It seems to me that the greatest life changes occur after life and death moments. Soon after Mike gaining his proficiency card to climb alone, he fell backwards from the top of our local climbing wall. While lying on the rubberized flooring (where no gym mattresses had been positioned), and the paramedics and rock-climbing instructors were working to get him into a blow-up cocoon for transportation to hospital, Mike thought: “This is it… I’m never going to walk again…”
It was through his 3-month recovery time off school that Mike began to play his dad’s guitar. His interest in various gospel music artists was further developed at TeenSt an annual teen camp in Germany. However, it wasn’t until he became a deck hand on board the charity ship Logos II in the Caribbean that Mike came to really desire a full time role in the gospel music industry. He began saving for music studies with Nexus – Institute of Creative Arts in Coventry, UK.
Mike spent his last year on earth working hard and saving 80% of his wages to put himself through music school. Hour after hour in his spare time, he developed his guitar skills, particularly following groups like Kutless, Switchfoot, Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong Australia, and Casting Crowns. Mike videoed himself just two months before he passed away. It’s the only video we have of him playing a full song… Amazingly, it’s called “For the Love of God”
In the week leading up to his passing, Mike helped us redecorate the living room; and just 2 days before he left, he was out with his dad buying a DVD player (which turned out to be a TV and sound system package) and finding that it was more money than his dad had planned for, Mike said, “Oh well, you only live once!” Then on the evening of July 31st 2009, the family watched two movies together on the new system that Mikey had just set up. Next morning, his dad went to wake him for work and found he was gone…
It could be argued that Mike missed out on living out his dreams, desires and passions. But we know that he graduated to heaven and, as far as worship is concerned, he has certainly entered into the real deal now! To tell you more about this landscape altering event, check out the two books Breadcrumbs in the Storm and Mysterious . In the meantime, Mike’s legacy has become seed money that has been scattered aboard from India to England. Click the Testimonials page to find out more. His sister’s story has been televised in Brazil and South Korea and shown in several countries and situations since. Now, through MKT, we’re hoping to continue funding young people in music training to be used in praise of Mike’s Creator, in addition to our new focus: THIRST and bringing the Creator’s Living Water to the nations of the world.
Never forgotten, never forsaken, now and forever, we remember a brother that was taken.
you know, i never knew mike. he seems like a really, really awesome guy, and im sure i would have loved getting to know him. as i was reading this a song kept going through my head that completely reminded me of his life. and then i read that this song was from one of his favorite bands. the song is Only Hope, which goes “Sing to me the song of the stars
Of Your galaxy dancing and laughing
and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that You have for me over again”
I couldnt help but smile to myself about how this song parallels his life.
Just thought id give my thoughts, and to let you guys know ive been praying for you all.
Mike, I didn’t know about your son’s death until I click into your trust website. To walk with God is to surrender our self to His sovereignty. Though we may not understand, yet, He show
His love for us through the cross. Surely, Mike’s now on the better side and All Is Well… in His presence! You have taken the right path…press on!
I just wanted to say, that in 18 1/2 years, he lived more than most people live in a 70 year life time. I celebrate his life with you. His love for our Saviour and his desire to worship and serve Him.
Mike’s story reminds me that we live on earth once, then we die. What better way than to bring people closer to Jesus through a life given over 100% to the greatest Lord and Saviour this world has ever seen – Jesus Christ! God bless your family as you remember this amazing son & brother. It’s been amazing to follow him through these pages…
Cat Turnbull (ex-Douloi)
What a beautiful story and life. Besides being a good looking young man, he had a precious heart and spirit! From the little I read, I could tell God was preparing him for what was to come! Even though he lived 17 years, I know you wouldn’t change a thing. Knowing him for a short time is better than not at all. Loving him is worth the loss. I have been through the same thing, but my daughter lived until 13. I know she was “complete” and served her purpose in those short years. Mike touched and changed people and are continuing to change the course of life for many people. All for the glory of God. Hallelujah! Hugs to you and your family. Keep the faith and keep looking up! Ginger Reynolds