My cell phone rang at about 3.30 PM. I looked at the screen- Moody. I answered as always do when he calls. "Hi Moody- what's up?"
A frantic non-Moody voice on the other end started rattling off Swahili at a frighting rate. "There's been a terrible accident. Come right away. Moody is in really bad shape."
My heart sank into my stomach. We had just been together an hour earlier here at the house. He had pleaded with me to let him use the motorcycle that I've been keeping for a friend. I hesitated for a very long time; but finally agreed somewhat reluctantly.
(Moody for those who many not know is a dear friend and employee who helps me and the Ocean International Community Church. He does just about everything from electrical repair, to document registration. He is a MBB having come to Christ early last year. His testimony is really powerful!)
As I jumped into my vehicle I couldn't think straight. My head was swimming. "What if?" I quickly banished the thought from my mind.
My cell rang again. This time it was the real Moody. "I'm in bad shape- I got hit by a pick-up truck that ran through a red-light. While I was lying on the ground bystanders robbed me of my license and all my money. Two good samaritans finally intervened and are taking me to the hospital. Please come quickly".
I found out later it was a hit and run.
I sped down the road racing to the hospital. He called again. "Please Steve I don't know if I'm going to make it".
I jumped out of my vehicle and raced into the hospital. There was only one doctor on duty for over 100 patients waiting to be seen. Moody was somewhere in the middle in a wheel-chair that looked more like go-kart complete with rusty spokes. The swarm of patients waiting parted as I approached.
I took a deep-breath bracing myself for the worst. As the good samaritans wheeled him around to face me- I assessed the damage. He was in shock. Several really nasty gashes on his legs and ankles. But his upper body was totally unscathed. "Am I going to make it?" he asked. I breathed a sigh of relief- "yes you are going to be fine".
The crowd agreed that he should be seen right away. The doctor on duty had 2 other patients in the office while he talked with us. "And what seems to be the problem?" he asked.
"Errr....he was hit by a pick-up truck...." I answered in disbelief.
"That seems to be happening a lot recently" he said without lifting his eyes. "Take him to the theater for operation".
5 minutes later Moody was lying on the theater table as we watched a nurse start sowing his gaping wounds back together. No anesthesia. After half an hour, they announced that he would be fine and he was discharged.
I settled the bill as the others helped him to the vehicle.
Please keep Moody in your prayers. He's supposed to be going on his first missions trip next month with Roger and company. He is really excited and doesn't want to miss it for anything. He will be fine, but his legs have some pretty nasty road rash.
