Gilbert with his wife, six
months after the accident.
One year after Gilbert Hovsepian's horrific motorcycle accident, we are pleased to report that he has almost completely recovered. On December 27th, 2014, Gilbert was riding his bike at low speed along a winding canyon road. While making a turn, his front tire slipped on the dirt and he lost control of the vehicle, falling against the mountainside. A helicopter ambulance arrived at the scene within 20 minutes, airlifting Gilbert who sustained multiple injuries: an arm broken in two places; two broken ribs, causing the puncture of his left lung; neck fractures in numerous areas; two broken vertebrae; in addition to a severe head injury.
Thankfully, Gilbert's back and collarbone have fully healed and no longer cause him any pain. His ribs are also healed, and the damaged eye (which doctors thought had permanently lost sight) is functioning normally again. With regards to his brain injuries, the doctors are astounded. "They still don't know why I am okay," Gilbert says. "But I do: God's grace." In fact, Gilbert's healing has been so amazing that the hospital where he was treated started a special case study based on his recovery. And although he still struggles with nerve damage in one of his hands, causing his fingers to be unresponsive, it is Gilbert's hope that he will one day be able to play the piano again.
Hovsepian Ministries, founded by Gilbert's family, is a long-standing ministry partner of VOM Canada. The purpose of their ministry is to help encourage and mobilize Iranian Christians around the world. The family was greatly inspired by the life of their beloved Haik Hovsepian, a devoted husband and father who was tragically martyred in Iran during 1994 due to his bold stand for the Gospel. Even after many years, the family still feels Haik's absence every day. For them, the forgiveness of those who took his life is a daily journey. Yet, at the same time, they know where he is and are greatly comforted by the assurance that they will meet him again soon. To view a music video VOMC has co-produced with Hovsepian Ministries, click here.
Please join us in praying for Gilbert's continued healing. May the Lord bring full restoration to the last remnants of his injury as he recovers from the accident...making him physically whole again, just as he has been made whole spiritually. While in prayer, we can rejoice with thanksgiving for the miraculous healing that has already taken place in Gilbert's life thus far. We can also thank the Lord for the wonderful ministry that the Hovsepian family has so faithfully provided -- even throughout the duration of Gilbert's recovery -- by relentlessly witnessing and supporting our suffering friends in Iran. May the Lord greatly bless the family's ministry initiatives by miraculously changing the hearts of many more Iranians who are in need of our Risen Saviour, Healer, Deliverer, Comforter, Redeemer...the one who is considered by those 'tried and true' as the "Most Cherished of All."
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