Yukon, Missouri

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Dear Family & Friends,

The Bible wisely reminds us that, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:  a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…”  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 ESV

Nancy and I recently recognized that we have entered a new season of life!

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in late 2019 and until last year was able to manage the symptoms with only mild medication and lots of exercise! But in 2024, I began to have serious problems with one of my knees and haven’t been able to continue my exercise regimen. In recent months, my symptoms have escalated and I’m having trouble sleeping. I’m constantly exhausted and I’m finding it more and more challenging to move and walk normally! While we love living in rural Missouri and have seen God’s blessing on our ministry at Big Creek Church, the undeniable fact is that Parkinson’s Disease seems to be progressing in my body and we feel the need to prepare to put our house on the market and to move closer to family.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

“Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and gets worse over time. It is caused by the weakening, damage, and death of nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, difficulty with balance, and impaired movement. The disease can also cause non-movement symptoms like depression, sleep problems, and memory difficulties.”[1]

What’s Next?

On January 16th I shared our situation with the leaders of Big Creek Church and they gave us their blessing to step out of my pastoral role at the church after January 19th. I will preach my last sermon at Big Creek Church on the 19th and then after completing any remaining administrative responsibilities, Nancy and I will give ourselves in earnest to the task of preparing our home to sell! Once we sell our home in Yukon, Missouri, we plan to move to McCall Idaho and build a small dwelling on my daughter and son-in-law’s property. (Lena & Lance Mallow)

 We Value Your Prayers!

As the Lord brings us to your mind, please pray for this transition. There are numerous details and decisions for which we’ll need wisdom and strength. In all of this, our chief concern is to bring honor and glory to our Heavenly Father!

“…According to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:20-21 NASB

Sincerely,

John & Nancy Schaeffel

[1] https://search.brave.com/search?q=what+is+Parkinson%27s+disease%3F&source=desktop&summary=1&conversation=7b093df3765c79e92787c5, Accessed 1/18/25