Spared by Grace
An Inspiring True Story of Miracles and Answered Prayers
by
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A friend once said, “It’s a good thing we don’t know what’s ahead of us, or perhaps we wouldn’t get up in the morning.” On Wednesday, June 25, 2014, I left home as usual at 6:45 a.m. for the routine hour-long drive along the coast to work in Aberdeen. It was a beautiful summer morning, and I had a busy day ahead; by all accounts it seemed like a fairly normal sort of day up to that point,
although Frances remembers thinking as I left the house that morning that she especially needed to pray for me that day. At around ten minutes past eight, Frances was about to drive our son John to school when the doorbell rang. The police were at the door. The officer introduced himself and asked Frances the following question: “Is this your husband’s wallet? It has forty pounds in it.” He went on to explain that I had been seriously injured in a road traffic accident and airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI). He then asked if she would be able to get to the hospital. It is difficult to comprehend or imagine the shock a statement like this must have been for Frances, and she didn’t fully grasp what the officer said but has since likened its effect to going onto autopilot. She made a couple of quick phone calls to my dad and her mum and then, along with Shannon and John, set off for Aberdeen, with Michael and Stephanie following behind in their own car. Although it hadn’t crossed anyone’s mind, of course the road was closed due to the accident. All traffic by this time had been diverted onto narrow countryside roads, and it wasn’t long before they were completely clogged with the increasing volume of traffic. Frances cried out to the Lord in her head, Lord, please help us! Please help us get to Aberdeen! Alex John Strachan, the gentleman who had married Stephanie and Michael only two
weeks earlier, was also stuck in traffic; he was heading in the opposite direction, and as both cars came to a standstill next to each other, Frances told him what she knew about the accident and explained that they were trying to get to the hospital. He was full of apologies as he didn’t know what to suggest,but Frances was thankful for meeting him nevertheless, as she knew he would pray and ask other people to pray.
Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you.Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. (Psalm 102:1–2 NIV)
God answered her prayer and made a way. They stopped opposite what looked like a farm entrance, and as Michael had previously lived in that area, he thought he might have some idea of where the road went. This may have seemed like a risk to take as it was a rough, single-lane road with long grass and weeds growing in the middle, but it eventually led back onto the main road, and they didn’t encounter another car. Now that they were clear of the traffic and moving again, Frances began to take in what the police officer had said: “Seriously injured,” “airlifted to hospital.” What did he mean? she wondered. Does John have a broken leg? Would that constitute a serious injury? Is it his spine or his head?
When they eventually arrived at the accident and emergency department (A&E), her heart sank even further as they were taken aside and led to a room designated for relatives.
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About the Book
For John Buchan, a summer morning began just like any other. He woke up and left for work—and then four weeks later, he awoke again to find himself in a hospital, suffering from catastrophic injuries. It was a miracle he was alive.
Spared by Grace is the inspiring true story of one man’s miraculous “against all odds” survival and recovery from a very serious head-on collision. Doctors were surprised he was alive and have expressed their amazement at his recovery. Having sustained a serious brain injury, one of the many miracles has been the completion of this book, which details many answered prayers. John, a fishing skipper, also shares the story of his life and how he built his family.
The strength he and his family have been given to carry them through this journey is remarkable. In the final chapter, John Buchan concludes that his life has indeed been spared by grace.
A wonderful testimony to the encouragement of faith and the power of prayer—and a reminder that we are rescued by a God for whom all things are possible.
—Pastor David McCaig
I try not to use the word miracle in any context, but it is a miracle you are alive, medically speaking you shouldn’t be here.
—Patricia Donaldson, MRCGP, general practitioner
This gentleman is a triumph of modern trauma treatment and has made a fantastic recovery from what was a very severe incident.
—George Patrick Ashcroft, BSC, MBChB, FRCSEd,
consultant orthopaedic surgeon
Mr Buchan’s injuries in most circumstances would not be survivable.
—Angus D Maclean, MBChB, FRCS (trauma and orth) Ed,
consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon
Mr Buchan has made an exceptionally good recovery from a combination of injuries that could easily have proved fatal.
—L.T. Dunn MA, PhD, MB, BCh, FRCSEd, FRCSEd(NS),
FRCSGla, consultant neurosurgeon
Considering the brain injury you sustained, it’s quite amazing we’re sitting here having this conversation.
—Ceri Trevethan, clinical psychologist
Given the damage to you brain which was widespread and extensive…..you have made a remarkable recovery.
—Jackie Hamilton, clinical neuropsychologist
About the Author
John C. Buchan has been a fishing skipper for most of his life, and Spared by Grace shares the story of his miraculous survival and recovery from a very serious road traffic accident. He and his wife, Frances, live in Peterhead, in the beautiful northeast of Scotland. They attend the local Baptist church and have three children and two grandchildren.