In 1944, Mr. and Mrs. Graham Hutchinson, originally from Australia, were led to join the China Inland Mission. During these years of service, the Japanese army invaded China, leading to Japan occupying most of eastern and central China. Because of the unrest, the mission board ordered the evacuation of all its missionaries in the affected areas. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Dunn were serving in the southwestern part of China along with the Hutchinsons. It was agreed that the safest and quickest evacuation route was a bumpy flight in a DC-3 over the “hump” of the Himalayas into India.
The Graham Hutchinsons were scheduled to fly out on the same plane as the Dunns. However, the plane ran out of seating before everyone was loaded. Although the childless Hutchinsons were already on board they noticed that Mrs. Dunn was obviously pregnant, and voluntarily chose to give up their seats for Peter’s mother and father. Peter’s parents landed safely in India but were devastated to learn that on the following flight on which the Graham Hutchinsons were flying, the plane crashed into the Himalayas, and everyone on board was instantly killed.
In her prayer time Mother felt led to name her first son after Mr. Graham Hutchinson in recognition of his ultimate sacrifice. Peter’s older sister, Rosemary, was born in India shortly after their arrival. Peter was born less than two years later in the city of Loshan in the province of Sechwan after his parents had safely returned to China to resume their work with the China Inland Mission. He was named Peter Graham after Mr. Graham Hutchinson. In 1983 when their son Thomas was born, Peter and LeAnna chose to name him Thomas Graham Dunn. Their business is named P. Graham Dunn – in honor of the sacrifice of Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson.
Posts
