He walked side by side with John out the medical center's doors. His near-death experience appears to have only increased the potency of his perception. He had set about 25 to 30 professionals in that room to show them something so powerful that none of them would ever forget [it]. "Another miracle was this crew had just practiced cold water rescues the week before, so they were well prepared for this.". It is the studio's first feature film after the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney. Benes says that churches and the school have been doing their best to help the Smith family during this time. But like all young boys, we got bored. Tulsa Library Shooting: Two People Died, Others Injured At Convenience Store, Phoenix Bar Shooting, Several People Injured, How Did Elizabeth Santos Die? I love [Sarah Youngs] synopses of the scriptures and how she puts [them] together to speak over your life. . But for John Smith, what had begun as a fun day off from school with friends, Josh and his sister Jamie Rieger, and Josh Sander, quickly turned tragic. It stars Chrissy Metz, Josh Lucas, Topher Grace, Mike Colter, Marcel Ruiz, Sam Trammel, and Dennis Haysbert with a cameo by Phil Wickham and Lecrae. If I had not been part of Johns care from presentation to recovery, Im not sure I would have believed it myself.. Joyce says that John had spent the night at his friend's house and she had spoken to him by phone at 11:27 that morning. Are you looking for a way to keep track of your daily prayers along with Jesus Calling? Includes Address (11) Phone (6) Email (2) . He hears his mother's voice and opens his eyes, with full cognitive ability. On February 4, John walked out of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon bouncing a basketball. Never before had anyone come back after being pulseless for 30 minutes and their efforts were continuing at 46 minutes. His basketball coach, who had promised him a starting position, warns John that if he gets a failing grade, he will be benched. They get the second boy out of the water, who was 25 to 50 feet out with me. Do not fear your weakness, for it is the stage on which My Power and Glory perform most brilliantly. My plan for your life is unfolding before you. Her son, John, was only 14 at the time of the incident. . John Smith, who was born in Guatemala and was adopted by Joyce and Brian Smith when he was a child, was adopted by Joyce and Brian Smith when he was a child. After seven days, physicians removed Johns ventilator and moved him out of intensive care. He was under the water, were figuring, between fifteen and sixteen minutesI had no idea any of this was going on (until) (Joshs mom Cindy)called me. Finally, they told me I could go back to Johns roomI had no idea they were calling me back there because they were going to call time of death. Lived In Battle Creek MI, Winchester VA, Stephens City VA, Marshall MI. I frantic about getting in there. He said yes..He no sooner hung up because he walks and talks sometimes then he went out on the ice where it got really thin. And, well, now I know why. Like most 14-year-old boys, John Smith and his two pals are interested in sports. Box Office Preview", "Avengers: Endgame' Rests At $357M+ Opening Record; Eyes $33M+ Monday & Record $180M 2nd Frame; Weekend Biz Hits $401M+ High", "Oscar Nominations 2020: Elton John and Randy Newman Up for Best Original Song, Beyonc and Thom Yorke Shut Out", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Breakthrough_(2019_film)&oldid=1149546764, Chrissy Metz, for her role as Joyce Smith. I cant tell you how many times Ive picked up that book, and it speaks to me that day for what is going on in my life. Founded in 1979, Joyce Universitys mission is to prepare students to serve as competent professionals, to advance their careers, and to pursue lifelong learning. Within three days, John had recovered all his mental faculties something the entire medical community claimed couldnt happen. And its really hard to be that one person believing in something that literally is impossible. Could not be more proud and grateful for the incredible cast and crew", "Major Movie Shoot (And Luke Cage) In Winnipeg This Week", "Portage is Again Playing Host to Hollywood Cameras", "Lowest Easter Weekend At The B.O. Joyce Smith was born in Wichita, Kansas, and due to her father's job, she grew up all over the country. OAK CREEK -- A young man was brought back to life by the power of prayer -- and that act of love inspired a movie that touched people worldwide. On Sunday, June 23, he and his mother shared their testimony to the congregation at Oak Creek Assembly of God. John Smith was born in Guatemala. Stimulus Check Proposal Could Give Americans Monthly $1,200 Checks. Chrissy reflects on this blessing as she reads from the December 21st passage of