If you want to see a miracle, just visit Pastor Richard Thompson.
Many who have met him would say that he is, indeed, a living miracle; a modern-day Lazarus given a second (and third) chance at life.
Within the last four years, he has survived major medical challenges that would have ended the ministry and life and of anyone who had lesser faith and strength.
“My faith went through quite a few fights,” said Thompson, senior pastor of Abundant Life World Outreach Ministries in Indianapolis.
After dedicating the time that was needed to win those fights, Thompson is now resuming active service as a pastor. He will celebrate his return to ministry during a special service this Sunday at 4 p.m. at True Victory Church of God in Christ, 1566 N. Columbia Ave.
It seems fitting that the service will take place on the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Thompson’s experiences have given him, his family and his ministerial colleagues a greater sense of what resurrection is about.
Thompson’s challenges began in May of 2007 when he suffered a stroke, which partially paralyzed his left side and temporarily limited the use of his speech and limbs. He made a full recovery and a triumphant return to ministry until October 2008, when he suffered what appeared to be a major heart attack.
Emergency surgery was performed to save Thompson’s life, and he was in a coma for nine days. Doctors discovered that Thompson’s problem was greater than a typical heart attack – he had a rupture in his aorta. He was passed from one surgeon to another, because the first was afraid to perform a risky operation to repair the aorta.
“He told me, quite literally, ‘I could kill you. I can’t do it,'” Thompson said, giving quiet reflection on his ordeal while sitting in the True Victory sanctuary with his wife, Renita.
Eventually, Methodist Hospital surgeon, Dr. John Fehrenbacher, agreed to perform the surgery, which took 12 hours.
“At that point I was clinically dead,” Thompson said. “They have to shut your body down, drain all of the blood and freeze your body so that you won’t bleed to death during the surgery.”
Renita remained by her husband’s side, encouraging him on a daily basis, even at times when he was in a coma and could only receive her words subconsciously.
“My husband is very strong and resilient,” she said. “We faced some dark days, but I would encourage him not to get down and remember that brighter days were ahead.”
During the surgery, Thompson received a new aortic valve and restoration of the aorta and three arteries.
“They gave me brand new parts,” said a smiling Thompson, showing he still has his sense of humor.
He survived the initial ordeal and was sent home to recover, but he had to take in his nutrients through a feeding tube for three months, and his weight dropped from 265 to 197 pounds. Thompson also suffered from other harmful complications such as pancreatitis, abnormal kidney function and an inflamed liver.
Once again, he returned to ministry, certain that his medical maladies were behind him. However, in January of 2009, Thompson was rushed to the hospital after experiencing what he thought was a severe attack from asthma, a condition he had dealt with since childhood. Doctors, however, discovered Thompson had congestive heart failure, which can lead to a build up of fluid in the lungs that causes drowning.
His physician, Dr. Michael Robinson of Indiana Heart Hospital, ordered him to take full rest. All of his ministry activities were suspended, and family members resumed stressful household responsibilities. Thompson had to also leave his full time job as a Greyhound bus driver, which greatly impacted the family’s financial stability.
He credits his belief in God as the source of his strength, along with support from fellow ministers in the COGIC community, and the loving assistance of his family, including Renita and their five grown children, two daughters and three sons ranging in age from 19 to 30.
Brandon, the youngest son and Abundant Life’s youth minister, showed particular dedication in helping his parents during the most difficult time of their lives.
“I don’t know what I would have done without him,” Thompson said. “There were times when he would cut my hair, or shave and feed me.”
“He gave up a lot as a teenager to help his dad get through this,” Renita added. “It’s amazing because many young people would not put their life on hold like that.”
Thompson’s medical problems were challenging enough, but the family also experienced hardship when he was denied Social Security benefits after going on disability. Brandon wrote letters about the situation to both President Barack Obama and Sen. Evan Bayh. Following a congressional inquiry and considerable attention from local television media, benefits were restored to Thompson.
Now, after taking over a year of rest, Thompson is happily returning to the church he established in 2004. Services will be held temporarily in the True Victory sanctuary.
Thompson encourages others facing medical setbacks to never give up.
“One thing I learned during the process of recovery is to give God praise for everything he provides,” the pastor stated as he held the hand of his wife. “Continue to give him praises despite the circumstances, and he will hear you.”
Another element of advice Richard and Renita Thompson were happy to share involved the “secret” to a happy, lasting marriage.
“You have to know when to keep your mouth shut,” Thompson said as Renita laughed. “You have to know when to get out of arguing and get into prayer.”
For more information, visit www.alworld.org.
