Michael Richard Fulmer

First I just want to say Jenny and Lee thank you for sharing your dad with all of us. Tina thank you for sharing the love of your life and do all God called you both too..

I have many memories of pastor Mike since I think I known him since I was two or three years old, so I will share some of his impact on my life.

When I was six or seven, I often would say to my parents on Sunday I did feel good. That usually meant that I would get to sit in the sanctuary with them and listen to Pastor Mike instead of being a Sunday school. I enjoyed being able to sit in the sanctuary and listen to Pastor Mike preach God‘s word more than Sunday school.,

Mike was the one who baptized me in the chilly waters of cedar lake when I was 12.

Mike was friends with my dad and was the one who walked with my family when he died. Though he was also going through hard things him self.
He would take me for froyo or ice cream and check on me. He knew a teenager needed a dad to talk too.
He was always kind enough to tell me stories about my dad or things that would encourage me in my walk with God.

He was the one who also walked with is when my brother JC died in an accident at the age of 26.
He again woild be the one who walked with my family when my brother Mark died in 2018. He always showed up for us as Pastor and friend.

Mike had a big heart for mission would have missionaries from all over the world speaker at our church. And also encourage people to do mission trips and be involved. One of those speakers came when I was very little and left a book that would they change my life and where I ended up serving as a missionary.

After I started serving in missions full time and I come back to visit CC Big Bear to share. Pastor Mike always took time with me to talk about ministry and life and what God was doing all over the world. We also talk about family, He always shared with a big smile about his kids. He was so proud of them all.

Pastor Mike made Big Bear always feel like home me no matter how long it been and his hugs where dad hugs.

On one trip to Big Bear I remember asking Pastor Mike how he could love a Big Bear so much after all he walked through. He said you know how much you love the people and where you serve even with the hard things.
I understood what he was meaning. Then he said God has given me that for Big Bear.

Mike loved God and God used Mike to love Big Bear well.

Mike was often my call or text over the last 26 years for prayer or just need little advice here and there.

In October 2023, after a long time I was able to come back and share about ministry and have time with Mike and Tina.
Also it was Pastor appreciation Sunday, after Mike so kindly introduces me second service I got to share what he ment to my life. I know Mike was not one for that but I am so glad I got to.

Other bits of things I learned from or thankful for his example in.

He didn’t assume, he would find the truth by asking the source. There times in ministry that this example was so big to me.

He saw the body of Christ is big and beyond CC. He loved other Christians well.

He loved others well without expecting something from them.

He used the gifts God gave him and called him to even if it was not his comfort zone.

He was a Pastor with a missions heart not just a Pastor with a church that does missions.

He really did know God make him and make him known.

His celebration of life was beautiful. I could not help but look for him and his smile because he has always been there for us all.
Look forward to seeing him again in glory.

- Sarah Glass

Mike my love

“The greatest lesson Mike taught me was to serve others selflessly, expecting nothing in return. He would say, You serve and love others because God calls us to do so—no other reason, no other motive.” Others Centered.

“I stand here today, surrounded by those who loved Mike, because he lived out that heart of service in this community. By God’s grace, Mike was my love, my husband, my pastor, and my friend. He breathed the ‘Jesus style’ in every moment of his life.” And I am honored and blessed that I was called this man’s wife. That is Grace, I did not deserve such an honor, but thank you Jesus from the bottom of my heart for giving me this gift of life with Mike.

He spoiled me, truly. Every morning, he brought me coffee in bed—just one of the countless ways he showed his love. He never wanted me to worry about the everyday things, always making sure I was cared for, always loving me as Christ loved the church. He ran a perfect race as a husband.

Even before we married, he had prepared me for this day. He worried about our 10-year age difference and was convinced he might leave this earth around 63. I remember telling him then, “Twenty years with you is better than no years without you.” And God blessed me with 27—*a bonus 7 years*. Yet, what I’ve really gained is a lifetime of beautiful memories and the testimony of what it means to be loved by one of the most cherished man on this mountain.