Jesus Calling. She was crying as is to be expected. No sooner did John's mother call on the Holy Spirit to bring her son back to her than the monitor started that rhythmic beat, a pulse could be felt in his groin and his carotid artery. The very moment that I needed God, he was there instantly. All of these thingshe should not be alive. Ameritech College is now Joyce University! She told me to come to the lake, that they were working on him at the lake. It doesnt take Him by surprise. What you have longed for and worked for I present to you freely, as pure gift. And I believe in God. Joyce Smith. I always ask for God for signs. Jamie was watching from the shore - John called out to her to call 911 because "he didn't want to die.". They brought him to the US from Guatemala and showered him with love and affection. At 48 hours after the accident, Dr. Garrett performed a unique and high level neurological function exam tailored just for John. I think that everything comes into our lives for reasons that we dont even know necessarily. For many St. Louis-area children, January 19, 2015, was a day off from school in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Not only that, wed been doing a Bible study at our church with our womens group from. I have a pulse! She could not believe that after all that they had done, finally, when we prayed, God gave him back a pulse. Find Joyce Smith's phone number, address, and email on Spokeo, the leading people search directory for contact information and public records. Later, John and his friends Josh and Reiger go out onto a frozen lake, ignoring a neighbor's warning. They have two adult sons from previous marriages, but were not able have a child together. John: Me and two of my friends, we were on the same 8th grade basketball team. Joyce recalls the unlikely way her familys story found a path to a major motion picture. After examining John, Dr. Garrett called the family in. John and Josh Sander were about 150 feet from shore when suddenly John fell through the ice. Just to have this happen is mind boggling. "'Breakthrough' is about a community," said John Smith. , they were able to see Gods hand in the processincluding the producer and director of the film, DeVon Franklin and Roxann Dawson. Finally, the paramedics and the fire department got there and they were able to get (Johns friend) Josh out. When Tommy Shine got off the truck, he sprinted to the scene and into the water to come look for me. Were not going to stumble and fall because Hes going to be there with us when pestilence come against us. They did everything medically, scientifically that they could do. We have updated our Privacy Policy to provide you a better online experience. Thus, Noble remained with John and his parents, Joyce and Brian who adopted John as a baby from Guatemala continually praying, ministering, and speaking words of life over the teenager. I have always believed that Gods going to do what he says he does because Ive seen it all my life, says Joyce. Jason Noble (Grace), the family's new liberal pastor with whom Joyce has frequently clashed, visits the hospital and Joyce slowly warms to him. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Today we hear the miraculous true story of one mothers belief in the power of prayer that not only brought her son back to life, but continues to inspire people around the world in a, . So, I called John first to see if he wanted to go to our local rec-plex to practice basketball. "There is nothing in your life going on that God can't take of," said Joyce Smith. They were in New York City to promote The Impossible: The Miraculous Story of a Mothers Faith and a Childs Resurrection (FaithWords/Hachette Book Group), Joyces just-published book (written with co-writer Ginger Kolbara) recounting the amazing story. Hed just received the call no minister wants to get. within moments of praying, they got a pulse!". Here are some highlights from my conversation with Joyce. He was born January 27, 1949, in Demopolis, Alabama to James and Betty (Crenshaw) Smith. Salt Lake City, UT - September 23 2022 Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences, formerly known as Ameritech College, welcomes Dr. John Smith-Coppes as the university's new provost. Thank you Father that you gave Joyce Smith this miracle-her undying faith in You is an inspiration to us, who so want to live the life of Christ in us, the hope of Glory. I didnt set out to write a book. If you enjoyed this episode about this inspirational story set to film, Trusting the God of Miracles: the Real-Life Story Behind Breakthrough Movie, When she prayed, something so powerful rushed up my body, You dont know what youre talking about because my God has healed my son, check out our interview with Tim Tebow talking about his faith-based movie, we talk with