In a world often overshadowed by stories of adversity and hardship, every now and then a story emerges that reaffirms our faith in the innate goodness of humanity and the power of selfless acts. Such is the extraordinary journey of Pastor Tim Jones and Don Herbert, a story that defies expectations and serves as a testament to the incredible potential for miracles in everyday life.
Who could have predicted that this would happen?
Despite saving another person’s life in North Carolina, one man’s selfless act ended up saving his own. It was Pastor Tim Jones who wanted to help a man he met at a church fundraiser last fall by donating one of his kidneys. Don Herbert, a former professional wrestler who is now a gospel musician, needed a kidney transplant due to kidney disease.
“I wanted to give him a second chance at life and hope. I prayed to God for peace and a few days later he gave me peace. We’re going to do it, I told my wife,” Jones said…
It passed tests and was compatible with Herbert! The transplant was finally scheduled at Duke University Medical Center after a series of preliminary tests and procedures and was successful. Additionally, Jones’ life was also saved during the procedure in addition to Herbert’s.
Jones’ surgery took six hours, twice as long as it should have, because doctors discovered an aneurysm in one of his arteries. So far, it has never appeared in any of the pre-op tests.
Due to the large number of individuals on the waiting list for a new kidney, the chance of finding a donor was extremely low. Tim Jones, a local pastor, and Herbert first teamed up at a church bake and craft sale. The two quickly bonded when Don opened up a discussion and mentioned his love of gospel music. Herbert is in trouble at the moment.
In early November, after a checkup at Duke University Medical Center, Herbert, 56, was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease. His kidneys were failing in both, but that wasn’t the only problem. He was taken off the hospital’s kidney waiting list because he also required cardiac catheterization. Both Herbert and his wife Belinda were devastated by this information.
On their Facebook page, Belinda posted information about her husband’s situation and made a personal appeal to anyone who would offer Don another chance at organ donation. An afternoon of browsing through Jones’ Facebook led to his discovery of Belinda’s post.
The Herberts were then welcomed to Tim and Sherry’s Salisbury residence in Settlers Grove. The pair introduced them to Don’s entire medical background and experience. Jones then informed Herbert that he was willing to give him one of his kidneys as a gift. Two lives were saved by a perfect match.
“What if it was me? What if it were you? How many individuals would be waiting in line to donate a kidney to us?”
However, Jones claimed that he was not really concerned about the treatment at all. “I know things are dangerous for me. But they’re more of a risk for Don. When my wife teases him, she smiles and says, ‘You’re acting like you’re giving him gum.’
As for Don Herbert, his life was forever changed by the unwavering support and generosity of a stranger who became a friend and savior. His journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope.
Ultimately, this remarkable story challenges us to reevaluate our own capacity for kindness and selflessness. It invites us to consider the extraordinary potential for miracles that exist in our ordinary lives. It reminds us that we are all connected by our shared humanity and that acts of compassion and sacrifice have the power to change lives in ways we may never foresee.
The journey of Tim Jones and Don Herbert is a testament to the belief that miracles can happen when we least expect them, and that the bonds of friendship and love can transcend the boundaries of circumstance. It’s a story that reaffirms our belief in the inherent goodness of humanity and the profound impact of selfless acts of kindness.
As we celebrate the remarkable journey of Tim Jones and Don Herbert, we are reminded that the world is full of unsung heroes who continue to inspire us all with their acts of love and compassion. Let their story serve as a beacon of hope and testimony to the extraordinary potential for good that resides in each of us.
Watch the video below to see both men’s narratives unfold!