American Faces No. 103
John Schuler, American Faces subject No.103, is a man of deep experience, who could be described in many ways. For this story, on this day, I want to introduce you to John, the Difference Maker. But in case you were wondering, yes, he is also THAT John Schuler, the third-generation shoe company owner who was instrumental in growing Schuler Shoes to the well known and respected company it is today, with 10 stores in Minnesota. Today, under the equally strong leadership of John’s sons and daughter, Schuler Shoes continues to grow and is expected to flourish well into the future. But this story is not about a shoe company. It's about John, who in his distant past (1970s) was once a decade-long drug addict, wandering far from a “straight and narrow” path. But this story is not about John’s past. It’s about right now, and it’s about the future. But to understand John’s future, it helps to know just a little about where he’s been.
It’s often said that behind every good man is a great woman. John’s wife Nancy certainly is great. She loved him through his tumultuous meth-infused days. And she believed in the man he would become. Encouraged by her support and faith, John knew he needed to change his life. John came to understand that true change, and victory over drugs, could only be possible through a relationship with Jesus as his Savior.
I know some of you may stop reading right there… well don’t. There’s much more to the story.
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Here’s where the “difference maker” part kicks in. John has made local service his personal “mission field.” He believes there is so much to do, so much need, right here in our own neighborhoods. John has been a crucial impact partner with Shawn Morrison with the organization, Good in the ‘Hood (American Faces No.85), doing shoe drives, originally through Schuler Shoes. The shoe drives have rapidly expanded as Good in the ‘Hood has grown its various outreaches. Last year alone 196 Shoe Events provided 18,379 pairs of shoes to people in need. Through a related Good in the ‘Hood ministry/outreach program, a total of 2,179 people received much needed help through free foot clinics. John Schuler helped put many shoes on Minnesotans as a retailer, but through his service to the community, John’s heart for helping people continues to shine on.
John’s local impact goes far beyond shoes. His heart for people is evident in so many ways. For him, not just about doing good. He wants to see people’s lives changed. He wants people to find Jesus because of how he is living. But John isn’t the street corner preacher type. He seems more the kind of guy who will sit with you and listen, and share life for a while. From what I can see, John is a man doing his best to live out what Jesus taught – to "Love your neighbor as yourself."
John has recently endured so much. Now in his late 70’s, John is recovering from throat cancer and is missing half his tongue. He’s had a stroke, and another health hiccup or two along the way. While his speech may at times take some patience to understand, his heart for people speaks loud and clear. And through it all, John finds strength in his faith. This is a man who lives by a verse of Scripture imprinted on the bracelet he wears. It says:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
When we talked, I saw John as a man who loves his Lord, his wife and his family. And through his generous service to his community, I see that he also loves his fellow man as himself. He truly is a “Difference Maker.”
As you read this I hope you might also be spurred on to impact the world around you. Be a “difference maker” – love and serve your neighbors, whoever they may be.
Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios
Editing by: Scott Whitman
