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You are here: Home / Causes / In an Instant

In an Instant

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September 11, 2012 by cindy 35 Comments

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Saturday was such a normal day. My boys were at Walt Disney World covering Night of Joy for Lightforceradio.com, Summer was at Universal Studios for Rock the Universe with her BFF, Ron was running sound for a candidate’s forum and I was home doing laundry, surfing Facebook and writing blog posts. A lot of the youth from church were posting on Facebook about how excited they were because they would be heading to Rock the Universe that afternoon.

Suddenly, my phone rang, it was my boss, my Pastor, he asked if I was in town and I said that I was. He said he needed me to go to the church and send out a phone message and an email blast, there was an accident on the way to Rock the Universe, several kids were injured at least 2 seriously, Garrett was one of the more seriously injured. He didn’t have any other details. He would be heading to Lakeland Regional Medical Center and he would keep me updated and I was to keep the congregation updated and get people praying.

Katelyn

I immediately reached out on my personal Facebook page, before heading to church to start the prayers coming. As I grabbed my purse and keys to head to church I called my kids at Disney World to get them praying, I called my husband, as I jumped in the car I started calling family members and as they answered I heard, “The kids already contacted us, we are praying call someone else!” I arrived at church and tried to calm my spirit so that I could record the message that needed to go out. My husband met me at church and prayed over me while I recorded the message that would alert our church family of the horrible accident. It was the most difficult thing I have had to do in a long time. In my message I told everyone to watch their email and the church Facebook page for updates, that Pastor would update me and I would update them as news came in.

My husband and I went home and prayed and cried and prayed as I started to receive messages from parents who were heading to the hospital to be with their kids. It was almost 5 hours later before I received a report from Pastor. Seven people were in the SUV, a tire blew and the SUV flipped into the median, 2 teens were ejected from the vehicle. All 7 were transported to one of 2 hospitals. Tiffany, Brandon and Aaron were treated for minor injuries and released. Alex had a concussion, Garrett had head injuries and a bruised lung. Katelyn has 6 fractured vertebrae, a broken ankle, a broken thumb, a bruised kidney and a bruised liver. Sierra is on life support with traumatic head injuries.

Sierra

Our church is in shock. Late Saturday night it is decided that Sunday morning’s service will be a prayer service. It was a surreal morning. TV news crews in the back of the church, community members who have never been in our church coming to pray for our kids and support our church. It was a beautiful service. My husband went out and got red roses and put them on stage, 4 on either side of the altar for the 4 with minor injuries, 1 on Garret’s microphone (he plays keyboard & sings on the worship team), 1 on Mark’s microphone (he is Katelyn’s dad and he lead’s worship and plays guitar) and 1 on Sierra’s microphone (she sings on the worship team). It was a beautiful and powerful visual throughout the service.

I am writing this post to ask you to pray.These kids, especially Sierra, Katelyn and Garrett are “my kids” they have grown up with my kids, they have been in classes I have taught, camps I have led. Their parents are my friends. Pray for Sierra-she needs a miracle. Pray for Katelyn-she is in a lot of pain. Pray for Garrett-he came home from the hospital yesterday but he is in pain. Pray for Alex-she is also home from the hospital but is in a lot of pain. Pray for all of the kids that were in the SUV their lives have been forever changed. Pray for the kids in the other vehicles in the caravan. They witnessed their friends being taken on stretchers, they saw Sierra being put into the helicopter-they are scared and hurting. Pray for the parents of all the kids involved, this is a very difficult time for them. Pray for Pastor Carter-he needs God’s strength and grace to minister to these kids and their families as well as the entire congregation. Please pray for our church Journey Assembly of God in Bradenton, FL, we are all hurting. For everyone associated with these kids, life changed in an instant.

