A Brutal Attack in Florida
On December 20, 1974, ten-year-old Chris Carrier's life took a harrowing turn in Coral Gables, Florida. As he walked home from school, a stranger named David McAllister lured him into an RV under the guise of needing help with party decorations. What followed was a brutal and nearly fatal attack. McAllister drove Chris to a secluded area, stabbed him with an ice pick, and shot him in the head, leaving him in the Florida Everglades to die. Miraculously, Chris survived, found by a hunter six days later, but the ordeal left him blind in one eye and living in fear.
Faith Replaces Fear
Despite these challenges, Chris's life took a transformative turn at age 13 when he fully committed his life to Jesus. This faith provided him with newfound strength. Chris described this period, saying, "That's when my security issue was settled. If Jesus is my Lord, what do I have to fear?" This trust in God helped him overcome the bitterness he harbored.
Forgiving His Attacker
Twenty-two years after the attack, in a remarkable twist of fate, David McAllister, now elderly and blind, confessed to the crime from his nursing home bed. Faced with the decision of how to respond to his attacker, Chris chose forgiveness. When he visited McAllister, Chris told him, "I want you to know there's nothing between you and me except our newfound friendship. I want you to know I forgive you." This act of grace had a profound impact, leading McAllister to pray and accept Christ. He passed away three weeks later, having found peace and redemption.
Prison Ministry and Ongoing Testimony
Chris Carrier's journey didn't end there. He became a Bible teacher and prison ministry volunteer, sharing his story to inspire others. "I'm able to tell them miracles happen," Chris says, "and they have happened over and over in my life." Emphasizing the power of reconciliation, he reflects, "What you meant for evil, God has turned into a wonderful blessing." Through his ministry, Chris continues to demonstrate that no one is beyond forgiveness, and that Jesus is indeed the source of true healing and transformation.
