Bishop Beard suffers from glaucoma and has lost 95% of his sight in his right eye and 80% of his sight in his left eye. The Bishop underwent eye surgery on June 3 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The surgery went well on both eyes, but it will take up to six weeks before they will know how successful it was and if further surgery is needed. The Bishop has been granted personal medical leave from July 1 thru the end of 2021, which will allow him the time needed to care for his eyesight and make necessary adjustments for future ministry. Bishop Beard intends to return to his leadership post Jan. 1, 2022.