04 Aug Polly Dunten Back Home

Polly and her daughters.

Polly Dunten is home, after undergoing surgery last Monday to remove a brain tumor. She spent two more days than expected at the Cleveland Clinic, but on Saturday she made the three-hour trip back to Findlay, Ohio. Her husband, Darwin, pastor of First UB church in Findlay, sent me this note yesterday (and there’s more on Polly’s blog).

Currently, Polly is resting at home. She has vertigo very bad and has double vision. In the near future, Polly will have to meet with an optical neurologist. She will also have physical therapy in the next few weeks. Currently, she is using a walker and a wheelchair to get around. The doctor stated that Polly will be out of commission for at least two months.

Bishop, I cannot thank the UB church enough for the support we received during the past month.  We were contacted by individuals from all over the world. Brooks Fetters also contacted us (he had a surgery similar to this 14 years ago). He spent an hour and a half on the phone with Polly and really helped her prepare for this surgery. We received notes of encouragement from pastors who went through much worse situations with their wives in recent years than what I went through. I know it was tough for them, but it was encouraging.

God was really with us. Scriptures really came to life during this past week. I am reminded of Romans 8:25-27 and the intercession of the Holy Spirit; the power of holding up the leader as seen by Moses, Aaron, and Hur; and the power of intercessory prayer when the individual is so weak to continue.

Last Sunday, we had an anointing service for Polly following church. Polly and I talked on the way to Cleveland and we both had the same reaction. We were so emotionally exhausted that we were numb during the service. It was the church that held us up. Not only our church but the UB church.

We also learned the importance of worship. We continued to listen to worship songs during this time. That was extremely comforting and uplifting.

Thank you and the church for your support. We have seen God work. We have seen the grace and mercy of God this past week. I am thankful and I praise the Lord.

We were prepared to praise the Lord regardless of the outcome. We know that God is using this situation for his glory. We have already seen good as a result. We are thankful for the outcome and we are thankful to you the church and the Lord.