Watching him serve others brought me so much joy. His heart was for people, for lifting them up, for making their burdens lighter—just as he did for me every day.

Mike adored his children and grandchildren deeply. Jenny, he always spoke about the joy of catching you when you came into this world—there was never a dry eye when he told that story. He knew the true meaning of the gift of life.

Lee, you were his boy. He loved watching you be a father, he loved you so much.
Jenny and Lee, thank you for sharing your daddy with us. We recognize the sacrifice you made to bring us into your family.

“On our wedding day, Mike didn’t just make vows to me—he made vows to DJ, Candice, and Jesika. He promised to love you, pray for you, and be the father you needed. I can say with certainty that he lived up to those promises. He was your dad in every sense, Dj, thank you for being there last week when he broke down on the road, he could always count on you being by his side. Candice, who always kept him on his toes and on His knees, he loved you with a father’s eye. Jesika, He adored you and was incredibly proud of the woman you’ve become—his little girl, always.”

And then God brought many more of you in this room into our home as our family. We were dedicated in sharing our lives with others, those that needed that extra love. Many of you are here today and he really loved each of you. Nevaeh, you were truly his sidekick. He was so honored to love you, and in return, you loved him so well. He was *your person*, and how I long to continue holding you close for him. It’s me and you now, girl—let’s make him proud.

To our grandchildren, Grandpa loved and prayed for you. His desire for you would be to Draw near to the Lord. Walk with Him, talk with Him, and never depart from Him because Life is impossible without Him*.

To everyone else in this room, I know you loved him, too. Mike dedicated his life to loving this entire community. His purpose to breathe was rooted here on this mountain because he knew God called him here for a purpose. God told him to go, to love His people, to walk alongside them, and help them draw near to God. And that, I know he did to completion.

Mike and I at Christmas went to South Carolina. We looked at property possibly for retirement and found this amazing piece of land. We looked it over many times, Greg put a drone over it, and we prayed over it. But on the last day before going home, I asked Mike, "Do you see yourself living here?" He went silent, and true to form, he teared up and said, “Not for long.”

We continued to question if we wanted that property for retirement, but on our way home, I said to him, “If you are leaving me soon, then I need Big Bear, I need my community.”

Little did I know that *soon*, “not for long” meant less than one month.

I will close with the words of a song: *Soon and very soon, we are all going to see the King*. Are you ready? If not, Mike would challenge you all to get ready, because we never know the day or the hour Our God will call us home.

Mike, my love, my heart is broken as I start to learn to do this journey without you, but what brings this heart healing is knowing you are in the arms of our savior. I love you, and I will always love you. I will cherish every moment of our 27 years together.
I love you Mike my Love, your wife, Tina Fulmer

What a beautiful celebration of Life for Mike Fulmer. I was fortunate that my father Ted Ducey and Mike’s father Lee Fulmer met at San Bernardino Valley College in 1947. They shared many common bonds together, including navigating the Colorado River, starting our Lake Powell camping tradition, and mentoring leadership and character through coaching. I was close in age to Mike’s younger sister Martha. We grew up side by side at SCIAC basketball games and various camping adventures. The summer of 1975, our brothers (Mike F. and Jim D.) drove us girls from Lake Powell to Jenny Lake, Wyoming. Martha and I were so appreciative of Mike and Jim, and the excitement of traveling, along with their patience with their 14 & 15 year old little sisters! Mike appeared in my life many times with support, guidance and patience as I navigated the loss of my father. Mike was the Pastor that married my husband and I in 1983. Was also the Pastor for my mother and step-father Norm in 1988. Mike spoke so lovingly. His words of wisdom to help newly married couples acknowledge their strengths, weaknesses, love for each was always genuine. Mike was also their to support our whole Ducey family while celebrating the life of our mother’s parents in 1999 and then with our Mother in 2019. I truly enjoyed following his message from the Calvary church in Big Bear. A few years ago we had a wonderful surprise while walking along the boardwalk in Newport Beach, Mike and Tina had been enjoying a quick getaway when we ran into each other. We chatted, caught up with each others families and gave each other great hugs!
We are so Blessed with the gift of knowing Mike and having his love and guidance for all these years. A truly Gifted man.
And so very thankful that Martha shared her family with us!
Terri Kegans

