Like Christopher Reeves of The Superman, Art Sanborn became a quadriplegic after a spinal injury while swimming in the ocean on a mission in Hawaii 0n December 13, 1998. Medical help was given but the renowned neurosurgeon who operated on him told him that he may never walk again as his C3 and C4 vertebrae were broken. He shared that he fought against negative thoughts that constantly attacked him but the prayers of his loved ones and the church helped him overcome the impossible. Slowly but surely the power of prayer proved the medical prognosis wrong when he stood in front of the neurosurgeon ; though feebly.
Months later, after the relentless support of prayers from loved ones and his daughter who is a medical doctor, he finally gained confidence and strength. He walked again !
His sharing brought evoked much thoughts. Though a faithful servant in the Lord, he is not spared of incidents that could endanger him. However, the greater truth is that God chooses to work a miracle in him for the world to see. He is " handpicked " for a special purpose . Sanborn in his journey to overcome his condition prayed :
- that God gives him daily grace or
- that God heals him
God chose to honour and use him to give hope to others who may be in the same condition. He is a walking miracle and is a joy to hear his testimony. I remember a friend's child again and I pray too for a living miracle. Art Sanborn hopes that the medical team will not give up on the boy and continue to administer ample support and help.
Every inch a family man, he has raised 3 wonderful children together with his dear wife, Ellen. All the siblings love the Lord and serve the church and mission work in different capacities. It's a joy to see how the faithful family put aside a number of months in a year just to do mission work in all parts of the world including Thailand. Art speaks fluently in Thai and has lived there for 7 years and loves Penang dearly during his 3 year stint there.
Very Asian in many ways, his grandchildren are oriental in looks as his daughter is married to a Korean and he laughs when he remembers his daughter saying: "I am an American brought up in Asia and am married to an Asian brought up in America!" Nobody indeed can thwart the plans of God.
He loves roti canai, drinks curry, and eats more chillie than me. It is a delight to see him savouring with ease Asian meals and today his hainanese chicken rice was virtually consumed with 2 servings of chillie paste poured all over his rice. Oh, he loves char koay teow and eagerly ate nasi lemak with joy for breakfast before his sermon in church yesterday.
It was a pleasure to have him as a guest over the weekend as he is unassuming and very easy to be with. He asked me a pertinent question over lunch today before leaving for the airport : "How come so many young men are wearing earrings? I don't agree..." He is so Asian in thoughts and gestures.
Greater things are to be seen through his life and ministry.
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