Like many missionaries, Pam and Bob were excited to trust the true promises of God and follow their calling in their mission field, the Philippines. During their tenure there, Pam contracted an infection called amoebic dysentery caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or drink. Her husband Bob, who had often prayed with Pam for a fifth child, found himself praying for something else altogether: his wife’s life. The infection put Pam into a coma for which she was treated with strong antibiotics. As doctors worked to treat the infection, a new discovery was made. Pam was pregnant.
The potent medication, which succeeded in eradicating the infection, posed a new danger in light of this discovery. Doctors urged Pam to abort the baby, citing the irreversible damage they believed the medicines had inflicted to her baby. They insisted that for the sake of her own health she should terminate the pregnancy.
But Pam was firm in her faith and refused the abortion as she had hope that her baby would be born without the potential disabilities that were predicted. She was steadfast even through several complications that almost caused her to lose the baby. She recalled making a pledge to God with her husband: if you deliver this son to us successfully, we’ll name him Timothy and we’ll train him to be a preacher.
Though the pregnancy was a difficult time for Pam and Bob, Pam eventually gave birth to a healthy baby boy on August 14, 1987. Staying true to her pledge, Pam’s son did indeed become a preacher. He preached in prisons, hospitals and even now continues to serve with his father’s ministry in the Philippines. But perhaps most impressive, Pam’s son found his own mission field—the gridiron.
Pam’s son is Tim Tebow.
Gainesville’s star quarterback became the first sophomore in history to win college football’s highest award: the Heisman Trophy. His success at the University of Florida eventually led to his time in the NFL.
God’s promises are always backed up with a plan. Pam and Bob decided to trust in God’s promise. And allowed God’s plan for Tim to unfold which has blessed many because of his presence in the world.
Click here to learn more about Joe Battaglia’s new book That’s My Dad – Thatsmydadmovement.org.
Leave a Reply