Our first impression of Pastor Mike was his tender heart for God and man. Thank you for modeling for us what it looks like to “Follow you as you followed CHRIST”. We valued your friendship.

As a member of the Big Bear community, it was impossible not to know who Mike Fulmer was..He and Tina have been friends of mine for years. In my tenure at Big Bear High School, I got to have Tina as my principal and got to see Mike at the basketball games all the time.

He was always a joy to talk to. A ready smile. An encouragement. A genuine human.

Thank you, Mike, for enriching the lives of the people of Big Bear and exhibiting a life full of grace and love.

Brian

Coach Fulmer was always the first face I’d see going into practice. I’d pull back the curtain and was always greeted with his warm smile and a “hey Jaz how’s it going?” or “hey Jaz how are ya?” everyday without fail. I like to think he’s still there to greet us. Whenever JV and Varsity scrimmaged in practice, he’d like to stand there and tease me with little comments and a laugh. Usually if I come into practice in a bad mood the other coaches steer away to give me my space, not Mr. Fulmer. He would say “wow we’re very serious today” and I’d have to turn away to hide my smile because he could always make me smile. God shined through him with his bright smile, kindness, and overall love for others. Coach Fulmer taught me to enjoy everyday because at the end of the day, nothing is ever too serious to be in a bad mood about. I love you Coach! Thank you for everything.

Pastor Mike used to hold Bible studies in my parents house in the 1980s.. when I came home from college at Thanksgiving in 1987, Calvary was having a Christian rock band concert on Thanksgiving Eve. At intermission, Pastor Mike held an altar call and I responded. The Lord used Mike to change my life forever. Grateful!!

Pastor Mike and family, we thank you for sharing your hearts, lives, and love of Jesus with all of us. During our time in Big Bear when we had a family cabin in Moonridge, we were able to attend your church in both the old and new building. Our home church is Calvary Chapel Vista. During the times when Cindy's parent, who moved to the cabin, had failing health, we went up to Big Bear every other weekend for many years and called your church our second home church. We felt so much love and support from all and especially Mike who was always available to go through the difficulties of dealing with elder parents, etc. We went through the whole Covid ordeal with your church outside in the parking lot in the snow. We really considered moving to Big Bear from Escondido to care for our folks but Covid hit, the town went crazy with visitors, the prices became unaffordable, our parents passed, and we had to sell the cabin. We still go to Big Bear about 4 times a year to see old neighbors and to attend your church. The last time we saw you and Tina was right after you retired and Pastor Joe gave the message. He did a great job and was greatly mentored. I even attended the first men's breakfast in the new church before it ever was remodeled. What an amazing transformation. Thank you for your leadership, mentorship, friendship, and being a true disciple of Christ and giving off the scent of Christ. You left a legacy and set the bar high. I still think that Joe Joe was truly your best friend. Love to your family and thank you Lord for the additional perfect 7 additional years.

Mike was our pastor for over 20+ years. When we came to Big Bear we found Calvary Chapel and met Mike and Tina. Mike came to pray for both of our babies at the hospital and dedicated them and baptized both of them as teens. We will always remember you and your love towards others.
Love,
Tony and Katie

First time meeting Mike was surprising because as a Pastor he was genuinely loving, kind, personable, & not intimidating. Prior to BB, we had visited/attended CCBB because 3 of our children were involved, especially in the music worship team. We loved his teaching! Moving to BB in 2010, Pastor Mike (he wanted to be called Mike, not pastor) blessed offering Love & Respect Groups that had been done in San Diego and so were launched. Again, he blessed bringing Global Media Outreach into CCBB -- what a ministry outreach! He also blessed beginning a Self Confrontation/Indepth Biblical Discipleship for women (not done yet). While reminicsing about his desire to endorse and encourage discipleship outreaches, it brings great joy by having the memories. His love for God and others shined! What a legacy!

