Sam’s Story: “How God Gave Me a Second Chance”
During the course of ministry, the Administration & Finance team has the responsibility and privilege of working with outside vendors to facilitate the tangible work of construction, repair, maintenance and enhancement of our facilities. We not only try to meet the job-related needs of our facilities but also seek to build bridges of communication and understanding that help these individuals understand our needs as an organization and LAC culture. We also have the privilege of learning from them and getting to know them personally.
One such vendor is Sam Iknadiossian. A fellow believer and a true craftsman of his work, he has been working with Lake Avenue Church since 2002. You have seen his work and interacted with it on our campus when walking through one of our glass and metal doors, looking at our digital signage systems on the campus and many other tangible items you touch and interact with weekly.
Recently, Sam encountered a life-changing and near fatal health problem that almost ended his life. After many months, he was able to return to work and shared his story with us. It was a moving, riveting portrayal of God’s loving care and provision during the most difficult time of life. We asked Sam if we could share his story with the congregation and he graciously allowed us so that he could be a source of encouragement to the LAC Family. This is his story. - Emil Tulcan & Levi Heidelberg
"God gave me a second chance to live on the morning of December 23, 2012.” Iknadiossian said.
Sam had been leading a healthy lifestyle, but over the course of three short months, his body was shutting down. He was almost paralyzed from the neck down and the doctors could not identify the source of the problem. There was severe damage to his spine, which the doctors believed to be degenerative and permanent.
When he arrived at the hospital the doctor made sure it was clear to Sam, his family and friends that even if he performed the surgery, he still would not be able to walk. Although Sam wanted to know how he would adjust after the surgery at home, the doctor told him he would have to go to a nursing home because his condition would not improve; his body would continue to shut down. The doctor told Sam, “I can’t perform miracles, but because of your request, I will move forward with the surgery.”
In preparation, Sam continually prayed and received strength from the Lord. In his final prayer he said, “God, whether you want me back on my feet to serve you, or want me to go home with you, I am ready Lord.”
On December 23 at 8:30 am, while on the operating room table, Sam’s pulse stopped and the doctor had to shock him three times. Upon the fourth time, as the electrical charge passed through his body Sam was revived.
“Nobody knows what I went through and my feelings. I thought to myself, ‘If my time has come to go be with Jesus, I’m ready.’ I never asked God why me, why now? The doctor told me I wouldn’t be able to walk,” Iknadiossian said.
After the surgery, it took Sam six months to recover. He spent most of his time watching television because he couldn’t move. Ironically, he watched specials on scientists who think that they have it all figured out. He explained that although these scientists may think that they are smarter than God or that they are God themselves, his own faith and experiences have made him certain that God is God and he alone is to be praised.
“If you just look at the smallest birds and how they fly, it’s amazing. Our knowledge has limits. We can’t count the amount of things God has created” Iknadiossian said.
With God’s help, Sam started walking again three months after his surgery. He shared how God gave him the strength to get back to a normal life.
“Although I was already close to God, everyday I feel closer and stronger, physically and spiritually. I thank Him for giving me knowledge, wisdom, experience in metal work and the gift of being able to put things together. It’s unbelievable to think that just six months ago I couldn’t hold a fork or knife. I can’t thank God enough; he performed a real miracle,” Iknadiossian said.
At the end of the interview, Sam expressed that there is more to share regarding his story, but the wounds are fresh and words have not yet been able to fully express what he felt and experienced on that day. In closing, Sam left us with one final thought.
“God has a reason for keeping me on earth; my work here is not done yet. Maybe he wants me here to share my story, to encourage people is some way. I’m searching to see where He wants me to go, I want to serve Him, maybe volunteer at church or a hospital. I’m not sure yet… one thing I know is that I want to share my story with every person who will listen about how great God is and how He loves each one of us very much.”
