Personal letter from Don Schneider

[Stan]

Subject: Fw: Personal letter from Don Schneider

Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 21:49:30 -0500

This is a letter from Don Schneider, President of the North American

Division of SDA and I am sure he will appreciate your prayers.

You may have been aware that over the past weeks I have been seeing

the doctors to learn what is going on with my vision. My eyesight

has been getting progressively worse over the past few months.

My optometrist referred me to a retinal specialist who found that

my eyes are in very good health. He, in turn, scheduled me to see

an ocular neurologist, which I have not yet seen. In the meantime,

Dennis Carlson pushed me to talk to Lyn Behrens during Annual

Council. She found that Dr. Howard Gimbel, noted ophthalmologist

and head of Loma Linda's ophthalmology department, would be at the

General Conference the following day. After looking at my records

but without benefit of personal examination, he suspected cataracts

and suggested I go to a general ophthalmologist.

Thursday I saw that ophthalmologist, the one who treated Fred

Kinsey's wife recently. He ordered an additional test and an MRI

which was done on Friday. Late Friday afternoon Dr. Baum, the

ophthalmologist, set up an appointment for me for next Tuesday with

a neurosurgeon. It was found that I have a tumor very close to the

pituitary gland that appears to be putting pressure on the optic

nerve . . . thus my deteriorating eyesight. The tumor will need to

be removed.

That is all I know at this time. I don't know how long the surgery

will take, what to expect for recovery, nor even when it will be

scheduled.

I cancelled my preaching appointment at Bass Academy (because I

couldn't make the flight) and the rest of my itinerary for the next

week and a half.

Gordon Retzer, who was a minuteman and spoke in my place, called me

just before his sermon, put me and the entire audience together by

speaker phone, and Marti and I were part of the congregational

prayer. It was a very moving time. Then, he made a mistake and

somehow left the phone connected so that Marti and I were able to

hear the entire sermon. It was a great message! Gordon reminded us

to trust God even when we cannot see far into the future. I was one

of those who recommitted my life to God when Gordon made a call.

I will let you all know more as soon as I know. For right now, I

have told you all that I know.

Don

[Naomi]

Yes, it is a major concern. Have been praying for his complete recovery.

[Amelia]

Quote:

Then, he made a mistake and

somehow left the phone connected so that Marti and I were able to

hear the entire sermon.

That's no mistake, that's God!

[there buster]

I just heard from someone who knows:

Quote:

Good news. Believe it to be a non-malignant, cyst-type tumor which he will drain and remove most of the tissue. . . Expect his vision to return to near his normal vision.

Ordinarily I would not share this sort of thing, but I believe it's appropriate to share good news and encouragement. I know there are many who really care. Keep praying that all will go well.

[Gail]

Not only is it appropriate, but very good! The Bible says, "How lovely upon the mountain are the feet of him who brings good news!"

Thanks!

[Naomi]

Praise Be To God