Mike Fulmer

- its hard to organize my thoughts when it comes to Mike, he was like a second dad for me after my dad died. My earliest memories of him are when my family first started going to church. He was doing youth ministry at the time and was always so caring, loving, and faithful.

- I remember that when word spread that he might pastor CCBB again it was so exciting for my family. We knew he cared for and loved people, and that is what we were longing for.

- He was the first one to point out I was growing a real beard when I was 16.

- He mourned with me and sat there with my family as my dad died, just giving his time and peace to us, even though he had so many things going on.

- I remember his warning to me to be a good husband in marriage counseling. He put the fear of God in you:).

- he performed my marriage to my beautiful bride.

- he dedicated all 4 of my children.

- he answered my calls when life was hard, or I just needed counsel.

- He counseled my mom and I and helped us to have a better relationship.

- I remember when I first got hired on at the church, I was scarred of failing and when I told Mike he hugged me and told me there was nothing to fear, God would lead, and he would be there for me. He was there for me every step of the way.

- He was always available to me when I was on staff at the church. He gave me counsel and wisdom.

- he stepped aside to give me opportunity to lead in so many ways, especially on mission trips.

- I remember waking up at a pastor conference to find him on his knees praying, always faithful to seek the Lord.

- Him and Tina came and visited me and Tiff in Washington, helped me work on my house, loved my kids and encouraged me.

- A few years ago I went through the most difficult season of my life and Mike listened as I wept and he wept with me. Not just listening to me but feeling every inch of my pain with me. He shared my brokenness. He was to me the presence of Jesus comforting me in my sorrow.

- when I was younger I had a lot of mentors, I was really blessed, and I remember as one after another came into my life I would think that surely this one had set the example for me. Mike was always faithful in the back ground, and when all those mentors made their way out of my life, or moved to different places I got to work under Mike at the church. Mike set the example for me, he by far impacted my life in way that I can’t even fully describe. The words fail me, it makes me think of this verse. There is a weight of glory to what Mike allowed the Lord to do in his life.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Mike Fulmer, thank you, I love you and will miss you but I am so happy I will see you again.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”; And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be, If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.

C.T. Studd

One of my favorite memories of Pastor Mike were that him and Tina took me into their home back in 2017 before I was supposed to graduate high School because of a difficult situation at the house I was staying at. Then him and Tina helped me get into college and if it wasn't for their kindness I wouldn't be where I'm at education wise if it wasn't for their help. I will always miss being able to see him and miss him calling me "Mija" which means daughter in Spanish. I will forever miss you Dad Mike.

The last couple days I've read so many of what people have been posting about how Pastor Mike had an impact on their lives and one thing you can gather by reading some of what people have posted is the compassion and care he had towards others. He genuinely cared about others and wanted to see people become closer to Christ.

Just like many others, Pastor Mike Fulmer had a big impact on my wife and I. Throughout our relationship Pastor Mike counseled us and during some of the hardest times of my life Pastor Mike was someone I was always able to go to for counsel and he never told me no to talking even when I'd randomly show up unannounced and he taught me so much about the grace of God and how to lean on God during hard times in life. Those are things that will always stick with me.

