Aides Optimistic About Schuller’s Return

Aides to the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, who has undergone two brain operations in Amsterdam because of a head injury, said Thursday that they were optimistic about the televangelist’s chances to return home in time for his 65th birthday Monday.

While the results of a Thursday CAT scan were not available, the media director of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove said the outlook for the ministry’s founder and pastor appears to be good.

“It’s like everybody around here is just breathing a sigh, and things look positive,” said spokesman Larry Sonnenburg. “He’s been resting and doing well, and hopefully next week we’ll have him back here.”

Schuller underwent emergency brain surgery Sept. 2 after developing a blood clot in the left side of his head, reportedly caused when he bumped his head while getting into a car. Doctors had to operate again on Tuesday because of bleeding caused by the initial surgery, but cathedral co-pastor Bruce Larson labeled that only “a remedial” operation. The Thursday CAT scan was to check the healing progress since the second surgery.

The televangelist’s son, the Rev. Robert A. Schuller, returned home from Amsterdam on Wednesday and said that he and Larson would fill in at the pulpit for at least six weeks. Despite the lengthy healing period ahead, Schuller said his father appeared ready to resume his place on the “Hour of Power,” his internationally syndicated religious broadcast.