In September 1998, I was shot in the
head, between my eyes, and left for dead on the side of the street
in Arizona. However, I survived. I was left with some brain damage,
a seizure disorder, and no vision. Because of that accident, I was
blind.
About eight months later, I resided in an assisted living center
and, another six months after that, moved into my first apartment
with some people from the care center. I felt it was critical that I
live in a place of my own. Thus, for a few years, I lived in various
apartments by myself.
In 2005 I was brought to Alaska by the family of the man who is now
my best friend, Chad. Chad is also a neighbor and the assistant
pastor of my church. And it was with Chad that my miracle occurred.
On June 26, 2009, I attended a family church camp just outside of
Sterling. While attending the evening service in the tabernacle,
several of us went up front to a platform-altar area. We were
praising, praying and singing with all our might.
Suddenly, my legs could no longer hold me upright and I fell to my
knees. I was shaking rather violently. I also felt as if there was
something in my eyes, so I reached up to remove my sunglasses. I was
both rubbing and blinking my eyes when it seemed as though I could
see some vertically-shaped objects moving in front of me and all
around me. I grabbed the pair closest to me and realized they were
legs. Using them as support, I pulled myself upright and began
shouting, begging the face in front of me to speak.
“A. J., it’s me” said a familiar voice from the strange face.
“Chad! I can see you!” I screamed.
Somehow, in spite of my jumping up and down and yelling in
excitement with each breath, I discovered that I could see the
bodies, faces and objects of all sizes and shapes that surrounded
me. To this day, I can’t imagine any words that even come close to
expressing the awesome feelings of this experience!
To date, I can still see! Yes, I can see everyone and everything
around me, both near and well beyond my reach! An appointment with
my ophthalmologist confirmed that although I have no light in my
right eye, the vision in my left eye is 20/20, as if brand new!
Granted, no one really knows what is in store for me and my eyes
next, but for now I can see. And, if you ask me if I believe in
miracles today, I will tell you that though I was blind for over 10
years, I can now see. Yes, without reservation, I do believe in
miracles!
A. J. Chevalier is 57
years old, lives in Wasilla and attends the Apostolic Worship
Center. Contact him at home 631-0913 or cell 715-4633. The church
phone is 357-4818.