Mike was my Pastor for 27 years. I'm happy to say that I got to share this memory with Mike at his retirement party.
My daughter was 7 years old and the other pastor at Calvary Chapel Big Bear thought she was a little too young to be baptized. She was devastated when I told her maybe next year. Mike saw us in the foyer clearly upset and came and asked what was the matter, when I explained to him, she really wanted to be baptized, he asked her a few questions, and told her,
"Don't worry, we'll get you baptized this Sunday!" When I recounted this story to him, we were both teary eyed. I expressed to him how much that meant to both of us then and how much I appreciated him for making that special moment in our lives happen. I'm so grateful for so many instances like this with pastor Mike. It is so important to tell the ones we love, special moments like this, while they are still with us on earth.
Pastor Mike married my husband and I ,20 years ago. He also dedicated both of the babies, and baptized them when they were older. I will be forever grateful for all of his wise counsel for my family, for all the years of his pastoralship, and his dedication to preaching the gospel so faithfully for so many years. Thank you Pastor Mike! We Love you, and we'll see you again!

Pastor Mike – A Tribute To A Faithful Servant.

I have been blessed to call Mike my pastor for most of my life. He was a friend, mentor, teacher, and role model. I still speak of him often when I meet with people; I still share with others some of my favorite qualities in Mike and the most valuable lessons I learned from him. Do you ever wonder what it was it that made Mike so impactful? Why were so many lives touched?
Jesus said, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” (Mark 8:35)

This verse summarizes for us why Mike’s life was and is so impactful. Mike gave Himself first to the Lord, then to the people. We could say many great things about Mike, But I will share just a few things about him that really spoke to me.

• Humility. Mike was a servant of Christ who pointed anyone who came to him to the Word of God. When I served under Mike, I loved that I could ask him any question about the Bible or doctrine, and he would simply point me back to the Word; if I followed up with another question, he would simply give me more scripture. Personally, this will always be one of my favorite qualities about Mike.
• Meekness. Meekness is not just the action of humility but humility of heart.
Those of you who were privileged to know Mike know this definition fits him well.
He was always looking for ways to serve, and he took Jesus's words, “Whoever desires to be first among you, let him become your slave, " quite seriously. Mike made himself a bondservant of Christ, one whom God placed over the body, but he always used his position to serve the body and build it up into the image and likeness of Christ.
• Charity. Mike lived humbly so that he could bless others. He never had a fancy car or expensive clothing; he invested in eternal things. He did not love money; he loved to bless people in the name of Jesus. He loved to further the work of the kingdom around the world, and he believed the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
• Boldness. Though soft-spoken and gentle in demeanor, I never saw a topic or passage in scripture that Pastor Mike refused to teach or shied away from. He was bold to proclaim the Word of God. He can now say, as the Apostle Paul said, “I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”
• Persevering-Faith. Mike knew hardship and sorrow, laughter and pain, but he never took his eyes off Christ. The hills did not lead his heart into the pleasures of life, and the valleys could not bury him in sorrow and doubt. Through every season, Mike proclaimed God’s goodness, clung to His word, and abided in Christ. He ran well, “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”

There are many more things I could say about Mike, but the last thing I want to say is that I love you, Mike, and I look forward to seeing you in glory. Well done, good and faithful servant; Enter into the joy of our Lord.

Memories of Pastor Mike from the Edwards family

I remember a man who not only listened to the words you were saying but also heard your heart. His love of Jesus and his desire to share God’s love was always evident. My husband knows the Lord because of Mike. My family and others had prayed for Steve for years before Mike’s message got through and made him realize that God is real and loved him.

I remember Mike said, “Family comes first after God.” The family camps at Cedar Lake, the potlucks with games for all ages, the softball games at the park, the church picnics, the concerts at church and his sermons backed that message.

When we were collecting donations of clothing to take down to Mexico, I remember Mike saying that we were giving in Jesus’ name, so everything needed to be clean and in good condition.

As my daughter Brooke said, “From when I was young, I’ll always remember how Mike wasn’t afraid to show emotion when someone was hurting or he was sharing a powerful story. His eyes would fill up and his voice would choke a bit. I knew he cared, and I was grateful that he would let us see his heart in those moments.”
Our hearts are with his family and all those who love Mike.

