On 22nd January 2023, my wife Cheryl and I left for Melbourne, Australia, to attend my niece’s wedding (my brother’s daughter). We were scheduled to return to India on 20th April 2023. However, on 18th April, just before lunch, I was playing basketball with my seven-year-old nephew. After lunch, I went to rest when, suddenly, I developed severe pain between my shoulder blades. I woke up and told Cheryl about it, and then I experienced an excruciating pain in my chest—indescribable in its intensity.
Cheryl immediately recognized that I was having a heart attack. She had read that coughing during a heart attack could help arrest the pain, so she told me to cough. I placed my right hand on my chest and called out, “Jesus, Jesus,” praying in the Spirit for a few seconds. Miraculously, the pain subsided. By then, the paramedics had arrived. When they took my blood pressure, I saw on the monitor that it was dangerously high at 210/140, and my ECG resembled a massive mountain range. Throughout this time, I remained conscious.
I was rushed to Monash Health Victorian Heart Hospital, where an endoscopy revealed that I had four major artery blockages. The cardiologist’s report confirmed that, thankfully, my heart had not suffered any damage during the attack. However, I needed to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting—open-heart surgery. The procedure was scheduled for 27th April 2023.
My surgeon, Professor Julian Smith, explained the surgery, the procedure, and the associated risks. I prayed to God, surrendering to His will, and also prayed for the surgeon and his team. Many others were also praying for the success of my surgery. Veins were taken from my right arm, leg, and back for the grafting. One major risk was disconnecting my heart and lungs and connecting them to a heart-lung machine. After the surgery, my heart and lungs would need to resume function on their own. Praise God, my heart and lungs began beating on their own in just three seconds.
Two days before the surgery, my brother Gerard brought a priest, Father Martin, to hear my confession, administer Holy Communion, and offer the Blessing of the Sick. Father Martin ministered to me spiritually, and I truly felt the presence of God. I will forever be grateful to him.
On the morning of 27th April, during my personal prayer while lying in bed, God gave me a word of assurance from Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” This verse filled me with courage, dispelled my fears and anxiety, and strengthened my dear wife Cheryl and my loved ones.
I thank and praise my Lord Jesus Christ for the miracle He performed in my life, allowing me to be alive today. I truly believe God saved me for a purpose, and I continue to pray that He reveals His plan to me so that I may fulfill it.
I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to my dear wife Cheryl, who endured immense stress but stood by me like a rock. I am also deeply thankful to my loved ones in Australia for their love and support and to everyone who prayed for me. Additionally, I extend my sincere appreciation to the surgical team and nursing staff for their excellent care.
This life-threatening experience has reinforced my belief that when you have a personal relationship with the Blessed Trinity, They will take care of you according to God the Father’s Holy Will. All we need to do is have faith and trust in Him.
PRAISE OUR ALMIGHTY GOD, FOR HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
