Ryan’s Email

We have felt very supported by the many people who have contributed so much to Ryan’s recovery. If you would like to email Ryan, you can do so at ryanjordanwalters@gmail.com The same link is listed at the top of the page on the left hand side. Ryan has received many inspiring words of encouragement and we may wish to share them with others; in your email, please indicate if you would feel comfortable having your letter posted on the blog. If no preference is indicated, the letter will not be posted.

Ryan’s Testimony

On Christmas Eve, Ryan shared a testimony that was read on Christmas in several Sacrament Meetings:

I am so thankful for all of the visitors that have come to visit me. There have been over 100 people from church and work along with family and friends that have come to visit me and tell me they are praying for me.

I am very thankful for the movement and feeling that I have in my head, arms and hands.

Prayers and kind words of ward members and friends have been the greatest healing medicine during this time.

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in these Latter Days. Especially at this time of year I am very thankful for the anniversary of both the prophet Joseph Smith’s birthday and the Savior Jesus Christ’s birthday.

Through this experience I have grown to know, that Jesus Christ has done more for my soul and the souls of all of us, than anyone that has ever lived here. That Joseph Smith was his prophet and that he did more for my soul than any other man that lived in it except Jesus Christ.

I want you all to know, that Jesus Christ has replaced my fear and anger with hope and joy through small examples of kindness and the sweet feeling of the Holy Ghost.

I also know that one day my body and my mind will be connected perfectly as they once were. I know this, through the example of Jesus Christ and his resurrection.

I know that Jesus Christ has felt every pain and sorrow that I have felt during this experience and throughout my whole life.

I don’t know why this happened, at the time in which it did. But I know that if I let it, it can be an experience which will bring me and others closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

I have a strong desire to go and serve a full time mission; I know that one day I will serve a full time mission. And in preparation for that mission, I will be a missionary now!

Thank you all so much for your great examples and loving remarks and your faithful prayers on my behalf. I pray that this experience may bring to others the same love for the atonement and Jesus Christ as it has brought to me.

If my going through this experience can help me to help God with even just one person to join the church or even regain their faith and become active in the church, then this small sacrifice I am going through will be well worth it.

This church is true; I know this. And I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Ryan's Accident

On Wednesday, December 21^st Ryan was working as a professional mover, a job he has had since May to earn money for a two year mission in Brazil for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lumber fell on Ryan, breaking his neck, and resulting in a spinal cord injury.

Cat scans and MRI’s revealed that Ryan had broken the sixth and seventh vertebrae. At about 5:00 pm, Ryan was taken into surgery for a six hour operation. During that operation, a permanent plate was attached to the front of vertebrae 5, 6, and 7. A pair of rods were attached to the back of the same vertebrae. The surgeon felt the operation was a success and resulted in a solid structure that would protect the damaged spinal cord by effectively fusing together the three vertebrae.

Ryan has use of his arms but has no feeling from about the middle of his chest. We pray for, have faith in, and expect miracles in the days to come. Those miracles will be chronicled in periodic updates to this website.