The story of Derek Ruth, a young man from Lincoln, Nebraska, is one of profound faith, resilience, and miraculous encounters with Christ, as shared on Catholic News Agency. At just 12 years old, Ruth’s life was changed forever after suffering a traumatic brain injury on the football field. What followed was not just a battle for physical recovery, but a series of life-altering spiritual experiences that would shape his journey for years to come.
It all began during a routine play on the field. Derek Ruth was hit hard, but he appeared to be fine, answering his coach’s questions without issue. However, a sudden moment of distress struck him as he ripped off his helmet, screamed, “My head!” and collapsed into his coach’s arms. As he was life-flighted for emergency surgery, Ruth experienced something that would change his life forever: a tangible encounter with Jesus Christ.
“I had no real sense of leaving my physical body,” Ruth recalled. “I could feel all my extremities when I was standing in front of Jesus. It was like I still had my earthly body, but everything was purified and glorified. The quality of the air in heaven made my body feel amazing, especially my hands and feet… I just felt perfect.”
During this moment, Ruth found himself standing before Jesus, whose presence radiated pure love. “The only way I can describe it is to say that the physical presence of Jesus is awesome!” Ruth revealed. “His face was perfect. It had a beautiful glow that was completely white — the whitest white I have ever seen. The heart of Jesus was bursting with unconditional light.” This divine encounter would set the tone for the miraculous recovery that would follow.
Ruth’s story did not end there. After undergoing two surgeries, he remained in a coma and began the long road to recovery. Despite being left unable to do anything for himself, including struggling with limited use of his left hand, Ruth continued to fight. “Words cannot even come close to giving a comparison to that feeling,” he remembered. “It was just flat out brutal, and at that point I was scared to death.”
Through the pain and uncertainty, Ruth found strength in his faith. “My faith has gotten me through every trial and tribulation I was faced with,” he said. “My faith has only grown stronger, along with my personal prayer life.” His journey was supported by the unwavering love of his family, including his mother and grandfather, both physical therapists, and the prayers of countless others who believed in his recovery.
While still recovering at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Ruth finally shared his encounter with Jesus with his mother. “My mom was not surprised or shocked when I told her about being in heaven with Jesus, because Mom knew the person I was and understood how important my Catholic faith is to me,” he said. “Mom also knew about my devotion to the most holy rosary.”
As he continued to recover, Ruth’s experiences with the divine did not end. At times, he would be praying when Jesus or the Blessed Mother would appear to him. He was especially moved by the appearance of Mother Teresa, whom he began praying for after learning about her from Father Raymond Jansen, a priest in the Diocese of Lincoln.
“Every appearance I have had up to this point came as an unexpected surprise, and it is scary,” Ruth admitted, “… praying to Jesus and Mary and just having them appear to me unexpectedly!”
Now, 16 years after his life-altering injury, Derek Ruth is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate with a sociology degree. Though he still faces some physical challenges, such as difficulties with his gait and fine motor movements, Ruth lives independently and continues to share his story with others. His journey has inspired many, and his faith remains at the center of his life. “This experience has changed me by [teaching me to] not take anything for granted, even the little things, because I have learned the hard way how life can change just like that,” he reflected.
Ruth’s book, The Eight-Minute Flight, tells the story of his remarkable journey and encounters with Christ. It serves as a testament to the power of faith in overcoming even the most challenging of circumstances. His story continues to inspire countless individuals, as Ruth seeks to help others through his testimony.
Bishop James Conley, of the Diocese of Lincoln, shared his admiration for Ruth’s unwavering faith: “Derek’s deep Catholic faith, nurtured by devout parents, continues to inform his life, providing him with a firm foundation for his hope, purpose, and motivation to move forward in life day after day. Through hard work, discipline, and perseverance, and with the heart of a true athlete, Derek continues to provide true hope for all of us” (EWTN).
Derek Ruth’s story is a powerful reminder of the unshakable hope found in Christ. Through his personal trial, he has emerged with a deeper faith, a stronger resolve, and a mission to share his testimony with the world. His story invites us to reflect on the incredible power of prayer, perseverance, and the love of God that sustains us through all of life’s trials.
To learn more about Derek’s story, visit his website, The Eight-Minute Flight.
