I am a life-long Lutheran: baptized as an infant and confirmed as a teen. But as an adult I rarely attended worship… usually just Christmas and Easter or when I had something to do like serve as an usher. Then In June of 1998 my spiritual life changed dramatically. It rose to an all-time high. I gave up alcohol and began to worship regularly with my family at Holy Cross. I don’t really understand how or why this happened… but I wanted Jesus more than ever in my life.

In October of 1998 I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I had surgery and the doctors said everything went well. The day after surgery they were getting me up to walk when I said, "I feel ill." I laid back on the bed while the nurse called a code blue. The next thing I heard was Dr. Weaver saying, "Thomas, wake up!" 

I laid at Carolinas Medical Center unconscious for several weeks. My family tells me that I nearly died twice and had to have another surgery which the doctors did not think I would survive. After I was finally awake my wife, Linda, asked if I had an out of body experience. I said, "What's that?" She asked, "Did anything unusual happen while you were unconscious?"  And I said, "I saw Jesus!"

When she asked about it, I told her that it was very dark and foggy. I was on a stretcher. Linda was holding my hand and there was a high wall of rocks behind her. She said, "I'll be with you." Then the stretcher started moving. I don't know who was pushing it. I saw this bright, round light coming closer. It got brighter and brighter. I came out in a valley. I had no IV's and no pain. The light was very bright and calming. As I was laying there angels came over the hills. There were so many… a multitude is too small a word. Then they parted in the middle and Jesus came through. He stood just in front of my stretcher. He had on a robe that went down to his feet. It was a light tan color. He had shoulder length hair and a thin face with a beard. Jesus had such a kind look.  It was such a peaceful look. He raised his hand and said, "Tell everyone I'm here and not to be afraid." I raised my hand. He didn't turn away. He backed up and the angels left. Then I heard Dr. Weaver say, Thomas, wake up!" and I was on my way to CMC.

By the grace of God I fooled all the doctors and got well! Since then I sing in the Contemporary Ensemble and I go to Sunday school too. I look forward so much to every Sunday. My friend Eve Miller sponsored me for Via de Cristo retreat. I didn't feel good enough to attend when Linda first went, but she came back and convinced me that I could do it. That was the greatest spiritual blessing I have ever had! I'm so thankful for the blessings that God has given me. Now I can face anything that happens in life with joy and peace… because I know for certain that Jesus is with me. I am trying to do what He asked me and tell everyone I know not to worry because Jesus is real!

Your brother in Christ,

Tom Townsend  

After a long battle with lung cancer, Tom Townsend went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 26, 2005. Tom often questioned what God's purpose might have for sending him back after his near death experience only to have to go through a new battle with cancer.  When Pastor Duncan told him that his faith story had been published on the World Wide Web and that it was available for anyone to read, he replied, "Now I know." Tom died the next day, at peace knowing that he had fulfilled Jesus' request that he "tell everyone I'm here and not to be afraid."