Inspirational story to help strengthen families

At 44 years old, Arkansas pastor John Bishop had to start from scratch. His memory begins on a fall day in 1995, when he woke up in a hospital bed, recognizing nothing and no one.

Diagnosed with aseptic meningitis — an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord that caused severe brain damage — Bishop was void of all memory and motor skills. But with the help of humor, a loving family and unwavering faith in God, Bishop continues to successfully battle the ongoing challenges of recovery.

This week at the Liberty Baptist Church in Newport Beach, John Bishop and his wife, Donna Bishop, will share their uplifting story of hope and devotion for the church’s Family Conference, an event designed to encourage and strengthen Newport-Mesa families.

“Our marriage is just so wonderful, and my Donna, she taught me how to read, to write and walk and everything,” said the 55-year-old evangelist. “When people hear our story, they think, ‘They made it. Maybe we can too.’ ”

After hearing the Bishops’ testimony, Liberty Baptist Church Pastor Dwight Tomlinson wanted to share their story with his congregation and the community, hoping it would promote healthier families.

“In this day and age, with so many broken marriages, people are not willing to stick it through tough times,” Tomlinson said. “The devotion and love Donna and John have for each other in spite of a tremendous tragedy provides strength and encouragement to other families.”

Following her husband’s diagnosis, Donna retired from her teaching position at a local Christian school to devote all her time to John’s recovery. As his condition gradually improved, the former pastor founded God is So Good Ministries five years ago, and has since traveled around the country spreading his evangelical message, and relearning a lot of American history along the way.

“The first year or two, I was just fighting to survive,” he said. “People started telling me to share my story, but I had no idea it would be a ministry so wanted and needed.”

In addition to writing an autobiography, “God is So Good: Especially When You Are Hurting,” during his recovery, John Bishop spends much of his days reading, riding his Honda scooter into town and spending time with his family.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Liberty Baptist Church’s Family Conference with guest speaker John Bishop

WHEN: Today through Wednesday, with services at 8:30, 10 and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. today, and 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; couples banquet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE: Liberty Baptist Church, 1000 Bison Ave., Newport Beach

COST: Free; couples banquet costs $15 per couple

INFO: www.libertybaptistchurch.org