On January 14, 1999, Dr. Mary Neal, a successful orthopedic spine surgeon, faced a life-altering moment on the Fuy River in the Los Rios region of southern Chile. While kayaking, Mary was caught in a waterfall's powerful grip, her kayak pinned below, submerging her underwater for nearly 30 minutes.
Doctor's Near Death Experience
As she struggled, Mary made a pivotal choice, "Even in that situation I, and every person, has the choice to turn toward God or away. I turned toward, and asked that God's will be done." In what seemed like the end, she felt a profound sensation of being held and comforted, reassured that everything would be fine, whether she lived or died.
Mary described the experience vividly, "As my body broke free from my boat, I felt my spirit break free from my body and I rose up and out of the river." During this near-death experience, she felt more alive than ever, a profound consciousness of God's presence and love enveloping her.
From Skeptic to Believer
Before this event, Mary was a "culturally Christian" individual, attending church without deeply integrating faith into her daily life. Her pragmatic, analytical nature led her to question her experience, "I tried to come up with a medical scientific explanation for what I'd experienced... I was trying to disprove my own experiences." However, the accident transformed her priorities, deepening her faith and trust in God. She returned to life with a new mission: to share her story, helping others trust that God keeps His promises.
Divine Intervention and Healing
Mary's story of divine intervention didn't end with her rescue. Two Chilean men appeared, helping transport her to safety—a moment she sees as God providing aid. Her recovery defied medical odds, with multiple leg fractures, advanced pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome reminding her of God's miraculous intervention.
Life Transformed by Faith
Today, Mary's life is marked by gratitude and joy. Her faith journey now prioritizes family and relationships, with a continual focus on living a meaningful life. "A little part of my brain is continually asking, 'Am I doing in this moment what you, God, would have me be doing?'" she reflects, illustrating her ongoing commitment to following God's path.
