John Smith, the young man whose miraculous story of survival is portrayed in the new feature movie “Breakthrough,” has spoken out about his belief in the power of God and his desire to become a pastor.
Smith was just 14 years old when he fell through the ice in
a Missouri lake and was clinically dead for some 45 minutes. It was only after his mother, Joyce Smith, began praying fervently that John, now 18,
Now, ahead of the movie being released April 11, Smith is opening up about his own faith, and his desire to see this remarkable story change multiple lives.
“My mission is to share that God still does the impossible and He’s still in the miracle-working business,” Smith told Fox & Friends Tuesday morning. “I’m just excited to see how ‘Breakthrough’ is going to change the world.”
One percent chance of survival
According to Smith’s pastor, Jason Noble, medics told the family that there was just a 1 percent chance the young man would make it through the night.
“If he did that he would be a vegetable for the rest of his life. I mean, they were starting an organ transplant,” Noble recalled. “It was so serious, and we took a group of pastors into the room and we just started praying for him. We called out to God and, through a series of incredible miracles, he walked out of the hospital 16 days later.”
A future pastor
Despite not believing in Jesus when he went through his terrifying ordeal, Smith said that the experience changed something deep within him and caused him to reassess the trajectory of his life.
“[I was] constantly fighting God and Him just saying, ‘Keep listening to Me, just pay attention, just walk where I need you to walk.’ And then finally, after I started to realize that the earthly idols that I have been chasing are coming to an end, it’s time to be chasing toward the heavenly gold,” John told The Christian Post.
Then, at a Christian youth camp, Smith realized that the Lord was placing a specific call on his life.
“[That’s] Him just calling me to ministry,” he recalled, adding that he is “truly excited to see where He’s going to take me.”
“This is Us” star Chrissy Metz will play the role of Joyce Smith in the hugely anticipated movie which was executively produced by NBA superstar, Stephen Curry.
“We all want something to believe in,” Metz told Parade of her decision to get involved with the movie. “We hold tight to hope through the winding road of life, and we come out on the other side of traumatic events stronger and more compassionate and closer to ourselves, our families and our communities.”
“I’m so grateful for all that God has done,” Smith told the outlet. “We are excited to share this story with the world.”
“Breakthrough” hits theaters April 11.