Training as an athlete often means maintaining a heightened situational awareness. A group of middle school boys on the Kepler School volleyball team demonstrated that ability in spades; because of it, they helped to save a life.

Team members were jogging in downtown Fresno as part of their conditioning when one of them saw the figure of a person dangling from the Stanislaus Bridge. That person was a 47-year-old woman, who Fresno police later confirmed had intended to end her life.

When they saw her, the boys ran over to the bridge and launched an impassioned campaign to bring her safety. While the boys’ coach called 911 on his phone, they chanted and pleaded with her to hold on, telling her not to give up and that her life was worth it.

Police spokesman Mark Hudson said that after being questioned, the woman was considered a danger to herself, and was transported to a mental health facility for further observation. When asked about the boys’ intervention, Hudson called it “absolutely incredible.”

“These young men stepped up when no one else could,” said Timothy Yeager, Kepler School’s Director of Student Services. “Words fail to do justice to how incredibly proud we are of these Kepler scholars and Coach Elliot’s leadership.”

Potential Preaching Angles: When we’re empowered by the spirit, we don’t have to let things like our age or our qualifications get in the way of making a difference. All of us a precious in God’s sight and God is honored when we show compassion and mercy to those in dire need.

Sharon Song, “A miracle happened!' Fresno boys credited for helping suicidal woman,” KTVU.Com (4-9-19)