Last week James Goll was admitted to St. Thomas Mid Town Hospital in Nashville for surgery with Dr. Hubbard, a well-respected neurosurgeon. Not only is Dr. Hubbard an excellent surgeon, he is also a committed believer who was extremely encouraging in the entire the process of the surgery. Throughout the day, James was very encouraged by the entire staff at St. Thomas Hospital, many of whom, we found out, were also believers.
Following the surgery, Dr. Hubbard very optimistic and reported that he successfully removed the L5 disc and replaced it with a porous titanium spacer that James’s body will grow into. He was also able to remove much of the scar tissue that was present.
Within hours after the surgery, James was already able to get up and take a short walk in the hospital hallway. This is remarkable in contrast to his status following the previous surgery in June 2014. All of this is of course very encouraging, and we continue to believe for a full and complete healing.
Recovery Process
James was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday afternoon and is now home recovering. James continues to express gratitude for how well he seems to be doing. Obviously he still has pain due to the surgery, but this is expected to lessen dramatically as the healing process continues. For the next several weeks he will continue to limit any rigorous activity and in time will begin physical therapy.
Due to the recovery process, James has canceled all travel for the next three months and will be slowing his ministry schedule for the remainder of the year. This will clearly impact the primary income streams for the entire ministry of Encounters Network with its many expressions. But God always sees our need, and He is faithful to provide!
Update From James: Encouraging Dream
In the midst of his recovery, James was reminded of a dream he had on Sunday before being admitted to the hospital on Monday. Here is the dream in James’ own words:
“In the dream, when the surgeon cut me open he saw written in gold on my backbone the words ‘Never, Never, Never Give Up!’ The doctor was amazed and left my open back exposed for a while as people filed into the room to witness the sign and wonder, resulting in worship to the Lord.
“The dream was not literal in that when the doctor did the procedure, he obviously didn’t see these words written on my backbone. But in praying about this, I believe that it is a testimony that the Lord wants to release. Etched in the finest gold on the backbone of who I am are words of perseverance to encourage myself and others no matter what they face … keep your hand to the plow and never give up.”
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