Some call it positive thoughts, good vibes, or healing energy that can travel across oceans and warm a troubled heart. I call it “The power of prayer”. It is not that I just think it may work, I testify to its miraculous, powerful effects.
My pen has been asleep for a very long time. I am waking it up because I need you. I need you, brothers and sisters, from around the globe to join me in prayer.
Sitting on my balcony on this picturesque, rainy autumn day in Sweden, I am hoping to contact a remarkable man in another part of the world. I hope to contact him before he is admitted for surgery tomorrow. He has been in a blessed country for eight long months trying to finally get rid of a chronic infection in his left leg. He is hoping to be fit for the extraction of the old hip prosthesis and replacement with a new one. It has been an unfortunate, distressing five-year journey since his first hip replacement attempt. A replacement with a computer-customized prosthesis will be done tomorrow. His body and mind have been healing. They will accept the prosthesis and he will recover and go back home. Amen!
This humble man has dealt with excruciating, debilitating pain in the middle of a pandemic, challenging him enormously both physically and mentally. But whoever doubted that the resilient spirit of that unique man from Sherrif’s Village, Gingerland would help him to bounce back? His humility, faith in the goodness of people (many angels in our community stood by his side and never left him alone) and his increasing faith in God have brought him this far. The infections are gone, he will be suitable for surgery tomorrow and it will be a great success. After some weeks of therapy, he will be able to walk again, stronger than ever. AMEN!! Let’s form a circle and pray. God is with him and will carry him during the entire process and make him whole. We are with him!
Who in Nevis does not know Sensei Vincent Maynard? Who did not see the lights turned on in that old Anglican Church Hall building in Gingerland around 6 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday or in Bath Village Community Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays? Who did not hear the jubilant, resounding shout of “KIYA!” from adults and children on those nights?
During the first six years of my life in Nevis, I just drove past that building on Hanleys Road. One evening, while driving back home from Best Buy Supermarket in Gingerland, I asked my son what he wished for his 5th birthday. I was expecting him to name a toy, but he excitedly said, “Carry me to that place. I want to learn karate in that place. “
We arrived exactly as the group was reciting the virtues that I ended up learning by heart, because not only did my children become students but I also joined. What powerful teaching statements for youth and adults to incorporate into our daily lives! Do you know them? One of them sticks with me to this day: “Keep the fighting spirit of karate”. In spite of my own health challenges, I try to keep that spirit every day!!!
Sensei Maynard’s great persona filled that big hall. Children looked at him with a respect not given even to their parents or other authorities. His lessons went beyond kicks and punches, his kind, firm baritone voice dominated the space.
We started. I need to confess that I, maybe excessively, was always making sure that my children were not disrespectful at any time or too playful. I was scolding them when Sensei reminded me very calmly that he was the one in charge. That hour was such a relief for my mind. With toughness but love, he became from that first day part of my children’s upbringing, part of my history in my beloved Nevis. Part of the lives of so many.
Who in Nevis does not recall Sensei Vincent Maynard’s confident walk, sincere, pure smile, strong grip and way of looking so deep in our souls each time we crossed his path?
His love for humanity went beyond those walls and karate lessons. His discipline, his toughness and empathy left an indelible impression on many generations. He has seen children grow to become black belts; many are tremendously successful in life. His students are in our Federation and all over the world. The virtues recited and taught by him shaped many.
I was reading with delight the many articles about the 35 years of independence of our nation and the deserved recipients of the star of merit. In my modest opinion, which, however, I find shared with many, Vincent Maynard fulfills all the virtues of a hero. With all his flaws like any of us, he gave his body and soul to the discipline of karate since it opened its doors in Nevis in 1998. Along with his talented wife Marcia, he took many youths out of the path of destruction and gave them a sense of belonging. He was a mentor to our wonderful sensei Stacy who is now also shaping new generations. He mentored many black belts like sensei Dr. George Roberts, Nicki Johnson, Erlin Weeks, Harry Yearwood, Richard Lupinacci, Dexter Bowrin, Ezwarna and more.
My pen has woken up again to ask YOU to join me in prayer. Prayers that can travel to his debilitated body after such a long journey and help him heal. Prayers that can travel to his heart and know that we are with him. Prayers that can touch and guide those involved in his care from now to his full recovery.
I close my eyes and imagine him walking again without pain, using that strength and discipline to convert that prosthesis into an ally in his path to recovery. In his path to re-invent himself, in his re-start because he deserves it. I am praying to see him smiling without distress and sadness, without worries for now being a receiver rather than a giver. I know that pain too well. I am picturing him again in that building in Gingerland, with re-ignited energy, filling that room again and the hearts of many with an even greater persona. I am seeing him explaining in his bold, honest way the reasons behind the techniques of karate. teaching that we must learn to defend ourselves but not to attack, that life, in spite of everything, is a blessing. He is a blessing! He will have that last surgery and it will go well. He will go back home walking! It will happen!!! Once more, the family from around the globe, let’s unite in prayer!
Postdatum: I wrote the above 3 weeks ago. Sensei Maynard had his operation. His post-surgery was free of pain and filled with hope. He sent us a video that made me go on my knees and brought tears of happiness to my eyes. Vincent is already stepping outside of his cousin’s house, shirtless, enjoying a sunny day. He is smiling without ANY pain, learning how to WALK again. Many have helped along the way. What a journey!
I celebrate you, a bus driver who went off your route to deliver his medicines or groceries; to you, a nurse who went all the way to his house and attended to him; to you, neighbor who carried him to the hospital when he could not bear the pain; to you, Four Season’s homeowner who decided not to go golfing but went to “find that man” who could not be your trainer anymore and you were in awe to see his unpretentious way of living.
I celebrate and pray for abundant blessings to YOU, his loving sister V who decided to take your brother’s hand and is making sure he returns to completeness. To you, blessed cousin Y who is nurturing him to health.
To our government, the NIA contributes to the colossal expenses he is going through. He has been able to remain positive since this unexpected journey started in 2017, despite the health complications and the difficulties caused by the pandemic because many earth angels never left his side.
Now the surgery is over, a long recovery time is ahead. He is expected to need around four months of daily physiotherapy sessions before he can travel back to Nevis to continue with therapy back home. By this October 2022 he has managed to pay almost half of his pricey bills that increase by the day. God will make a way. Our community always does wonders. We can begin today with powerful showers of prayers, strong enough to reduce any type of physical discomfort and produce healing.
Vincent Maynard is a real giver. Sensei never asks for anything; He never focused his life on building material things but on building character in others. He has concentrated his life on giving his best to our beloved Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
I am so honored to be and feel part of you, even from far away. During these ten years of constant challenges and treatment, YOU have let me know that you are praying for me, those prayers have helped me to get up each time this chronic condition forced me to sink. You are part of the miracle of my life! I am sorry for not updating you about my journey for a long time. I have been kind of busy living, holding down that “C” condition and raising up hope. I promise to let you know the many unthinkable blessings I am living despite the storms. This is October. It is breast cancer awareness month, and though it brings so many memories of our campaigns, today, let’s focus on our Sensei.
If you want to know more about our dearest Sensei’s status you may contact Nurse Roxane Brookes at 1-869- 6628934.
Sensei Maynard’s AC# at Bank of Nevis (formerly RBTT) is 20495
My friends, after sharing this text with YOU, I am at peace. We human beings have so much in common. It does not matter where we come from, our profession, or our language. I can attest to that once more from this distant Nordic country which is so full of magic and love. The world is only one. We only have one life. Why not use it by helping one another? Thank you. God bless you.
Much love,
Dr. Jessica Bardales
4-time breast cancer warrior.