'Miracle' as pastor returns from deep freeze
Pastor Ray McCauley's recovery since heart surgery in May has been called a "miracle".
The Rhema Bible Church founder had an emergency operation after suffering a major heart attack on the eve of an interdenominational prayer day before the World Cup.
This week, church administrator Giet Khosa revealed how the severity of the procedure required McCauley's brain to be frozen for 10 hours.
"Medical science has proven that when someone has a heart attack, lowering body temperature can prevent brain damage," he said. "So can cooling the brain itself.
"Medically, we were advised that the chances of survival were very low, but God has done a miracle in Pastor Ray because he is recovering at an amazing rate. Even doctors are surprised at the speed of his recovery."
Khosa, who said he had been authorised to speak about McCauley's medical condition, said doctors ruled out brain damage.
McCauley's recovery comes amid rumours that he is reconciling with former number two wife, Zelda. Several sources - including senior church members and former pastors still in contact with congregants - claim Zelda moved in with McCauley, causing the church to intervene.
McCauley was allegedly fired last month, and the dismissal later retracted and replaced with suspension provided he had no contact with Zelda.
But Khosa denied this and said the church and the International Federation of Christian Churches, of which McCauley is president, came to an "agreement" on McCauley.
"I can categorically say that Pastor Ray was not fired or put on suspension at all. There is an agreement that he is on sabbatical for his health, giving him time to recover fully," said Khosa. "Zelda never moved back. Those were rumours.
"It's true that she went over to see him. Pastor Ray and Zelda have children. From time to time they will need to talk about family matters that involve the children.
"The Rhema board and IFCC leadership is aware of that."
McCauley's son Joshua also denied the rumours. He indicated he would stand by his father, even if McCauley and his former step-mother decided to reconcile.
"That's up to him, that's his decision. I'll always be my dad's son no matter what," he said.
Zelda's attorney, Kevin Hacker, said she had no comment on what she considered a private matter.
Khosa said McCauley had recovered enough to leave home and attended at least three services, much to the delight of congregants who welcomed him with a standing ovation, but was still not allowed back at work.
The big church's executive board is overseeing its day-to-day affairs and, along with the IFCC, running Sunday services.