"THAT STIFF-NECKED HOLLANDER"

As the nine weeks of the Sea to Sea tour to end the cycle of poverty comes to a close, I just want to say THANK YOU to all of the riders, volunteers and staff who participated in any way. I also want to say THANKS again to all who supported my fundraising efforts and also for those who have now supported me in prayer. I have traveled along on a daily diet of Reading and praying through "Reflectors" (daily devotional, as well as through Facebook, emails, and several blogs.
I just had my third surgery on my cervical spine on Monday (Aug. 19). This time, the surgeon went through the back of the neck and took x-rays from angles not permitted before. Instead of fusing two discs, they found considerable problems and ended up fusing from C3-C7 with titanium rods and screws. This has considerably reduced my mobility in that area. I am now referred to as "that stiff-necked Hollander" with good reason. The last words from my Dr. before I left the hospital yesterday... "In one week, I expect you to be on your bike trainer, and in six weeks I expect that you will be riding again." Although I could not ride the tour as planned, I look forward to riding my bike again, with the full knowledge that every $ that God enabled me to raise will be put to good use.
Thanks to my church family and everyone else for being there for us throughout this ordeal. God is good!

Thanks again for your prayers, support, and encouragement,
Pastor Ken Prol
http://revkennethprol.blogspot.com/

http://revkennethprol.blogspot.com/2013/08/that-stiff-necked-hollander.html 
revkenp@gmail.com    

Surgery # 3 is Scheduled!

I have had two surgeries on my cervical spine (March 25 and May3). The first one failed when the vertebrae broke where the screws were attached. That was repaired and re-done on May 3. Well, something shifted since surgery and there is pressure on the nerves again. (IOW, PAIN!) I am now scheduled for a third surgery on August 19. I am so not looking forward to this surgery! I am told that going through the back of the neck is difficult, because of all the nerves there. Dr would not say whether or not I will be in a brace again this time. It depends on how well the plate and screws attach on this double fusion.

The only thing I am looking forward to is an end to this pain! Surgery # 1 was on March 25, surgery #2 on May 3, and now #3 on Aug. 19. That makes for 4 lumbar surgeries and 3 cervical spine surgeries. Five of these surgeries in five years (since I came to WI). I appreciate your prayers and support through these surgeries. I am also extremely grateful for the financial support of Sea to Sea that has now reached $ 8,500.00! I received another $ 250.00 min donations on Monday!! My passion for ending the cycle of poverty is stronger now, than when I first decided to join the ride last year. If you would still like to make a donation to this worthy cause, the deadline is August 24.   http://www.seatosea.kintera.org/pastorkenprol    Donations over $ 10.00 will receive a tax-deductible receipt.

I am more than just a little disappointed over not being able to join the Sea to Sea bike ride in Grand Rapids, MI as had been planned. I trust God to lead and guide me into the future, just as he has in the past! My original intent was to ride about 825 miles, ending in Montreal, Canada. It is still my intent to ride the equivalent miles in this area of Wisconsin when I am fully healed.
I covet your prayers as I travel this road again.
Pastor Ken Prol