FOR much of his career studying scripture, professor David Scholer of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena puzzled over a line from 1 Thessalonians:
\o7Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
\f7He resisted a part of the verse: How did one "give thanks in all circumstances"? In tragedy? Sickness?
Then came cancer and Scholer, a teacher all his life, embarked on what may be his greatest lesson, for his students and for himself.
Every morning, when the 68-year-old Scholer gets out of bed, one of his first thoughts is: " I wish I could have just one more normal day."
But since Scholer was diagnosed with colorectal cancer five years ago that has spread to both lungs, normal days are rare. His fingers and toes tingle constantly, and his voice, once a pipe organ, is hoarse: side effects of chemotherapy and nine other medications he takes daily. He must use a colostomy bag and he requires nine to 10 hours of nightly rest and sometimes a nap as well.
He has surprised his doctors by surviving this long. His oncologist, Dr. Kalust Ucar, says Scholer's case is unique.
"It's off the books and off the charts," he said.
Scholer, an internationally renowned New Testament scholar, keeps up a global ministry through hundreds of e-mails, letters and cards each day. He remains one of the most popular professors on campus.
At the beginning of each course, Scholer announces that he has incurable cancer, but he is so animated when he speaks, it's hard to remember that. The only give-away is that he lectures sitting down -- and, when he walks, takes careful steps and uses a cane.
During one class on the Acts of the Apostles and Pentecost, Scholer, with a big smile on his face, lifted his Bible to make a point. When discussing a class paper, he told his students they could pray for God's guidance, but "the Holy Spirit is not going to write your assignment for you. It only comes by sweat -- hard work." His remark made them smile.
He's widely known for his support of feminists and other groups not accepted in some Christian circles.
"He has the love in his heart for people, regardless of any situation and where they are," said the Rev. Gary Clark, an American Baptist minister who went to seminary with Scholer when they were in their 20s. "That's what bonds people with him."
