Friends marveled when he found the strength to attend the Rose Bowl on New Year's. In February, he and Jeannette took a two-week cruise to Hawaii. But the next month he sent a mass e-mail to friends:
"I am not happy with today's report on my CEA count (the cancer marker in my blood) from Tuesday; it has gone up again."
He added: "The cracking and rash on my hands, from my chemo drug, is getting worse. Today is the first day in memory that I feel my hands burning all the time."
THE voice of the teacher and minister ordained 41 years ago returned at the close of his e-mail: "Understand that I have so much for which to be thankful and positive; I thank God daily for life and energy to do things I enjoy. Thank you for your constant care and prayers."
In April, Scholer began teaching a class on the "Prison Epistles of Paul" at Bel Air Presbyterian Church. It's scheduled to last 12 weeks, and Scholer's determination continues to offer his students yet another lesson.
Watching Scholer has taught Fuller seminarian Allison Ash that "even facing death, I can be joyful and have a powerful impact on others." Ash wants to become a professor some day.
Also in April, Scholer wrote another e-mail to friends, reporting that his cancer marker had gone up again:
"Please pray that Jeannette and I will be able to accept the results with vibrant faith and courage. When these results are available and have been interpreted by my oncologist, I will report on the state of things. I and we are enjoying life and are hoping for many more years together; yet, our lives are in God's hands."
On May 4, at the 101st annual pastors' conference of the American Baptist churches of Los Angeles and the Southwest, Scholer spoke on "How the Gospel Shaped My Mind and Heart: My Long Journey of Faith and Obedience."
Walking slowly to the rostrum, he sat in a big chair in front of a microphone. While he spoke, he rubbed his knees, something he always does when his legs hurt, but he did it so naturally few seemed to notice.
Scholer then launched into one of his classic lectures, at turns funny, erudite and moving. At the end, after two standing ovations at the Mayfair Hotel near downtown Los Angeles, colleagues and former students spoke of his influence in their lives.
The Rev. W. James Kilinsky, pastor of One in Christ Church in National City, Calif., asked Scholer to share his wisdom in developing relationships with people he disagrees with.