philanthropist and author Melinda Gates. You know, sometimes I start to question and [say], Maybe this isnt right.. Because God had already assured me this was going to be okay.. The doctors couldnt believe he had that kind of thought. Shortly after I am flown to. The next day there were off from school for Martin Luther King Day which was a MondaySo, the day of (the accident)I was going to pick John up. Also known as Joyce Laverne Kimble, Joyce Laverne Gruner, Laverne Joyce Smith. After spending the night at a friends house, John called his mom to let her know that they would be going to the recreation center near his friends home to practice their jump shots before returning home. "Had no heartbeat. Ive heard that youre the best. Related To Delatha Smith, Mary Smith, Emily Smith, Kimberly Smith, Jack Smith. Includes Address (5) Phone (10) Email (10) See Results. They were about a minute from going from a rescue to a recovery. But my first go-to was God to pray. he says. If you enjoyed this episode about this inspirational story set to film, check out our interview with Tim Tebow talking about his faith-based movie Run the Race. Wayne was an avid horseman that loved the outdoors, especially a good campfire. Nikolas Dukic as Reiger, one of John's friends. A firefighter by the name of Tommy Shine was en route to come get me and to come to the scene. John answered questions about his favorite basketball players, Michael Jordan and LeBron James, by raising either his right or left hand. Joyce: My name is Joyce Smith, and I am the mother of the young man who drowned and the Lord so graciously brought back to life when I prayed. Thinking it is his chief, he tries again, and manages to lift John to the surface. They rushed me to a local hospital, St. Joseph West, where I lay lifeless. We call it a tapestry of miracles, just how God was weaving this all together. Fourteen-year-old John Smith had lost his battle for life. Really, he is brain dead. (Im off for a week. And she said, I dont know. John Sharp to Anne Hains. They were cold and they were gray. I asked Joyce to come into the room, so she could see her son, Dr. Sutterer said. May we only live to bring You Your Glory Lord as this movie Breakthrough, the Book Breakthrough and this podcast does, as it spreads like a fire to ignite the world to Your infinite Love for us! Dr. Smith-Coppes brings extensive experience in higher education and the healthcare industry to Joyce University. Are you looking for a way to keep track of your daily prayers along with Jesus Calling? 1995-2023 by The General Council of the Assemblies of God Just before I got on the telephone call, I had read a devotion on my cell phone that a friend of mine had written on Facebook, and it was talking about what we do in times of crisis. Read Also: Who Is Erin Darke? From a very young age, John's parents have focused on encouraging John to cultivate a love for the Lord. putting His spin on this. You learn that things like a messy room arent that important because it could be an empty room. and now, the paralysis is totally gone and they expect him to go home in less than a week!". He cant breathe on his own. Its a twist worthy of The Twilight Zone but its true. But my first go-to was God to pray. I knew that God would finish the job, Joyce said. However, the ice was thin, which contributed to the three younger lads sliding into the lake. Dr. Smith-Coppes holds a Doctorate of Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University; a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University; Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of San Diego; and graduate education from Harvard University. I love you.. and how the devotion has impacted her life personally. Melinda Gates: Its that faith in action, to me, that actually changes the world. Noble witnessed the entire hospital stay. It was kind of a pivotal game for them. [19], The film was released on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment which became the label of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on July 16, 2019. The three of us all fell in. California Privacy Rights| While somehow Johns friends were able to escape from under the ice, John remained underwater for fifteen minutes, and by the time he was pulled out by first responders, he didnt have a pulse. Twenty emergency personnel continued to perform CPR on John. "Within 16 days, John Smith walked out, fully healed. Shine and his crew went out on the ice and rescued Johns two friends, but couldnt locate John. We were just doing normal eighth grade boy things. Joyce Smith is grateful for the sacrifice her pastor made for her family. Travis Bryant as Jonah, one of Johns friends. And then finally Dr. Sutterer walked over to me and said, You can go and talk to John, which I thought was kind of strange because in my mind, John was not going to die. "It's about a family, a city coming together, and praying for me. I believe God can do what He says He can do. And I think that one of the reasons why Im in entertainment is to bring hope and inspiration, and stories like this, like Breakthrough, do that. