Friday, Jan. 12, 2001

Bible Drill skills help calm young girl

Frail and short of breath, 11-year-old Lindsay Hoyle was critically ill. It was 1997 and she was beginning a journey that few people must make in a lifetime: Her young heart was failing, and her hope for life would depend on God and a heart transplant at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.

Lindsay Hoyle recieved a heart transplant in 1999.

Lindsay, an accomplished "Bible Driller," had received her heart transplant Feb. 25, 1999. Now, many months later, she was struggling with the possibility that her body was rejecting her heart. She would be unable to participate in the State Bible Drill Tournament for which she had prepared.

When I contacted Lindsay, I expressed my regrets that she could not participate in the Bible Drill Tournaments. She said her joy in Bible Drills was complete: She had learned God's word, it was in her heart, and that was enough.

I was very encouraged and inspired by such trusting words from one so young.

When I traveled to Thomasville to meet Lindsay, her parents, Kirby and Penny, and her younger brother, Cameron, I found a warm and loving family touched by God's greatness and the love and generosity of so many people. Lindsay wore an expression of inner peace with a glow that brightened with her contagious smile. Her gentle nature concealed a maturity far beyond her years when it came to understanding the gift of life.

Recalling Lindsay's 85 days in the hospital in late 1998 awaiting a donor heart, her mother said that Thanksgiving and Christmas came and went as the doctors worked to keep her stable. Finally, realizing Lindsay was homesick and tired of her corner room, the doctors allowed her to return home to wait.

Her father's words expressed the love of moms and dads everywhere: "Our daughter who had always been healthy was now so very sick and we couldn't make her better."

Kirby was at home with Lindsay's siblings when word came that a donor heart had been found. He called Penny at work, telling her to come home immediately

When Lindsay heard the news, she said, "I'm not ready for this!" They all were struggling with many emotions as they rushed to ready for the trip to Chapel Hill.

Lindsay, who was in another room, locked the door and sat down to talk with Jesus: "Lord, you know how scared I am. Give me the peace I need."

Her favorite Bible Drill verse, which had become her lifeline at the onset of her illness, once again gave her comfort. Trusting Psalm 56:3 - "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" - she became calm.

Looking back on that time, she believes that if she had not had those few precious moments alone with Him, she would have been hysterical.

The trip to the hospital was emotional for Lindsay's parents, but she remained composed. Later, while lying on a gurney that she describes as an "ironing board," she amazed her parents, doctors and nurses with her composure.

She shared her favorite Bible verse with everyone, even the anesthesiologist who was preparing her for the most critical experience of her life.

When the surgery was over, the surgeon announced that she had a "snappy new heart." Not forgetting the cost of this precious gift of life, she nicknamed her donor heart "Snappy."

Lindsay's recovery was swift, and she walked out of the hospital on her own just one week later.

Bible Drills make winners

The importance of Bible memorization and application has been proven to the Hoyle family, as well as to their church family, through this experience.

Bible Drills are not mere competition, but tools to equip children to learn, respect and apply the word of God. Children are challenged to develop skills that will be useful to them as long as they live.

Lindsay has strong feelings that memorizing and locating Bible verses will help a person face almost anything, big or small.

Her pastor, a strong supporter of Bible Drills, shares that numerous people who heard Lindsay's testimony agree that if "her verse" could be a blessing to one so young, it could be a blessing to them also.

Lindsay still struggles with anti-rejection medications and side effects. She has a new verse for these problems: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13).

Bible Drills can become a meaningful part of every children's ministry. For more information, call (800) 395-5102 ext. 444.

(EDITOR'S NOTE- Whitehead is Bible Drill consultant with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.)

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