I am Tina Fulmer’s mother. In early 1971 my daughter Maxina, Tina’s sister, was engaged to be married. I had made extensive preparations for the wedding. Maxina broke her engagement and wedding plans screeched to a halt. Mike Fulmer had been a frequent visitor to our home and seemed very attracted to my daughter Tina. So one evening at dinner, I told Mike: “If you have serious intentions for my daughter, now would be a good time. I’ve already planned a wedding.” Soon thereafter Mike proposed, on bended knee, at a soccer practice. A lesson, on how to do it right, for all the boys on the team. Mike was a good husband to Tina; a good father to my grandchildren, and a good son to me. Part of my heart died when God took him home.

Here’s a trip down Memory Lane. It may encourage some of you “old timers” to share. I’m so grateful for the memories that are coming to me as I write this.

In the 80’s, I would make frequent trips to Big Bear with a friend of mine. In 1981, we went once to the “Bible study” when it was meeting in the Community Center in BBC. I wasn’t saved then but my friend would “drag me around” to different churches with the hope of getting me saved. On another trip in January of 1984, we attended an event with a guest speaker at Pine Summit that was put on by Mike and CCBB. That night I DID get saved. I was 24 at the time. At this point, the church was meeting behind the Triangle Market and the little house next to it was the children’s ministry. Soon after, on another visit, I was at the Saturday morning men’s prayer meeting that Mike was leading that met in the little house. I’ll bet Gary Keller was there and maybe Dave Zamarano! I told the guys that I wanted to move to BB and that my prayer was that all I needed was a place to live and a job. No big deal, haha! When it was over, two guys came up to me. Steve Acosta offered to let me live with him and Pat Gillam offered me a job delivering propane for Doxol! They didn’t even know me, but we were all about the same age (mid 20’s) and the Spirit of God was moving on all our hearts. As a new believer, this was incredible! (Now that I’m an old believer, it still is!).

I was so excited for this new adventure and moved up as soon as I could. I was baptized by Mike in the city pool at the park which is filled in now. I became one of the worship leaders at CCBB alongside Ron Schwab. I met my (soon-to-be) bride, Nancy in ’85, and became a firefighter at the BBL Fire Dept. In 1987, Mike did me and Nancy’s wedding (down at the Calvary Chapel Redlands Packinghouse). One time, Mike borrowed my truck to pick up some rental chairs down the hill. On the way back, someone who had been skiing all day, dozed off, came across the line, hit the truck only inches from a head-on collision.
Amazingly, no one was hurt. When he came to my door to tell me, he was grieved that my truck was destroyed, but when I knew everyone was safe, I smiled because I had been stressing and praying how to get from under the truck payment that I couldn't afford. We were both able to laugh together. God still had much more for Mike to do as is testified by the many posts I've read.

Nancy and I moved from BB in 1990 to help start a church, but as I wander through the memories, there really is no way to describe how much of Mike has been woven into me and Nancy’s life. I still think back routinely on those BB days as being some of the richest of my life. Nancy and I share BB memories often. So many stories! Now, 40+ yrs later, I’m remembering again how God used Mike to help build my foundation with Jesus. Our two oldest kids, Nicole and Brian, moved back to BB around ’08-’09 and we returned, as well, in ’11 for about a yr and a half and I led worship at CCBB once again during that time (and I also delivered propane again, but for Chuck Thomas that time). Reconnecting with Mike was such a blessing. We’re in Tennessee now but still have a great love for all our “old school” BB family who were part of our lives then, even though we may not meet again until Heaven.