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. In the note he states: I had exhausted all interventions in my scientific armamentarium without even a hint of success. When he arrived at Cardinal Glennon Childrens Medical Center in St Louis around 4:30 p.m., the waiting room outside the pediatric ICU was bursting with church members, family, friends, and Johns classmates. His brother came to get me and told me that John was awake and could move his arms, Hoff said. The moment Jason told me what he felt God calling him to, I felt God speak to my spirit that He was walking us all through this, says Paula, Nobles wife of 22 years. So John and his friend tried to help each other get out. Im thinking, I have no idea how to get ahold of him. Ultimately, the story spoke to us throughout, even once we shot it and into editing, as we began to distill the story down to this two-hour format. Noble wrote the afterword for the book, in which he shares further insights about the experience. Check BackgroundGet Contact InfoThis Is Me - Edit Reputation & Background View All Ali Skovbye as Emma, one of John's friends. In those moments, you think about your family. And I think that one of the reasons why Im in entertainment is to bring hope and inspiration, and stories like this, like, Hi, Im Chrissy Metz. Its just amazing that God would trust you with such a miracle but also to be able to share it with the world. It was a familiar scene for responder Tommy Shine from Wentzville Fire District: We were just practicing cold water rescue a week ago, he said. Roxann: Ultimately, the story spoke to us throughout, even once we shot it and into editing, as we began to distill the story down to this two-hour format. Photo credit: Matt B, Flickr. "He is our hope, and He can do anything. Sometimes the road you are traveling seems blocked, or it opens up so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back. When he arrived, John had irregular gasping-type breathing, but even the most basic brainstem functions continued to be absent, Dr. Garrett said. I thought to myself, You dont know what youre talking about because my God has healed my son. "Instead, Joyce Smith stood strong in her faith. Its been incredible to watch this story play out and see Gods hand at work.. [20][bettersourceneeded], Breakthrough grossed $40.7 million in the United States and Canada, and $9.7 million in other territories (including $5.9 million in Brazil),[21] for a worldwide total of $50.4 million. We continued to pray Gods promises from Scripture, and to remind ourselves that God is the Great Physician and can do all things, Noble says. I dont want to die. And its just amazing to sit back and look at that when youre in those circumstances and theyre telling you that, This is not possible, yet Gods saying, Im the final word on this, and it is possible.. ", "I didn't realize at the time they were getting ready to call the time of death," says Joyce. Rt. I had drowned and was underwater for 15 minutes. John Smith. "He gave a strong salvation message," Benes says, "and about 100 children made salvation decisions or rededicated their lives to Christ. Now, two years later, Joyce Smith has written their story in The Impossible: The Miraculous Story of a Mothers Faith and Her Childs Resurrection. Joyce Ayala Smith, 76. Nancy Benes, principal at Living Word Christian Middle School, says that following John's miraculous survival, an evangelist spoke at their Thursday-morning chapel. . Each day begins with a guided reflection, followed by a space for you to fill in your prayers of thanksgiving and special requests. How far do you want us to go? We prayed for complete healing, Noble says. He was in catastrophic organ failure. [11] The film garnered a nomination at the 92nd Academy Awards for Best Original Song.