"Why do we think that we can create something better than God in terms of combating disease?” – Ron Johnson

“Why do we think that God is not using scientists to answer our prayers for healing and life in this pandemic?” – Rev. Steve Nelson, Tom’s dad

True story. When my son Tom Nelson (candidate for US Senate) was nine months old he was a very sick boy.

We found him in his parsonage crib on the Sunday before Christmas 1976 in obvious distress. He was feverish and stiff. As we talked and prayed and wondered what to do, it became clear to us that we had to act. We called the ambulance.

In rural Stockholm, Wisconsin, this meant calling the man who wore many hats—funeral director, furniture salesman, and on this morning, ambulance driver. In short order he and his assistant arrived, loaded our son into the coach, and took off for St. John’s Hospital in Red Wing, Minnesota, 30 miles distant.

Thomas’ doctor met us there. He examined him, noted his rapid pulse, and began to treat his heart condition. He was a sincere Christian, and each time he came in to see Tom he also offered a prayer.

Through the afternoon, however, Thomas became sicker and sicker. Finally, with the prodding of my Mom (“Steve, you have to do something!”), I requested a second opinion.

A pediatrician from the clinic came, took one look at Thomas, ordered a spinal tap, and within minutes Tom was on his way to the ICU. The lab test confirmed Dr. Schulenberg’s suspicion: spinal meningitis.

Our prayers for Thomas were answered in the person of a pediatrician experienced in childhood diseases. He used a cocktail of antibiotics to help Tom fight for his life. He was an answer to the other doctor’s prayer. Our pediatrician used faith and the latest and best medical science to save our son. If we had stuck with the first doctor Tom would not be here today.

Please support my son, Tom, in his bid to defeat Ron Johnson.

This reminds me of an old story I used in my preaching days. A very devout guy is in his house when horrendous rains start falling. The water begins to rise, and before long it becomes a major flood. The roads are covered in water making driving impossible. After a while a boat comes along.

A rescue worker in the boat yells, “Come on! We’re here to save you! Get in the boat!” The guy in the house responds, “No! I’ve got faith that God will save me!”

After an unsuccessful rescue attempt, the boat leaves. The water continues to rise, and the guy is forced up to the second floor of his home.

The county sheriff’s boat comes along, and the sheriff yells, “Come on! You are going to drown if you don’t get in the boat.” From his second floor window the guy says, “No! I’ll be okay! I have faith God will save me.” The boat moves on.

The house, except for a small part on the roof, is submerged in water. The guy is on the roof as a helicopter hovers overhead. The pilot shouts out, “This is your last chance! Climb up the ladder to safety! If you don’t come now you’re going to drown!”

The guy hollers, “No, thanks! God is going to save me!” The pilot shrugs his shoulders and flies away.

The house is covered, and the guy is swept away by the flood waters. He ascends to the Pearly Gates, where God is waiting for his arrival.

He asks God, “What happened? I have been devoted to you and had absolute faith that you would save me. Why did you let me down?”

God answers back, “What more do you want? I sent you two boats and a helicopter!”

I firmly believe God is using medical science, including vaccinations, to save us today. Ron Johnson only believes in his own lies. Please, help my son defeat him by donating today. Any amount helps: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/nelson-jan22-fr

Peace to you! Pastor Steve Nelson, Tom’s Dad