If you would like to keep up to date on what is going on you can follow the JourneyFacebook Page. Sierra’s family has also set up a Facebook page Prayer for Sierra Johnson there is also information on that page as to how you can donate to her family. A friend of mine came up with the idea to sell wristbands that say “This Too Shall Pass” which is what is on the tattoo Sierra recently got. Unfortunately, we would need an initial $250 investment to order 600 bands that we could sell for $2.00 and raise $1200 for Sierra’s family and neither of us have that money to give at this time. We are also trying to use the #PrayerforSierra hashtag on Twitter to spread the need for prayer.

UPDATE: In the 2 hours since I wrote this post $500 was donated and we have ordered 1600 bracelets. Praise the Lord!! I will be setting up a page to sell the bracelets on and I will let you know where you can order yours.

UPDATE: Sierra drew many closer to Jesus in the last days of her life. She went home to be with her Savior 9/13/12.

Please share this post with everyone you know. God delights in the prayers of His people and we need those prayers right now.

 

Filed Under: Causes, Faith, Life Happens, News Tagged With: accident, journey assembly of God, prayer, prayer for sierra johnson, sierra johnson, youth group

About cindy

I'm Cindy aka TheMomMaven. I'm a happily married empty nester living in Tampa Bay. I love all things Disney and I blog about easy recipes, family travel, family entertainement as well as product reviews and giveaways.

Comments

  1. sandra foster says

    September 11, 2012 at 12:00 pm

    Praying, praying, praying. I can’t stop. won’t stop. They all need our prayers & support.

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 12, 2012 at 12:01 pm

      Thank you for your prayers!

      Reply
  2. Andrea says

    September 11, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    How terribly scary for everyone. I will keep these children, their families, you and your family, your church family in my heart in the coming days.

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 12, 2012 at 12:01 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  3. thedoseofreality says

    September 11, 2012 at 8:31 pm

    I have been following Sierra’s story since you first posted on Saturday. I am so sorry for everyone involved, and I will continue to say a prayer for her family. Thinking of everyone at your church.
    thedoseofreality recently posted..“The Voice” Is In My HeadMy Profile

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 12, 2012 at 12:02 pm

      Thank you for your prayers! We can feel them!

      Reply
  4. Lindsay says

    September 11, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    Woah! Reading this gave me chill bumps. I’m so sorry to hear that this has happened. Keep us updated.
    Lindsay recently posted..Macy Heart of Haiti Bracelet ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Nichole says

    September 11, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    I will be praying.

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 12, 2012 at 12:02 pm

      Thanks Nicole!

      Reply
  6. julieann r says

    September 12, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Many prayers for all of you, especially Sierra and her family. I have shared this on my Facebook page, Google+, and with my church. We’ll continue to pray for healing, both spiritually and physically, as well as the grace and strength to get through this.
    julieann r recently posted..Women of Faith: Cultivating Contentment Bible Study Giveaway – Ends 9/26My Profile

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 12, 2012 at 12:02 pm

      Thank you Julieann!

      Reply
  7. Kelli says

    September 12, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    OH my goodness. Sending a lot of prayers. How scary for everyone. Thanks for sharing with us.
    Kelli recently posted..GIVEAWAY: fusionbrands® PoachPodMy Profile

    Reply
  8. ConnieFoggles says

    September 12, 2012 at 5:25 pm

    Since I read your frantic Facebook posts I’ve been praying. Reading about how the event unfolded and about those involved has given me chills. I’ll continue praying and will share this post.
    ConnieFoggles recently posted..Attract More Customers With JoseargudolabsMy Profile

    Reply
  9. ConnieFoggles says

    September 12, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    Cindy, is there any way that I can PayPal some money to you? Email me please.
    ConnieFoggles recently posted..Attract More Customers With JoseargudolabsMy Profile

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 13, 2012 at 8:05 am

      Thanks Connie, email sent.

