Jose Briones – Cortez, Colorado … Norman Butler, a dedicated member of the Cortez Seventh-day Adventist Church, recently recounted his miraculous recovery. Having served as the head elder in his church, Butler’s life took a dramatic turn when he was struck by a full-sized van while crossing a highway on his ATV in 2024. Thrown 50 feet from the impact, Butler sustained severe injuries, including 16 broken ribs and a traumatic brain injury.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Butler considers his survival nothing short of a miracle. “It’s a miracle that I’m alive and I’m here,” he expressed, attributing his recovery to divine intervention and the power of prayer.
His family and church requested prayers via social media after his accident and the response showed how interconnected the Adventist community is. Butler was moved by the influx of prayers from hundreds of individuals during his critical moments, remarking on the profound reassurance he felt in knowing he was not alone in his journey.
Despite the severity of his injuries, one of the immediate comforts Butler found was in his unshaken memory, rare for someone who suffered such a traumatic brain injury. “There was no memory lost whatsoever,” he shared, emphasizing his gratitude for retaining his past memories.
This, along with the fact that he experienced little to no pain post-accident, reinforced his belief in divine providence. When medical professionals voiced surprise at his minimal pain levels, Butler confidently declined further pain medication, feeling no need for it.
As he navigated the challenges of physical therapy, Butler spoke of his profound gratitude for the support he received from his family, church community, and God Himself. “There was nothing I did. It was all in the good Lord that brought me through,” he stated. This unwavering faith and communal support demonstrate his story of resilience and recovery.
Norman Butler’s experience is a testament to the power of faith, community, and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity. His story, deeply rooted in gratitude and spiritual belief, continues to inspire those within and beyond his church community. Watch Norman’s story below.
—Jose Briones is lead pastor at the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church and is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.
