When God came to mind while hiking the beautiful Beartooth Mountains along the Wyoming-Montana border, one would think it was triggered by the awe-inspiring splendor of God’s creation. That may have been the case for Dr. Brad J. of Minneapolis, but he also invoked God’s name when two grizzly bears attacked him unexpectedly.
That said, it was what happened afterwards that truly revealed the faith of Dr. Brad and his hiking friends in a story reported by Lou Raguse on Kare 11 TV News on Feb. 25.th
Accompanied last September by Tom, Todd, and Justin—friends at church for twenty years—Brad had forged ahead on the final stretch of their eight-mile hike along a trail most of them had traversed before. First-timer Todd had brought along a heavy camera case, which Brad volunteered to carry on his front-side, balancing the pack on his back. Todd also brought a white tarp which proved vitally important later.
Cresting a hill alone, Brad came across two grizzly bears. Not grazing for berries, they were in full charge–only about thirty feet away. But not to worry, thought Brad. He had a bear repellent sprayer. If only he could deploy it! He fumbled with the trigger and ended up throwing it in frustration. It flew high above a bear’s head.
Brad fell to the ground on his stomach. One bear did attack, its bone-jarring claw ripping Brad’s shoulder blade and one of his triceps. Blood flowed profusely, alarming him enough to think a major artery had been hit. His friends soon caught up to him, and the bears fled.
Brad figured his life on earth was about over. A peace descended upon him as he imagined meeting God in Heaven that day. He asked his friends to film a final goodbye to each of his family members. Fortunately, Justin was a firefighter who knew how to treat his wounds and apply a tourniquet. His friends began praying out loud, and two of them headed back down the mountain for help. As they rushed along, Tom prayed out specifically for a runner who could get down the mountain faster.
As God would have it, they ran into Katie C. who was exactly what was needed—a mountain runner! She was able to get down the mountain in time to call 911 and engage a search helicopter that could rescue Brad before dark.
Thanks to Todd’s white tarp, Dr. Brad was easily spotted. His camera pack that Brad had volunteered to carry was totally destroyed, probably saving his life. Now Brad is back at his medical practice, feeling a deeper love for family and friends. He reports being more at peace, less bothered by little things.
Runner Carrie and Brad’s friends could certainly make a claim for the Love Lived Large Award, but this time it truly belongs to God.
Wow! Great story, Doug.