News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Source: Instagram/pastorlukebarnett
Source: Instagram/pastorlukebarnett
World News

Pastor nearly killed by enormous boulder while out hiking

by Will Maule

A US pastor has narrowly escaped death after being struck by a four-tonne boulder. Luke Barnett, senior pastor at Dream City Church in Phoenix, Arizona, was hiking with his daughter when the massive rock became dislodged and started careering down towards them.

"My dad pushed me out of the way and the boulder crushed him," Barnett's daughter Annalee said in a video clip moments afterwards. "I watched it go over him and it looked like it crushed his head." 

Miraculously, the boulder grazed past the pastor, missing his head by a matter of inches.

Pastor Barnett can be seen laid on his back, his shirt ripped up and his body covered in cuts and bruises. "How are you doing dad?" the daughter asks. "I'm doing good," Barnett replies. "It's just the grace of God that somehow that boulder went right over me and didn't hit my skull."

Barnett had still suffered serious injuries from the impact of the massive rock. "My forearm's broken for sure," he added. "It's one of those moments where you think there's no way you can survive that...that boulder running over you. But, um, God must have a much bigger plan in store."

Unable to walk, Barnett was eventually airlifted from the scene and treated for his injuries in hospital - he suffered three broken ribs in the incident, plus a broken forearm and hip. The pastor also required 40 stitches to his right hand.

Source: Instagram

"We are on the road to recovery," he later wrote on Instagram, sharing photos of himself in hospital. "I’m just so grateful to be alive and well. Thank you Jesus for saving me and my daughter with a supernatural miracle." 

Source: Instagram

The pair were hiking as part of a fundraising campaign for the church's Short Creek Dream Center, which supports victims of human trafficking. Despite the trauma of her dad's near-death experience, Annalee continues to hike for the cause.

"Although I am discharged and home, this does not mean the Adventure Your Life journey stops," pastor Barnett said in a Facebook post. "As you know, @annalee.barnett continues on the Arizona trail to finish out our 800 mile hike in an effort to raise awareness and donations for the Short Creek Dream Center @shortcreekdreamcenter in Colorado City." 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate