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By Male Marvin & News Agencies
A Christian Pastor in Nevada, a state in the western region of the United States, who was stabbed 21 times with a six-inch butcher knife, is now sharing his testimony saying he is alive today because of God.
Russ Smethers, 54, associate pastor at Abundant Peace Church in Las Vegas, told the Associated Press that he was inside his home when an assailant stabbed him with the knife 21 times on March 8. He sustained injuries to his head, neck, face, arms, and chest.
After five days of intensive care and multiple surgeries at Las Vegas’ University Medical Center, Smethers is well on the road to recovery
Speaking to CBN News, the Pastor said that he forgave the suspect right after the frightening encounter and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
“I forgave him that night when I was laying in the trauma center. People need to do that,” he told the Christian media outlet. “You can’t have that hold you back from moving forward in life … that negative approach. That spreads like a virus. It goes into your life. You’re never going to forget but you must forgive.”
The Pastor said his life has changed since the incident, but for the better.
“God didn’t do this to me, He gave us free will. It means that that gentleman had the free will to stab me,” Smethers explained. “God kept me alive and He made me a better person from it.”
He expressed gratitude for the life-saving treatment rendered by the first responders and medical staff at the University Medical Center. This was during a recognition ceremony on July 13.
The assailant had been on methamphetamine and was recently sentenced for the crime, Smethers said, without sharing details.
“We get complacent sometimes, especially with COVID,” he told CBN News. “We tend to forget about medical professionals and what they’re sacrificing to help others. These professionals showed compassion, empathy, were there with me and prayed with me. Sometimes little reminders are needed. There are good people out there that are sacrificing a lot.”
Smethers stated that he knew God was protecting him during the most critical moments.
“God spoke to me and said, ‘You’re going through some stuff right now, but you’re not going to die tonight.’ It helped me, but God got me through it. It was all God. He put that extra skill in the doctors and nurses,” he said.
Smethers said he is seeing a psychologist to help him cope with the ordeal.
He told CBN News that he plans to create a group for anyone who has been through a traumatic experience, where they can freely discuss their circumstance in a safe environment.
Additionally, he is hopeful that the man who attacked him will get the psychological care he needs in prison.
“Now he’s in a controlled environment and that’s what he needs. It’s safer for him,” Smethers concluded.
