She prayed to God to allow the Holy Spirit to come into her son and restart his heart. John fully recovered and was released from the hospital 16 days after the accident. Joyce wrote a book about her son John Smith's drowning and resurrection, titled The Impossible, which became the basis for the Breakthrough movie. Nikolas Dukic as Reiger, one of John's friends. Hes under Gods authority. 48.4K followers. Although being rescued, he is in a coma, and his family must rely on their faith to get through the ordeal. John fell through the ice and spent a minimum of . "I'm thinking to myself, 'They're wrong. [24] It went on to debut to $11.3 million (a five-day total of $14.6 million), finishing third behind The Curse of La Llorona and Shazam!. John Smith (born August 20, 1984) is an American former basketball player, best known for his decorated college career at Winona State University, where he was twice named Division II National Player of the Year. And its been a bonding time for everyone who witnessed this miracle. A few days later he is discharged from the hospital, returning home and then back to school. At just 14-years-old, John Smith fell through the ice and was without a pulse for almost an hour, yet made a full recovery through the power of prayer. Inside Edition's Megan Alexander spoke to the real John, who still can't believe he's alive. First is the cultural status of John Smith as a placeholder name. John and Smith together form a name often used to refer to an archetypal everyman. (Another example, of course, is John Doe.). The real John Smith was a short, bearded, brown-haired man and the relationship between him and Pocahontas was most likely just one of friendship. "Breakthrough" tells the true story of one of the most miraculous recoveries ever. . Smith also appeared in the television westerns Cimarron City (1958) and Laramie (1959). All rights reserved. [10] The Easter weekend it was released had the lowest box office receipts since 2005, because studios chose to avoid any major release during that period so as not to compete with Disney's release of Avengers: Endgame the following weekend. "It gave me goosebumps." Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Breakthroughs Josh Lucas: This Story Gave Me Goosebumps, The Real People Behind the Breakthrough Miracle Story. Like in the movie, Joyce wouldn't let the doctors say anything negative in the room. "I knew there were a lot of . 'Breakthrough' will be released in theatres in April 2019. The incredible tale is being retold, Hollywood-style, in "Breakthrough," starring Chrissy Metz and Josh Lucas. It was "a feeling as though someone were next to him guiding him." There he sees Tommy Shine, and thanks him for saving his life. [Thats] Him just calling me to ministry,"John added. "Facebook was just blowing up," says his mother, Joyce. Breakthrough is a biographical Christian drama about a boy who made a miraculous recovery after falling into an icy lake. .switcher .option::-webkit-scrollbar-track{-webkit-box-shadow:inset 0 0 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);border-radius:5px;background-color:#f5f5f5;} "I'd talked to him moments before he went into the water," Joyce Smith said. Best described as Cirque meets The Passion,The Thorn is an immersive show that has played more than 25 years on, Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, along with her son, Tyler Russell, have adapted the novel,A Thousand Tomorrows, into a six-episodeseries from, Jesus Revolution takes in $15.5 million in the domestic box office debut and completely out performs the originally projected $7. Streaming Online | Hulu (Free Trial). [Photo via 20th Century Fox] Thinking it is his chief, he tries again, and manages to lift John to the surface. [27] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale, while those at PostTrak gave it a 4.5 out of 5 stars and a "definite recommend" of 69%. The machines started pinging and signs of life suddenly appeared. John was 14 years old when he fell through the ice in a Missouri lake. .switcher .option::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb {border-radius:5px;-webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 3px rgba(0,0,0,.3);background-color:#888;}. Jeremy Garrett, who is portrayed by Dennis Haysbert in the movie, called John's recovery a "bonafide miracle." Doctor Garrett (Dennis Haysbert) tells the family this in the movie and it lines up with the Breakthrough true story. Join Helping Hand of Home as we Breakthrough into 2022! It's a holiday. On a cold winter's day in Missouri, John Smith was a 14-year-old boy playing on a frozen lake with two of his best friends. Friends gathered at the hospital to pray for John. MORE THAN 12,000 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PACK STADIUM FOR JESUS, RAISE $57G FOR ABUSED WOMEN, HOMELESS. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We talked with Smith about his story being told on the big screen, his relationship with his family, and navigating this situation in the most formative years of life. That is true with the people shown in this collection of photos. I was chasing after what I wanted instead of what God had for me., Though he has no memory of the accident and didnt suffer any permanent physical harm, Smith struggled to find meaning in his survival. As for Breakthrough, even more success was recently announced for the film. I believe God can do what He says He can do. ", Yes. Dr. Sutterer is portrayed by Sam Trammell in the movie. -CBN. "The only factors medically that were really in John's favor is that this was a cold-water drowning," said Dr. Jeremy Garrett (portrayed by Dennis Haysbert in the movie). So, when you start speaking the Scriptures, Satan stops hearing evil and starts hearing Gods voice. "[I was] constantly fighting God and Him just saying, 'Keep listening to Me, just pay attention, just walk where I need you to walk.' And so, when you start praying that stuff, its just amazing. .switcher a img {vertical-align:middle;display:inline;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;opacity:0.8;} ", Murdaugh Murders Timeline: Investigations, Deaths and the Collapse of a Powerful South Carolina Family, 8-Year-Old Arkansas Boy Raises More Than $65K for His Favorite Waffle House Waiter, Who Walks Miles to Work, Bryan Kohberger Decries 'Pervasive and Grotesquely Twisted Nature' of Idaho Murders Coverage in Court Document, Family Discovers Kentucky Vacation Rental House Has Secret Underground Bunker and Was Site of Grisly Murder, Lindsay Clancy: Timeline of Events in the Case of Massachusetts Mom Accused of Killing Her 3 Children, Fiance of Slain Orlando TV Reporter Plans to Have His Baby After Harvesting His Sperm Post-Mortem. One self-rescued, the other was rescued by emergency personnel. First Responders retrieved his lifeless body and transported him to nearby St. Joseph Hospital West where CPR was performed for an additional 43 minutes to no avail. When Joyce Smith's adopted son John falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope seems lost. The addictive track, which features both the Biebs and Danish sensation M, is made even more irresistible by Robinson and Hodges choreo, as brought to vibrant life by dancers Sara Bivens, Helen Gedlu, Jaylene Mendoza and Andranita Smith-Shannon. Boy, 7, 'Fighting with Everything He Has' After Crash Killed Father and Twin Brother, Mom Says, Bharti Shahani, 22, on a Ventilator and Declared Brain Dead from Injury at Astroworld Festival, Elite Runner Who Had a Heart Attack During Marathon Kept Alive by Spectators: 'They Saved My Life', Chrissy Metz Is a Grieving Mother in Emotional 'Breakthrough' Trailer, 3-Year-Old Girl Whose Heart Stopped Beating for 12 Minutes After Drowning in Pool Survives: 'She Was Without Life,' Says Her Mother. The stories are real, powerful, and oftentimes life altering because they offer hope, truth, faith, redemption and love. Using a ten-foot long pole with a hook on the end, he poked around the rocky bottom of the lake near the ice ledge and found John Smith. We didnt know that until later. .switcher .option::-webkit-scrollbar {width:5px;} No heart tones. March 18th at 6:00 pm . Four years later, the story of his recovery after his heart stopped beating for 43 minutes was been made into a movie, Breakthrough. Here is a look back at our original reporting on that story. And later on, in that teaching she talks about speaking Gods words. It was so serious, and we took a group of pastors into the room and we just started praying for him," Noble said. Like in the movie, the doctors were in disbelief and called it a miracle. His organs were in catastrophic failure, his muscles were exploding. Stephen Curry and Samuel Rodriguez are executive producers. Nothing. I have two kids. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. -FOX 11, Yes. makeup trainee Travis Marszalek . 19 years old After being rescued from the frigid waters . Example video title will go here for this video, Jan. 19 marks the 5-year anniversary since a St. Charles boy drowned and came back to life. They have power to them. Does Eerie Photo From Scene of Deadly Crash Show Stairway to Heaven. 2022 Risen Magazine. She said, I love you, and I said, I love you too, Mom, and I hung up. Five years ago today, John Smith fell through the ice on Lake Saint Louise in Lake St. Louis in 2015. On the heels of the nomination, Universal Music Group Nashville announced the label offered Metz a record deal. The doctor was getting ready to pronounce John dead when Joyce got to the hospital. Market data provided by Factset. A weeping Joyce cradles her son in her arms, pleading with the Holy Spirit to not let John die, at which point a faint pulse registers. His mother was brought into the hospital room to see her sons body and she began praying loudly. And within moments, he started to have a heartbeat," Joyce recalled. John plans to pursue a life in the ministry while also coaching basketball. When Joyce Smith's fourteen-year-old son John fell through an icy Missouri lake one winter morning, she and her family had seemingly lost everything. But instead of saying goodbye, the Holy Spirit