01/14/2026
Good morning Victory in Praise Ministries supporters. I want to reach out and thank all of you, my friends and family from Freedom Worship Center of Charlotte, North Carolina, Lakehaven Church in Eustis, Florida, supporters of Victory In Praise Ministries Inc. and so many others from the depths of my soul, who prayed for me, gave food and gave monetarily to me and my wife after I suffered an aortic dissection (tear) on November 18th of last year.
My doctors informed us that the my main artery to my heart was torn as well as two smaller arteries branching off of it. Because of the severity of the tears they didn't think I was going to make it. But Jesus! My doctors, along with most everyone who knows me, call me a walking miracle. I agree whole heartily. Trust me when I tell you, I was not here in the land of the living for a few days during this ordeal. Soon by video or other means I will share my testimony of seeing Jesus and other remarkable things with you.
My recovery has been miraculous as well. In just 8 weeks from my emergency open heart surgery, I am walking without assistance, cooking, showering, dressing myself, driving, light exercising and most everything else. I'm even playing the drums again at the church my wife and I serve. I've been told by my doctors and others that this sort of quick recovery is unheard of. That may be true, but all I know is that with God all things are possible.
Some things are different though. I joke and tell people that I am Iron Man due to my having every sort of stitches, metal wire and metal plates holding my rib cage together now. LOL. In addition to all that, I start working again this Friday the 16th. I'm happy my doctor has cleared me to work. My wife and I haven't had a pay check since November. We are so thankful and grateful to God. Because of my quick recovery, she was able to start back working last week. My wife was literally my live in nurse for about 6 weeks. She had to do everything for me for a while. I'm so thankful for her. She is an awesome woman.
Nevertheless, if it wasn't for your generosity we would be financially in dire straits. Since we weren't able to work for a while the funds we had are running low. If you would still like to help us get back on our feet you can give to my wife's Cash App at $NekebaSmith. No worries if you can't. You all have done so much for us. We are so grateful. We thank God for you all. You are awesome people.
P.S. We will be starting Wednesday night Bible Study again soon. Once we can get enough funds to pay for the facility we rent out, we will let you all know. In the mean time I will upload videos of our Bible Study to tie you over. God bless you.
