Today, Minister Samuel Whyte of the Inner-City Christ Ministry in Trench Town is filled with a new vigour for service following a second chance at life.
In an interview with Freedom Come Rain, he shared how God came through for him miraculously, and his story rings reminiscent of Esther being in the Kingdom “for such a time as this”.
Diagnosed with a heart condition, he needed surgery that would cost $1.3 million dollars. His physical activities were affected, and he couldn’t do his spiritual work effectively as a result of the constant pain in his chest and shortness of breath.
“That affected my emotional, mental and spiritual life. Yes, I questioned God why me, after doing his work. I really felt like giving up many times but he kept me in spite of. I was afraid of death and if I die where would my soul end up? Hell or heaven? Because it was time for surgery [the] situation got worse,” he shared. Although he is a Christian he still questioned his final resting place as he thought about death.
Whyte told the surgeon he could not afford to pay the cost and in discussion they both realised they were Christians.
The surgeon recommended him to a place where he could get financial assistance to do the surgery. When he went there, through discussions he again realized he was dealing with another Kingdom worker.
She did the paperwork and sent it off to the office to be approved and was told he had to wait. He had no idea how long the wait would be. Time was of the essence and he needed a quick response.
He was having this discussion with one of his church sisters, never knowing that she had a family member who worked at the office in question.
“And so it worked out that it was approved; that is why I know it was God working things out. My scripture is Acts 20 verse 24, which says, none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself so I can finish my course with joy,” he shared.
The scripture in Philippians 4:13 is even more meaningful to him, as he said all things worked together for good in his situation as he saw firsthand how God intervened, not only in securing the funding for the surgery but also when he had to do the procedure.
“God intervened right at the theatre. I was scared, very scared, but I had an encounter, and He said, ‘Fear not, my son.’ That moment changed everything. I felt confident about the surgery,” he related as he shared that there were three nurses, and all of them were Christians, and they had church with him until he slept away.
The next time he opened his eyes he was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Unfortunately, two other men who did the same surgery died.
Whyte said his life is different now because he no longer does the things he used to. He has discontinued his previous eating lifestyle and his spiritual life is also different.
“I handle challenges now by putting God as first priority and trust Him in everything. Before, I believe my faith was not where it’s supposed to be,” he admitted.
For those facing challenges and thinking they are sinking, White, using his own life story, is encouraging them to hold on and to trust God, as He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Reflecting now, he said it was a hard one, and he is so happy God pulled him through. Today he said he is living a life that is more effective spiritually and physically.
“I can run without feeling any pain. I can jump up and down and praise God, do my praise and worship and don’t feel tired. I can do all these things now and this is all because God was in the midst with me,” were his heartfelt words.