rose up in her giving her the boldness to ask God to bring him back. John was in the frigid water for a total of more than 20 minutes. The Real John Smith: Inspiring True Story Behind the Movie Breakthrough, Cirque Meets The Passion: The Thorn Creator on This Immersive Show, Bestselling Author Karen Kingsbury Writes the Scripts for A Thousand Tomorrows Series with Son Tyler Russell, Jesus Revolution: Red Carpet with Joel Courtney, Anna Grace Barlow, Savannah & Cole LaBrant, Breakthrough Red Carpet with Chrissy Metz, Purpose, Positivity & Prayer: Breakthrough with Chrissy Metz . Now, John Smith. EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. www.people.com He had been declared dead, after failed attempts of Dr. Kent Sutterer and his medical team to revive John. In The Impossible book, Joyce Smith mentions that something in Tommy Shine's spirit "prompted and almost pushed him to move in a different direction, straight toward the ice shelf." Dr. Bauer said that she had never felt someone so cold in her life. This is Us star Chrissy Metz felt drawn to play Joyce Smith in the new movie Breakthrough. John fully recovered and was released from the hospital 16 days after the accident. This weighs on John's mind, he returns to the lake. "Im more independent because I just, its such a different situation, I dont even know how to handle it sometimes.. He remembers being under water and coming up above the ice. Tommy admits that he did not believe in God until after a series of protracted events since John's accident, and all he did was pull John from the water. Moments later, John regained a pulse. John fully recovered and was released from the hospital 16 days after the accident. You know, God is restoring everything back to this child,'" recalls his mother, Joyce.John was released from the hospital on February 4th, 16 days after rescuer Tommy Shine pulled him up from the bottom of the icy lake. Ive got this. Behind the scenes of faith-based 'Breakthrough' film: The scene where Joyce Smith's son, John, played by Marcel Ruiz, comes back to life was a challenge for the big screen but Ruiz said it 'gave me goosebumps. He recovered only after his mother, Joyce Smith depicted on the big screen by Chrissy Metz of "This Is Us" fame prayed. John Smith, an adopted boy from Guatemala, is a living, breathing, walking miracle and his unbelievable true story is going to the big screen April 17 in the 20th Century faith-based film, "Breakthrough.". My parents are older, so I think, When I leave for college, are they going to be well enough that they dont need me? But mom has always came back with, We are going to be okay, Im not worried. "It was one of my favorite scenes," Ruiz said. This image of Smith couldnt be further from the truth. He had no pulse for over 40 minutes after he was found and yet somehow survived. Please. While John's friends were able to escape, John remained underwater for fifteen minutes. So, for John's brain to have gotten cold to be protected from the lack of blood flow and the lack of oxygen really is a miracle in itself, if that did anything here." On my way to the hospital, I just started praying to God, You gave him to me. John was a 14 year old that fell through the ice and had no pulse for more than 60 minutes. [10] The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances and inspirational messages but called the plot predictable. As they are about to give up, one of the rescuers, Tommy Shine (Colter), hears a voice telling him to go back. Though his heartbeat had returned, John only had brainstem function and his blood oxygen levels were critical. Breakthrough, slated for release on April 17, is a true story about then 14-year-old John Smith of St. Charles County, Missouri, ( Marcel Ruiz ), who falls through the ice and dies. John Smith (Robert Errol Van Orden) was born on 6 March, 1931 in Los Angeles, California, USA, is an actor. And that evening we did walk out of the room saying, Hes walking out of here. So Joyce Smith (Chrissy Metz) repeatedly tells her moody 14-year-old son, John (Marcel Ruiz). Okay, the heartbeats just the beginning and were not giving up until this boy walks out. This is somewhat dramatized in the movie. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. One is, but the other two arent. John's pastor, Jason Noble, got to the hospital right after Joyce prayed and he felt like God had called him to stay byJohn's side for seven days, 18 hours a day. John's friend Joshua Sander managed to pull himself out. He is now 19 years old and since the movie "Breakthrough" was released in April 2019, several things have . John Allen Smith. John Smith was 14 years old when he went out with two friends onto the partially frozen surface of Lake Ste. Joyce realizes things are out of her control, so she leaves everything to God. .switcher .option a.selected {background:#748393;} Could not be more proud and grateful for the incredible cast and crew", "Major Movie Shoot (And Luke Cage) In Winnipeg This Week", "Portage is Again Playing Host to Hollywood Cameras", "Lowest Easter Weekend At The