas

“It all started in 2022. To this day, I have no memory of what happened. This is just what people have told me. It was July 10th. We were coming from visiting a relative when a car hit us from behind. Our car turned over. I thank God that nothing happened to my children and that, instead, I took the biggest hit. Because of the accident I spent two months in a coma and two months in recovery – in total it was four months in the hospital.

During that time, I felt the powerful hand of God. He gave me the strength to never give up. I had my brother as my power of attorney. When I was in a coma, the doctors urged him to sign the form to disconnect me from life support. But my brother says he would hold my hand and I would squeeze it. He says he felt like I was telling him not to let me go. I believe that was God speaking and protecting me.

I don't remember the first time I opened my eyes; my memories start about three days after I had woken up. It was the first time I spoke to my mother again. I was also able to talk to my brothers and my husband. But I didn't get to see my children until two months later when I returned home.

The accident left me with problems in my left ear. I can't see very well either. There were months when I was in a wheelchair, but the hand of God is powerful because now I can walk with a cane.

For me it is clear that the accident was from the enemy. Just before the crash, my husband and I had made the decision to get baptized. Though the accident delayed those plans, the reality is that it also increased my desire to get baptized. I was about to die, and that showed me that it is crucial we accept God's call as soon as possible. We must be prepared. So, on November 3, 2023, I was baptized, my husband was baptized, and the most beautiful thing is that my daughter was baptized.

Since then, I feel different. This experience taught me that during those difficult moments, the most important thing we can do is hold onto the hand of God. He wants to see us through.”

- Merly Lucas, from the Owensboro Hispanic Church