Nancy cried when we heard the news from our son Brian of Mike’s passing into the waiting arms of Jesus. It’s so good to know that we have Heaven to look forward to since that’s our real home. As Mike said just a short time ago at Richard Muro’s memorial, as believers, we don’t sorrow in the same way the world does because we know our time here on earth is just temporary anyway. That becomes clearer as we get older. Mike’s passing is bittersweet. Over the last several days, I have (once again) been reflecting on the foundation that was laid in me, how grateful I am for who God used, and the things that are most important in light of the brevity of earthly life. Jesus longs to be with us, where He is, even more than we long to be with Him, so that we may behold His glory. (John 17:24).

Our sorrow is temporal but our joy will be eternal. Mike’s with Jesus now and for those of us who know Jesus, we’ll all be there soon. God bless you.

Pastor Mike was one of the most caring and Godly men. He was so real, his emotions for sharing God's word was huge. I remember when asked to speak at one of our sisters funerals. He said "Do I get to preach the word after?" Of course he did! I remember all of the 4th of July events at the big bear lake park by the lake we had christian bands, games,worship, then over to watch the fireworks. He was a wonderful man. And he baptized me, counseled us, and our son. He will be missed so much. I know he is with our Savior now, and that makes me smile. Heaven just got a bit brighter.

As a kid I was a bit shy and too myself. My Father John Gallegos and Mike coached together. I would sit with them before practice always eating my Bear Belly Deli fries. Mike would always be kind and would get me to start talking and come out of my shell. Eventually I started bringing more fries as we both seemed to enjoy them with our conversations. When I was at my lowest I knew I could go to Mike for guidance as he was always kind, safe, and trusting. Mike helped me find my path to Jesus. He never looked at me with shame or disgust when he heard my past; he always had the look of love. He played a vital role in saving my life, I would not be alive had it not been for Jesus and Mikes guidance. I could never think about Mike without think of those fries and Jesus. He was a wonderful person who reflected Christ in all he did. I know the angels rejoiced when Mike went home❤️

One morning, I came into the office just as soon as the doors opened and Mike was sitting at the desk. He jumped up and said "Hey girl.I didn't expect to see you here this morning"... I had just come in the night before from Minsk, Belarus having been out of the country for 3 months. I couldn't wait to share with Mike what the Lord had shown me in my time there. I wanted to return ..not as a missionary but simply as Christian woman using puppets and pop up theaters.. as a means of confronting rampart alcoholism. Mike was out of his seat and down the hall showing me the the puppets he wanted me to have..so happy and excited as we discussed the plans and hopeful return to Minsk. The Lord had a better plan! I remained in Big Bear and was greatly blessed to help Mike in the office at the new building. Many mornings I would see smoke rising above the roof ..Mike had arrived very early to start a fire and warm the office..alwayso thoughtful. Often he would sit by the stove next to my desk ..reading a book and would say "Mel..listen to this!" 1 one day he asked me if I ever had a desire to go to the Bible college. I said "sure..a night ..right?
Mike told me there were 3 boxes in the hallway...each contained 100 tape cassettes. Mike said they were required listening for the the bible college students and I was free to take 1 box at a time home. Such unbelievable privilege to listen to the teaching of Pastor Chuck Smith over the course of three hundred cassettes. Mike also sent me to Twin Peaks bookstore to learn from the buyer and show me the required reading...for the bookstore at our church.

When i was a kid…and also now…i tend to be a bit afraid of new things and i remember when dad would take us hiking i was always afraid i would fall when it was steep and we were going down the hill. I remember one day i must have been particularly afraid because he came back to where i was stuck. kneeled down and told me “it’s ok, you don’t have to be afraid, just make sure that no matter what happens if you start to fall you can just sit down.” It may sound simple but it completely reorganized both my body and my brain in a way that gave me both safety and confidence. He was so good at raising people up and allowing them and encouraging them to be their best selves. That day not only taught me how to hike a treacherous slope safely but also what good leadership looks like. I still know what leadership that empowers people looks like and I still to this day always make sure that no matter how steep the slope is, if goes wrong, I can just sit down.