B.O. #selected_lang_name {float: none;} -USA Today. And when it didn't wear off, John realized it really was God speaking to him. "Right at an hour with absolutely no life in his body whatsoever," says Dr. Kent Sutterer, the doctor who was working in the ER the day that John was brought into SSM St. Joseph West Hospital. He hears his mother's voice and opens his eyes, with full cognitive ability. "My phone was coming off the wall people praying, people sending me scriptures that they were praying for John." Even though his mom was a devout Christian, whose bold prayer during the boy's hospital stay is credited with bringing him back to life, John was not a believer at the time of the accident andstruggled with his identity and other issues many high schoolers face. Joyce turns John's possible recovery into an obsession, harassing his health care professionals and alienating those around her, including her husband. "We called out to God and, through a series of incredible miracles, he walked out of thehospital 16 days later. Smith was rushed to the hospital and had no heartbeat for 55 minutes. John was right on the edge of the ice shelf. John Smith was an English explorer, soldier and writer best known for his role in establishing the first permanent English colony in the New World at Jamestown, Virginia. He just woke up, eyes open. Im talking about reading Gods Scriptures and knowing His promises and His truth through them. Chrissy Metz and I DM on Instagram now and then. That doesnt happen very often or there wouldnt be a movie. or redistributed. Even just a little wave could have moved him under it. It was during that time that he was technically dead. He is studying to be a pastor. John is declared dead, Joyce prays, and John . John Smith, front left in red suit, joins a portion of the cast as well as the original first responders for a group portrait on the red carpet before the premier of "Breakthrough" on Wednesday . Also, in one of her studies, I learned we are created in Gods image, Hes omnipotent, so our words are potent. After John succumbed to the frigid lake and drowned, his lifeless body was discovered on the rocky bottom. He was talking about three hours after that. Josh and Reiger manage to swim to the surface and are swiftly rescued by first responders. Joyce Smith prayed over her son's body after he had been lifeless for an hourand his heart started beating again. "Breakthrough" tells the true story of one of the most miraculous recoveries ever. She and Brian meet with Garrett, who tells them that the drugs they have been administering are becoming toxic to John's system and may be doing more harm than good. His mother, Joyce, played by Chrissy Metz from "This Is Us," prayed to God to bring back her son. I remembered in church all my life hearing this scripture that says, The Holy Spirit will raise Christ Jesus from the dead.'. That was the day my life completely changed and it was never the same after that, John said. "We've actually never been in an argument," he told KSDK News. John said he became friends with Metz during filming and they keep in touch. Its not something you can grow. Boot camps like this are found throughout the country, but they exist in somewhat of a grey zone when it comes to legality and responsibility. John Smith, 18, fell into a frozen lake in St Charles, Missouri, in January 2015 and was underwater for 15 minutes First responders tried to revive him for nearly 45 minutes, but were. .switcher a:hover img {opacity:1;} Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Twentieth Century Fox Before the accident, "I had a lot of issues," says Smith, 18, who was adopted as an infant from Guatemala by his parents Joyce, a homemaker, and Brian, 65, a. Watch Can You Keep a Secret? Come watch Breakthrough inspired by the true story of Joyce Smith, John Smith and Pastor Jason Noble. With no pulse or breath, John is taken to the local hospital where an emergency team works frantically to save his life. Pastor Jason did organize a vigil, which was attended by "around 350 people," but it was held at the church, not outside the hospital. John Smith (Ruiz) is a 14-year-old Guatemalan boy raised in Lake St. Louis, Missouri by his adoptive parents, Brian (Lucas) and Joyce Smith (Metz). John Smith mentions watching a video about my story. HILLSONG UNITED TOUR SPONSORS OVER 100G KIDS THROUGH COMPASSION. This is because the lake water was only 40 degrees and John's body temperature only dropped to 88 degrees, which isn't cold enough to adequately protect the brain. "I remember the screams," Smith says. After being rescued from the frigid waters, John was rushed to a local hospital, where, with no pulse for nearly45 minutes, he was declared dead. Not exactly. Joyce, who had been adamant about saving John's life at all costs, suggests stopping treatment and bringing him out of the coma, stating that she is ready for whatever fate brings. So, this story really got their eyebrows raised and brought us all closer, and its giving us a chance to witness to them. Plus, there is a lot of newfound fame since the film. Careers Workplace and Religion Columnists, Recreation Outdoors and Religion Columnists, Religious Music and Entertainment Columnists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. How? Legal Statement. "He was doing that because he was getting ready to call time of death," says Joyce. -CBN, Yes. Credit: Golden Village Cinemas. He says that he tried to push ice to his friends for them to grab on to so they could get out. ", "My life flashing before my eyes," he said. Joan Jett, a musician in her 40s, made a name for herself in the 1970s as a pioneering figure in the world of rock music. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Before the accident, I had a lot of issues, says Smith, 18, who was adopted as an infant from Guatemala by his parents Joyce, a homemaker, and Brian, 65, a retired journalist. Market data provided by Factset. Yes. But he survived. Editor's note: On Jan. 19, 2015, 14-year-old St. Charles boy John Smith fell through the ice on Lake Sainte Louise and was underwater for 15 minutes. Dierks Bentley performing at World Wide Technology Raceway, St. Louis forecast: Clearing out Saturday, Illinois first responders prepare for what severe weather spring could bring, Local teen's miracle of survival made into motion picture 'Breakthrough', Proposed bill would create parental review boards for public libraries, could result in fines or jail time for librarians, FX show 'Mrs. Dive deeper into the true story behind Breakthrough by watching an interview with mother and son Joyce and John Smith. The image was published on Smiths map of New England, which was created in 1616 after Smith explored New England for the first time. Youll even find a tiki bar. This image of Smith couldnt be further from the truth. After John is transferred and placed in a medically-induced coma, Garrett warns his parents that he has little hope for John's recovery, and that if John were to pull through, he would likely live in a persistent vegetative state. As for John, he hopes to one day become a pastor. By ELLEN FUTTERMAN. This book told the true story of John Smith by his mother, Joyce Smith. [7][8], Breakthrough premiered in St. Louis on March 20, 2019,[9] and was released in the United States on April 17, 2019, by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through their 20th Century Fox label. She recalls them being cold and grey. Then check out a demonstration of how to get out of the water after falling through the ice. Kristy Greig . How long was the kid in Breakthrough underwater? But Joyce was not ready to give up on her son. Since 2002, he has used his skills to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Breakthrough's programs. Our Breakthrough fact check confirms that John Smith was under water for approximately 15 minutes before rescuers, including Tommy Shine, found him on the rocky bottom of the lake and pulled him to the surface. When you look at this, I think there is a difference between faith and belief. Realizing she cannot control John's outcome, Joyce retreats to the roof of the hospital to pray, asking God for forgiveness and submitting to His will. John recently returned to St. Louis for Christmas break and made a huge life decision while he was home. [11] The film garnered a nomination at the 92nd Academy Awards for Best Original Song.[12]. They were preparing to give another kid his heart. It recounts the seemingly miraculous survival of John Smith, a 14-year-old boy who fell through ice on a frigid lake in January 2015. The movie recounts the real-life drama of a Missouri teenager, John Smith, who was messing around on a frozen lake with two friends in 2015 when the ice broke, plunging the boys into the frigid . Her son John had been without a pulse for roughly an hour and the doctors had been trying to revive him for half an hour. He played an important role in the establishment of the colony at Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in America, in the early 17th century. Im not always going to be perfect, Im still going to screw up, but I definitely want to influence my generation.. [14][15] Locations for the 31-day shoot included Winnipeg, Selkirk, and Portage la Prairie. It's true that like in the Breakthrough movie, John walked out of the hospital under his own strength. NOTORIOUS GANG LEADER NOW PREACHES JESUS: 'I'M A RADICAL SOLDIER FOR GOD'. I had to deal with answering the question of Why me? The band quickly gained a following for their raw and energetic sound, with Jett's powerful . Her steadfast belief inspires those around her to continue to pray for John's recovery, even in the face of every case history and . "'Call 911! We went in and prayed like crazy. And 40 days from the day that he woke up, he was released from all doctors. John Smith (baptized 6 January 1580 21 June 1631) was an English soldier, explorer, colonial governor, Admiral of New England, and author. Based on a book by Joyce Smith titled The Impossible, Breakthrough tells the true story of how Joyce's son, John Smith, fell through the ice and drowned, and was declared legally dead.