Dec. 9: The Rescuers

Forty-six-year-old Roger Andersen lost control of his car due to weather conditions on a winding road in Logan, Utah, in December 2011.  The car slid into an icy river, flipped over, and became submerged.  Though he could get out of the vehicle, his two children and their friend were trapped inside.  Passersby who saw what happened stopped immediately and jumped into the freezing water to help.  “Within seconds,” Andersen told the Associated Press, “there were eight men in the river.”

They got the kids—two of whom were not breathing—out of the car and took them up the river bank where people performed CPR.  The children were revived, taken to the hospital, and are now fully recovered.

Andersen was both amazed at the bravery of these strangers.  He says, “Without hesitation, they just did what they had to do…And that made all the difference…I need to do more so I can be at the level where I can step in and help people.”

Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees.  Say to those who are of a fearful heart…Here is your God.  (Isaiah 35:3-4)

Give me courage and wisdom when I need it most, Lord.