[12]. Born in Savannah, GA, the daughter of the late John Milton Manly and the late Irene Bell Manly, Mrs. Smith retired as office manager with the office of Dr. Floyd Griffin, M.D. Joyce, who had been adamant about saving John's life at all costs, suggests stopping treatment and bringing him out of the coma, stating that she is ready for whatever fate brings. I was preparing myself to give a mother the final bad news that her son was gone from this world. And I think when people get it and they receive it, it really is emotional because we spend so much of life feeling that we dont. He didnt look good, Noble remembers. And John himself has seen God work in others' lives. He texted an atheist friend of the family who lives in Germany about the miracles he experienced in his life. I just finished producing the movie Miracles From Heaven. Joyce Smith in South Carolina. "Every day John made huge improvements," Noble said. Be thankful for it. "I decided to go up and pray for him," said Joyce Smith. . We were meeting one of the boys moms, and were going to exchange kids. And if well just trust Him, Hes there to take care of everything that we need. A week after that, John went home. And let me put it into words on how great we were: we were probably the worst eighth grade team in the state of Missouri. Im still submerged. When I got there, they let me sit for a couple minutes. By now, I have been underwater. I have that assurance, and thats whats going on in my head. Our screenwriter, Grant Nieporte, he did a brilliant job on not only writing the script, but he did a lot of research with the family, with the real Tommy Shine. I knew He would take care of my familys needs while Jason was taking care of what God needed him to do.. The Jesus Calling family prayer calendar goes right along with your daily readings from Jesus Calling. John Smith. She and Brian meet with Garrett, who tells them that the drugs they have been administering are becoming toxic to John's system and may be doing more harm than good. [18], Metz performed "I'm Standing With You" from the film's soundtrack at the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards alongside Carrie Underwood, Lauren Alaina, Maddie & Tae and Mickey Guyton. He is now 19 years old and since the movie "Breakthrough" was released in April 2019, several things have changed for John. That really caught his attention, so he started talking about it at his church service, and then on these TV programs. It really did keep telling us where it needed to be and how it could reach people. "We had to fight for our lives," said John Smith. When Joyce Smiths 14-year-old adopted son John fell through an icy lake in Missouri one winter morning three years ago, if could have been a tragic ending to a life cut short. It was another reason John shouldn't be alive - but he was! I am the boy that was underwater for 15 minutes and was without a pulse for over an hour. What became of John Smith and his family after his recovery? Johns mother Joyce was summoned to the hospital, and when she saw her sons lifeless body on the hospital bed, she turned to God for a miracle. I also don't know that John Smith will ever be the same as he was before he fell through the ice. From that first night in the hospital, Noble sensed God telling him he needed to stick close to the family. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. And I believe in God. I mean, this is what I have been doing for three weeks on a daily basis with my homework. Although being rescued, he is in a coma, and his family must rely on their faith to get through the ordeal. I remembered in church all my life hearing this scripture that says, The holy spirit will raise Christ Jesus from the dead, she tells PEOPLE exclusively in this weeks issue. This page was last edited on 12 April 2023, at 22:21. Narrator: As the cast and crew set to the task of creating the Breakthrough film, they were able to see Gods hand in the processincluding the producer and director of the film, DeVon Franklin and Roxann Dawson. Glory be to HIM, I loved and enjoyed watching this movie so very much watched it on my birthday April 26 , with my youngest daughter who cried thru the whole movie I held back tears of joy because we serve a mighty God who never stops working miracles in our lives this movie was so powerful and real . They just pulled John out and he doesnt have a heartbeat. It was like getting hit in the face by a two-by-four. Joyce recalls the unlikely way her familys story found a path to a major motion picture. After performing CPR on John for 27 minutes, and John having been lifeless for about 45 minutes, Sutterer called John's mother into the room, ready to record the time of death. Really, he is brain dead. Includes Address (9) Phone (5) Email (6) See Results. And so when I got a telephone call, I was expecting it, but not what she was going to be saying to me. "And now it's awesome to see the ripple effect of God's miraculous work in John's life," Noble says. "John Smith was underwater for 15 minutes. The family involved is sharing their story of a modern-day resurrection.Fun times quickly turned to panic, and the harrowing ordeal was documented in the movie "Breakthrough. I would recommend it so very much it will really impact everyones life. Proceedings of the . So we decided to go over to one of the boys house. The resident calls the police, and all three boys fall through the ice. Not only did her son survive the night but he continued to improve daily and defy the odds against him. They all