Kidney donor Tim Ousley (left) and recipient Juan "Johnny" Hernandez

Juan "Johnny" Hernandez has been coping with kidney reflux for most of his life. This condition causes urine to flow back up from the bladder to the kidneys. In 1989, Hernandez had his first transplant with a cadaver kidney.

He lived a normal, active life and worked as a minister for many years. In 2007, however, his donated kidney began failing.

"We asked our church congregation to pray that we'd receive a kidney," says Hernandez's wife, Mary.

Tim Ousley, minister of the North Mission Church of Christ in Palmhurst where the Hernandez family worships, says he felt a "nudge" to explore the possibility of donating one of his kidneys to Hernandez.

"I sensed this was something God wanted me to do," Ousley says. "I did some research and found out you don't have to be a family member to donate a kidney. I also learned that donating a kidney wouldn't change my own life expectancy."

Hernandez and Ousley had the same blood type. Further testing at the South Texas Transplant Center revealed that they were a closer match than most family members.

The two men underwent surgery in January of 2009. Hernandez is doing well physically.

"I'm so grateful to Tim," says Mary Hernandez. "John's body is in good health because of the transplant."

"I feel great physically," Ousley says. "And I feel blessed because I've had a chance to meet so many nice and courageous people."

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