God “shouted” at me that day not in thunders and lightning but right at my face saying, “I’m here Norbert, I’m right here.

Last year news of the shooting of Prof. Norbert Manzano in Novaliches, Quezon City shocked us.  Apparently robbers held them up at gun point and took their money and belongings.  Because of their criminal impulse, these people mercilessly shot Prof. Manzano on the face and then fled.  In a way, Prof. Manzano lived to tell his story.  We interviewed him about that ordeal, asking him a few questions.

CBS:  What were the medical findings of the accident? What were your injuries? 

Prof. Norbert Manzano (NM): The bullet went through my left cheek taking my two molars. It almost tore off my tongue by a thread. 

CBS: Sorry to ask you this but please describe to us the progression of ordeal you had from the scene of the crime to full recovery. 

NM: It was like a rush of everything. When I was hit I just fell as if something large and hard hit my face. All I can think of was my wife. I was already down and my fear was that she would be shot also. That moment was a revelation perhaps of my faith towards God. I lost all control of the situation and all I can do is to pray.  The accident had a numbing effect I guess. When I fell I forgot the pain. I also forgot all the questions in theodicy that I have and the fear of death.  Anyway, they brought me to the hospital and I was about to give up. I felt like I was going straight down the spiral. In fact, I fainted many times, perhaps due to the amount of blood I lost.  After I was operated and could breathe again. I felt a sense of peace although my adrenaline was still high. My uneasiness up to that time was the uncertainty of undergoing the same experience again. 

CBS: What was your greatest fear during those times?  Why? 

NM: Worry? Getting back to what I was doing before. I thought I will never be able to speak or preach again. 

CBS: Was there a particular Scripture from the Lord that kept coming back to you during those times of hardships? 

NM:  Job 13:15 rang in my mind—“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.” 

CBS: Suppose you recovered but couldn’t speak anymore, what do you think are you going to do? 

NM: Maybe kill myself (Laughs). Just kidding. Write would be the best alternative. 

CBS: How has this experience changed you? 

NM: It authenticated my faith even more, and made me feel more alive. It did not answer all my questions, but it somehow satisfied me temporarily. God “shouted” at me that day not in thunders and lightning but right at my face saying,  “I’m here Norbert, I’m right here." 

Policemen apprehended the perpetrators of the crime a few minutes after the shooting.  The criminals are now being tried for their crime.