In your book: "Conversations with the Voiceless" you maintain that those in a seemingly 'lifeless' state really can understand, and are aware of their surroundings, much more than most of us may think. Can you share a few examples of people you have ministered to in this condition and their responses? A young man we’ll call Rob was in a low level coma (meaning no response to outward stimuli). I would sing, read scriptures and share with him about Jesus and salvation. Though he showed no outward response to me, I would still share and pray with him. Then one day, several weeks later, he emerged from his coma and could communicate by answering yes or no questions nodding his head. He confirmed to me that he not only could hear everything that I was saying but had prayed to receive Christ when I prayed with him. He went on to confirm that he felt comforted by God through the Holy Spirit. He especially liked hearing the music. He soon began to mouth the words of the songs.

Another story is a man named Raphael. His head injury was a result of falling off a roof. He had severed his brain stem which supplies all the info to the brain. Doctors told me I was wasting my time with him because he could not hear or understand anything I was saying or singing. I continued to minister to him anyway. As long as someone has a spirit, I believe God can minister to them by His Spirit. One day as I was singing to Raphael I looked down and noticed his foot tapping to the exact beat of the music. Curious to know if he could really hear, I decided to change the tempo of the songs I was playing. As I changed tempos his foot changed tempos. Not bad for a person they say can’t hear or understand. (I’ve played in bands with musicians that couldn’t keep as good a beat.) What I didn’t realize was that the doctor who told me that Raphael couldn’t hear or understand anything was standing right behind me the whole time and was watching what was going on. He just looked at me and shaking his head in astonishment turned and walked out of the room.

What are some of the most effective ways you have found to help stimulate and rehabilitate a brain-damaged person? Music is a great tool to stimulate those with head injuries. It speaks to the soul and spirit of a person. It is amazing to see the calming effect that music has over someone with head injury. Many times you can see a change in their countenance; a peace if you will. Their bodies begin to relax. Other times you’ll see a tear flow down their cheek. Reading scriptures can also bring much comfort. I have had testimonies of those who came out of comas remembering only those visitors that read scriptures to them. I try to always encourage people whether they can sing or not to just go and visit with the comatose or head injured. One man testified how much he looked forward to his friend coming every week and just reading him the newspaper.

The information you've gained through your work with brain-injury patients is even more pertinent today in light of the Terri Schiavo case, unfolding as we speak...what are your thoughts on this disabled woman's plight, and have you been in contact with the Schindler family? My heart is very heavy concerning Terri Schiavo. I just heard this morning that the federal judge has denied reinserting Terri’s feeding tube. This means that in a very short time Terri will die a slow horrible death from dehydration and starvation. Despite what you may hear about this so called “painless death,” I have witnessed, first hand, someone dying while being denied food and water. Their eyes speak volumes. As they begin to dry up from lack of hydration, it’s as if they’re begging me to give them something to drink. Terri Schiavo is very much alive and understands what is going on around her. Though she has severe brain damage she still radiates life from her very being. She brings great joy to her family and friends and they bring life and joy to her. To deny Terri and her family this gift of life is abominable.

I have not spoken directly to the Schindler family, but have corresponded through friends and have made my services available to them. They have received a copy of my book and were very appreciative of my offer to minister to Terri. However, they didn’t want me coming all the way to Florida unless they could be sure to get me into see Terri. But Michael Schiavo, Terri’s husband, will not allow outside visitors. I am still praying for that opportunity.

What would you tell a judge if you were able to testify concerning Terri Schiavo? Just because a person is disabled does not mean that they cannot be happy or have quality of life or for that matter give life to others. As I watch the interaction with Terri and her family I am so moved by the compassion and love that they have for one another. She not only receives love and life from her family, but gives life, love and joy in return. What an opportunity for us to learn more about the human spirit and the power of love. And what it really means to be “alive.” There are people in this world fully functional physically that do not experience this kind of love and relationship. They would probably give their right arm for it. And all we have to do for Terri and her family is give her food and water.

I remember all to well the many days I spent at the bedside of my four year old son who was receiving chemotherapy. As I held his vomit dish for him, I remember how hard it was to watch him suffer and struggle. I dreaded the next rounds of chemo for this very reason. It was hard. Life can be hard. But as hard as it was I would still rather be holding that dish than to now be living my life without him. Who can understand this kind of bond that allows us to love beyond what we ever thought possible? Certainly those who have experienced this level of suffering understand. Perhaps that’s who we should be asking.

Secondly, to starve an enemy or a criminal to death would be considered cruel and evil punishment. Terri has not broken any laws. She has family that enjoys her for who she is, not what she can do. She is a human being not a human doing.

Please allow her to live life and give life!

John says that through the Precious Oil ministry, he and his wife desire to be God’s “extended hands of love to these severely afflicted people- to share with them the life-giving salvation and the love and comfort we have experienced through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.” There are many other inspiring stories of communication and interaction with those in comas in his book which can be purchased through the link below.

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