rejoiced when John survived the first 24 hours. ER doctor Kent Sutterer was preparing to tell. On a cold winter's day in Missouri, John Smith was a 14-year-old boy playing on a frozen lake with two of his best friends. A few days later he is discharged from the hospital, returning home and then back to school. Includes Address (18) Phone (4) Email (4) See Results. The 14-year-old showed signs of bodily organ failure, and his lack of neurological function indicated the possibility of a long-term coma, according to the doctors. By all accounts he had been under water for nearly 15 minutes. Cameron Everett Brand Suspect of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi House Party Shooting, Who Is Erin Darke? I guarantee you some 4th grade teams probably could beat us pretty bad. You feel awed by the ease with which I operate in the world, and you glimpse My Power and My Glory. Heres the latest from the crossroads of faith, media and culture (Holy Week edition): Just in time for Easter: Breakthrough, the miraculous true-life story of a modern-day resurrection, arrives in theaters Wednesday, April 17. . They rushed me to shore, they intubate me, they do CPR, they do everything the right way on the dock. released Nov. 7. They almost ended up being victims also. Melinda is chairwoman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. They finally let me back to where John was. Related To Delores Smith, George Smith, Saundra Smith, Phalett Smith, Annie Smith. At this point, I had drowned and was underwater for 15 minutes. Dr. Smith-Coppes brings extensive experience in higher education and the healthcare industry to Joyce University. I mean, that was my mindset. He was moments from being pronounced dead when his mother, Joyce Smith, walked into the emergency room and began calling out to God. She called on God and God brought him back. From the prayers of parents, friends and classmates to the hundreds who gathered to pray for John at church and the waiting room, it was all about God answering prayer. Robert Wayne Smith, 74, of Oakland passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Oakland. He had been submerged for 15 minutes and EMTs had transported his lifeless body to nearby St. Joseph Hospital West where CPR was being performed. It just takes everything out of you. Noble adds that this appears to be the third time God has stepped in to give John new life. There was flat line. His eyes were open and I asked him if he knew who was in the room. His parents were desperate. Instead, it was the beginning of a miracle he, his mother Joyce and their pastor Jason Noble of First Assembly Church in St. Peters, MO grippingly shared with me earlier this week. An explanation of the cause of death of the former mayor of EL Cerrito, California, Gut-wrenching: Rep. Quentin Williams, a rising political star, killed in wrong-way accident. John Smith was dead. And by the time he was pulled out by first responders, he didnt have a pulse. Find Me in the midst of the maelstrom. Deploying quickly, they rescued Rieger, and learned that John was somewhere underneath the ice. . Living by faith, rather than sight, enables you to see My Glory. The fact that his story was quickly adapted into a film both intrigued and surprised him. Yes, I was upset. Because hes not going to live through the night. They had held off calling Time of Death until I got there, which is unusual because usually they want to do that before the family gets there. My name is John Smith. Theres always hope.. . Garrett agrees. Joyce and John Smith join Pastor David Crank to share their true story behind the Hollywood film, Breakthrough and how God can do the impossible in our lives. He says to the young man, Wait till you hear their story. They had their guns. Privacy Policy| Theyre are promises, and thats what we stand by. The other (friend) came over and tried to rescue them and help but all three ended up in (the water). And so when I got the telephone call, I was upset. I had the most awesome peace when she came and started praying with me. And so to hear those things, it really hit me hard. [19], acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney, "Catching Up With Roxann Dawson On Her Feature-Film Directing Debut, 'Breakthrough'work=BlackFilm", "Stephen Curry to Executive Produce Faith-Based Drama 'Breakthrough' (Exclusive)", "Why religious movies like 'Breakthrough' are attracting non-believers", "Missouri Teen Submerged in Icy Lake for 15 Minutes Makes 'Miracle' Recovery", "Box Office Preview: Disney-Fox Era Begins With 'Breakthrough', "The Curse of La Llorona is a Crying Shame", "Faith-Based Movie BREAKTHROUGH Nominated For Oscar For Achievement In Original Song", "Fox & DeVon Franklin Set Miracle Tale 'The Impossible', "I am heading home after 4 months in Winnipeg shooting my first feature.