By Mary Catherine Reeder

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A shark attack. Unexpected, uncontrollable, unpredictable. In that moment, we had no plan, no way to be prepared, and no understanding of the extraordinary journey that lay ahead for our son.

The Reeders, a family of six with a deep love for God’s creation—especially the ocean—seized the opportunity to spend two unforgettable weeks in the beautiful Florida Keys. On a sunny day at Looe Key, the water calm and crystal-clear, ten-year-old Jameson Jr. dove into the turquoise waters, collecting shells and capturing footage of a majestic sea turtle with his GoPro. Neither he or his family saw the eight-foot bull shark. It struck with ferocity, tearing muscle and skin from his leg below the knee.
They were nine miles offshore and even farther to a hospital. His parents feared the worst, but in those critical moments, strangers from other boats came to assist, and through a string of unusual circumstances, Jameson Jr. was transported to Miami Children's Hospital for emergency surgery to save his life, but not his leg. Through it all, Jameson Jr. was not only calm but joyful. He shouldn’t have lived, but he’d said Jesus would save him. Despite losing his leg and in immense pain, Jameson Jr. was focused on comforting his family, friends, the staff and children at the hospital, and anyone who crossed his path. Word of his inspiring, drew the attention of others, including professional athletes and, of course, the media.
Rescue at the Reef is the inspiring true story of a young boy's indomitable spirit, unwavering faith, and ability to comfort those around him despite his personal challenges and pain. Against unimaginable odds, he brought hope not just to his family, but to the doctors, nurses, and children in the hospital, and to strangers along the way. Jameson Reeder Jr.'s story is a testament to the strength of human connection and the belief that with God, we can keep moving forward—no matter the obstacles. Remarkably, Jameson not only returned to playing baseball but also found the courage to swim once again in the very waters where the shark attack occurred. He had faced his own Goliath—and triumphed.

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On Sale: May 13, 2025
Page Count: 224 pages
Publisher: Worthy Books
ISBN-13: 9781546007807

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Jameson Reeder

About the Author

Jameson Reeder is the founder and president of Urban Village, a non-profit movement designed as church for people who don’t go to church in global cities of the western world. Jameson speaks about this ministry frequently in churches around the United States.

Mary Catherine Reeder is a board-certified Assistant Behavior Analyst who coaches parents and other caregivers of children with Autism and related disabilities. She helps kids with Autism to live, work, and play in their communities as independently as possible.

Jameson and Mary live in North Carolina with their four children: Jameson, Jr., Noah, Eliana, and Nehemiah.

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