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 am having trouble sleeping, am constantly exhausted, and am 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.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and worsens over time. It is caused by the weakening, damage and death of nerve cells in parts of the brain leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, balance difficulties and impaired movement. The disease can also cause non-movement symptoms like depression, sleep problems and memory difficulties.
On Jan. 16, I shared our situation with the leaders of Big Creek Church, and they gave me their blessing to step out of my pastoral role at the church. On Sunday the 19th, I preached my last sermon at Big Creek Church. The video of the sermon, entitled, “Resilient in the Face of Life’s Challenges-Pastor John’s Retirement Message,” is posted on Big Creek Church’s YouTube Channel. Nancy and I will now begin the task of preparing our home to sell! Once we sell our home in Yukon, Missouri, we plan to move to Idaho and build a small dwelling on my daughter and son-in-law’s property.
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 desire 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