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He’s Back: Jim's Miracle

By Robert Martin
March 6, 2006

"He left you before he hit the floor. He's gone, and he's not coming back."

The doctor's words penetrated the soul, crushing the heart and hopes of a prayerful young mother of two. Jim, Patsy's husband, collapsed to the floor on March 4 and was subsequently rushed to the emergency room. The doctors soon discovered that Jim had suffered a severe brain-stem stroke, as well as multiple strokes in his left and right hemispheres. Of his eight lobes, only three were not affected. Jim was in a comatose state, and tests revealed that most brain activity had ceased. Further tests revealed the reason for the stroke. Jim had suffered a complicated type 2 aortic dissection; in laymen's terms, Jim's aorta had completely detached from his heart, with the blood flow pushing the aorta into the upper chest cavity, away from the heart. The doctors stressed that this alone was a death curse, regardless of the incapacitating strokes. As a matter of fact, 99% of those afflicted with a simple aortic dissection die within the first ten minutes, much less an extremely rare complicated type 2 dissection.

On Saturday, the day after Jim collapsed, Patsy asked me to join her in conference with the main doctor. We entered a small room and received the dismal news. The doctor, armed with charts and diagrams, informed us that they were merely keeping the body "alive" through life support, and that Jim "was not there." Plans were made to remove the ventilator the next evening. There was absolutely nothing that could be done. The prognosis was agonizingly painful, and the future was hopelessly bleak.

In church the following morning, I was understandably burdened for the family. Jim was in his early 40s and Patsy was in her late 30s. Their two children, Sarah and Matthew, were 8 and 2. I informed the church of the situation, and we began to pray for the family. I told the church we had experienced similar losses in the past with other members and that our hearts were ready to help Patsy during her great loss. I told them we must be Sarah and Matthew's "father," doing whatever we could to help these children who would be left without a dad at such young ages. Although my faith for Jim was not strong, I then asked the church to pray for him because there was at least a "flicker" of life, albeit only artificial as far as the doctors were concerned. I prayed for a "miracle of grace," and the Holy Ghost began to move throughout the congregation as the saints began to travail.

I left the service and traveled to the hospital. My heart was heavy as I prepared to be with Patsy as life support was removed. When I arrived, I was led into Jim's room. I was awestruck at the miracle I beheld. Jim was whispering "I love you" to Patsy!

I got close to his ear and said, "Hey, Jim. It's Father Bob (Jim's name for me)." Jim said, "Father Bob!"

Patsy then informed me that a short while ago Jim had managed to reach through his restraints and pull the ventilator from his mouth. The doctor was incredulous as he entered the room. He slapped Jim's leg and said, "Jim, can you see me?" Jim jolted forward, leaning as far as he could, and said, "Man, you sure are ugly!"

In the hallway after these events, Patsy pressed the doctor concerning what happened. The doctor said, "All I can say is that profound prayers have gone up for Jim." Then he continued, as he was walking away, "He's back!"

Jim then had to be rushed into a 9-hour emergency surgery to repair the severed aorta. Jim's body would have to be frozen until all blood flow ceased. The doctor said Jim had only a 10% chance of surviving the dangerously risky surgery and that it was medically impossible for Jim to be alive with a severed aorta. Jim survived the intense, life-threatening surgery, after which the doctor shared his bewilderment: "I cannot tell you how he was getting any blood to his brain, much less any other part of his body." However, although he could not trace a source, the doctor said it was obvious that Jim's brain was getting sufficient blood flow, as evidenced by the extent of his mental capacity.

After stays in four hospitals, and after 19 scars and 29 pints of blood, Jim survived, and with the vast majority of his brain functions intact. His memory is good, although he struggles somewhat with short-term memory. His sense of humor persists. Jim said that Father Bob would have to start paying him royalties for using his story everywhere!

Jim had to go through rehab and care services for several months. While still in rehab, Patsy brought Jim to a special Sunday service in honor of Jim's miracle. Approximately 100 guests visited and witnessed Jim giving his testimony, proclaiming his thanks to God for giving him a second chance and a new lease on life. Later in the service Jim was baptized in Jesus' name, rejoicing in yet another miraculous milestone in his resurrected life.

The miracles did not end there. Sarah was baptized with her dad, making Jim a very proud man. He said he wanted to be baptized with Sarah so he could begin to show his children how they should live. He wanted to be an example in word and deed. Then, following the baptismal service, Jim proposed to Patsy again as a "new man." He said since he was a new man, the new man needed to marry Patsy. They then renewed their vows before the congregation.

Jim's rehab continues. The major problem he faces is a loss of sight. He can barely see and has some difficulty with a lack of strength in one hand. But for a "dead man" he's doing quite well!

Jim was released to go home on November 16. That Wednesday night Jim and his family came to church for a special Thanksgiving dinner. What a truly special time of heartfelt thanksgiving!

Jim comes to church regularly now. He is the first to stand and lift his hands, worshiping a wonderful Savior who pulled him back from death's door. When asked what he has to say about his experience, Jim responds, "Live everyday like it is your last, because you don't know what tomorrow holds."

Not only is Jim proof of this statement, he is a living example of God's miracle of grace.

The Voice of Pentecost family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana continues to rejoice with Jim in this notable miracle. God is certainly a present-day miracle worker, and, yes indeed, Jim is back!

ninetyandnine.com

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Robert W. Martin is the First Assistant Superintendent of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Editor of the organization's monthly magazine, the Apostolic Witness. He also serves as pastor of the Voice of Pentecost in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He loves to roll around on the floor and play with his three children - Alec (8), Noah (2), and Myla (1).