Danrev Tipdas, the ministerial leader of a local Seventh-day Adventist church district in the province of Davao del Sur, Philippines, narrowly survived a motorcycle accident on April 14 in front of Gaisano Mall of Digos City.

When the tragedy occurred, Tipdas was on his way to attend the regular meeting at Digos Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. “In the twinkling of an eye, I believed I had taken my last breath,” he said later.

Tipdas’ sister Deborah, who was undergoing on-the-job training at the nearby medical facility of Digos Cooperative, rushed to the scene of the accident when she learned of it. Their parents, Dominador and Divina, who were attending a regular church cluster meeting in a different district, rushed to the National Hospital in Digos City where Tipdas was receiving immediate medical care.

It is believed that the unnamed heroes who assisted Tipdas after the accident and the prompt response of the Emergency Response Team saved his life. But their fast deployment would have not perhaps been possible if not for the Adventist logo on Tipdas’s shirt.

Mariane, a 1993 graduate of an Adventist Elementary School in Digos, aided the ERT's fast response by identifying Tipdas as an Adventist based on his shirt. She is not a church member, but after the incident, reflected on the profound influence that Adventist education has had on her and how it has enabled her to become a better person. 

“I would gladly assist anyone in need, especially in an emergency,” Mariane said. “However, as soon as I saw the Adventist logo, I knew whom to contact and where to call. I believe it was providential,” she said.

Tipdas was transferred to the Davao Adventist Hospital for additional medical observation and treatment. The medical team considered it necessary to better assess his condition and provide the necessary care for a speedier recovery. In a message to his fellow pastors, he thanked God for his survival. “Sisters and brothers, I am alive because of God’s benevolence!” Tipdas told his colleagues. “Please continue to pray for my healing!”

Tipdas’ family and coworkers continue to pray for his complete recovery and are appreciative of God’s intervention in his accident. He is currently recuperating and has been advised to rest. It is expected Tipdas will recover fully and return to the mission with renewed and restored vitality, regional church leaders reported. “His survival is evidence of the effectiveness of prayer, especially while serving God,” they said.

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.