WILKESBORO, N.C. — Sunday mornings at Grace Baptist Church in Wilkesboro haven't been the same without Pastor Ryan Marlow.
Last fall, listeria nearly took his life.
His wife's quick reaction likely saved his life just minutes before doctors would have donated his organs.
In the weeks and months since, he has gone through rehab and is now back home with his wife and three children.
This Easter Sunday, inside the little brick church on the hill, the man who doctors once thought to be brain dead, found himself back in church.
"I'm partial but this is the best church there is, I believe. We love our people here and they love us back. They love Ryan as their pastor," said Ryan's wife, Megan Marlow.
She says his communication and motor skills are getting stronger.
This week, with some assistance, Ryan stood for the first time since August.
A moment, his wife says, even impressed the physical therapists.
"The first time just standing up off of his chair or a mat, so that was very exciting to get to see and he was so proud of himself, he just smiled real big," said Megan.
Pastor Ryan, as he is still known by his church family, was not only the lead pastor, he was also the music director.
Although he may not be standing with the choir, just yet, you'll still find him leading them nearby.
"We actually live close to one another so we got to follow him coming here and I couldn't help but think what a blessing it is, like a tremendous blessing it is to have him back in our church and to see where God has brought him to and from. It's just amazing," said Kristin Staley.
Kristin Staley has known Ryan and his family for many years.
She said the uncertain journey he has traveled since August is nothing short of a miracle.
"Ryan has never put himself above anybody, so with everything that has happened to him and to see how far he's come is just a blessing after blessing and a testimony for anybody," said Staley.
Soon they hope a speaking valve for his trachea will help Ryan do what he has been waiting to do for months.
"He says after talking, he wants to preach. Never mind food and walking, he just wants to talk and preach," said Megan.
Ryan's wife Megan says he continues to get stronger every day.
Everyone in the congregation at Grace Baptist is looking forward to the day he can stand before them in that pulpit and share the good news.