The Rev. Scott Schmieding sat in an examination room at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston where a surgeon had just examined a malignant tumor in the center of his tongue.
The tumor was spreading rapidly, the doctor told him. Surgeons would have to remove most, if not all, of the preacher’s tongue, and he might never be able to swallow on his own. His speech would likely be unintelligible.
In that moment, Schmieding was not afraid of death or the physical ordeal that he faced. He knew heaven awaited him if he were to die. But he wondered about his calling if he survived. How could he spread the word of God if he couldn’t speak?
Seasoned Pastors Reveal Regrets in Ministry – Christian Post
Pastor Charles Swindoll’s Views on Retirement – Orlando Sentinel