      Reply
  10. Juliana Pace says

    September 12, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    Thanks, Cindy! A job very well done and thanks for all you’ve done since that awful wreck! You are special but I think you know that’s how I feel! I just can’t imagine how all must feel that were even closer to all. We’ve just been around Journey for 7 years and it’s surely changed my life for the past 4+ days! Praying, praying, praying, sleepless nights, tears on and off! Last night I prayed for 2 hours in the middle of the night! I think if I stopped praying my heart would be even more broken! I surely miss being with you all, too! Staples finally came out yesterday so hoping to be back ASAP! Meanwhile still praying and ever on my heart and mind! XOXOXOXO Luv U!

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 13, 2012 at 8:03 am

      Juliana, Thank you for your love and support, my friend. BTW did you know the bracelets were Brian’s idea!

      Reply
  11. Tim Walker says

    September 12, 2012 at 11:34 pm

    I’ve been praying for Sierra since I first heard about this on Sunday. How do we order the bracelets?

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 13, 2012 at 8:03 am

      Tim, the page for the bracelets will be up once they arrive-hopefully on Friday at http://themommaven.com/sierra

      Reply
  12. Angie Grooms says

    September 12, 2012 at 11:36 pm

    Thank you for the story,heartbreaking.
    Praying for Sierra
    The others that were injured
    Prayers for all the familes and your church
    Lord have mercy
    Heal, restore, comfort,magnify their faith
    In Jesus I pray
    Amen

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 13, 2012 at 8:02 am

      Angie, Thanks for your prayers.

      Reply
  13. Steve Hansen says

    September 12, 2012 at 11:40 pm

    Hi, I am presently monitoring the FB page for Caleb Dehart, Sierra’s cousin. I have a number of people asking how they can purchase the bracelets. Can you email me with info so I can direct them to the proper place. steve@gwadesigns.com

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 13, 2012 at 8:01 am

      Thanks Steve, I sent you an email

      Reply
  14. Laura M says

    September 13, 2012 at 12:09 am

    I continue to pray for Sierra everyday ! However, I work in mental health and having been through a similar incident myself years ago, I strongly encourage any of the kids who witnessed this event, either in other vans, those who were hospitalized or even those who were close friends, to seek some type of counseling. There are numerous resources out there for Free as well as reduced cost counseling for Children in Manatee County. Manatee Glens, Hospice, Jewish Family Children’s Services.. ect. This was a very traumatic thing to see, and even more so is very traumatic for a child to process. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with these families.

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 13, 2012 at 8:01 am

      Thank you for caring!

      Reply
  15. poupousse65 says

    September 13, 2012 at 7:44 am

    lots of prayers going to this young lady and all the other kids and adults

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 13, 2012 at 8:00 am

      Thank you for praying!

      Reply
  16. Juliana Pace says

    September 13, 2012 at 11:17 am

    LOL…yes, Cindy, he told me (of course, you have boys). Thought it was a great idea and I’m working on seeing how many I can buy. I’d like to get several and come up with a letter to send to some prayer warriors and ask them to use the bracelets to remind them to keep praying! XOXOXO

    Reply
  17. Steven Whipple says

    September 13, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Please contact me so we can help! 941-545-7172
    Our prayers are with you.

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 13, 2012 at 1:32 pm

      Steven, Please email me cindy@themommaven.com and let me know who you’d like to help.

      Reply
  18. tia kohl says

    September 13, 2012 at 1:04 pm

    Thank you so much cindy. Please email me so I can get some. I’m alsi very close with the family. And would like to get some for them.

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 13, 2012 at 1:33 pm

      Tia, Thanks. The page should be up tomorrow, once the bracelets arrive.

      Reply
  19. Toni Webb says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:29 pm

    Cindy, I saw on the fb page that the event for the candle light service was removed. Does this mean that it has been canceled?

    Reply
    • cindy says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:46 pm

      Yes, Toni, the family chose to cancel the event. I’m sorry.

      Reply
  20. pammypam says

    September 26, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    omg what a horrific thing to have to deal with. i’m so glad you have your faith to comfort you.

    Reply

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This policy is valid from 02 April 2009. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact info@themommaven.com. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified. To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

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