One of the things I often say, is life is like a rollercoaster. Few things have been as true as the last 24 – 48 hours. One of the guys who gave my band Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band our first break was Kenny Ballinger. Kenny was a local concert promoter and ran two venues, The Elbow Room and Barleycorn’s. The night before last as of this writing he was involved in a hit and run accident where he was killed. He was riding his motorcycle and the driver of a SUV left the scene. Kenny was always upfront with me and while running and cooperating with other venues had promised me, he would always try to work us in at The Elbow Room when we needed a show. To say the least, I’m still in a state of shock and after a few friends, at no fault of their own have been either killed or seriously hurt in motorcycle accidents, I as of today put my motorcycle up for sale. I have a reason to keep on living which gets me to the other end of the rollercoaster.
As many likely know I am engaged to be married to the
beautiful Sheila T. Mitchell. I have
been so blessed to have her in my life due to such tragedy over the years. It
is easy to be at a place of giving up with as much tragedy in life as there has
at times seemed to have been. Frankly, I was ready to give up, being okay with dying,
now, I want to live. Well today Sheila
sent me some things regarding the application of our marriage license. As I was reading the information, she sent me
I read a simple name, Sheila Tracey Mitchell Furches! I must tell you, reading that name caused a
rush of emotions that literally had tears streaming down my face. I was
reminded once again at the love and grace of God.
Yesterday I was talking to a local disc jockey on a popular
radio station. While we were friends on Facebook I had never to much
recollection had contact with her. Yet
as we spoke, she brought me to tears as she told me how she had followed mine
and Mary Jane’s (my late wife) journey with her pancreatic cancer and of how
she was so happy for me that I had clearly found a new love. I was reminded
that there are those around us, who we may not know, that follow our journey,
look at our examples and in the meantime, offer prayers and well wishes. As I spoke to this lady and she told me how
happy she was and how she and so many others had followed my journey, I once
again though, maybe, just maybe, in some way, God has used me.
Some people are often critical because I share my
experiences online via social media and so forth. It doesn’t bother me because it is a part of
what I try to do, live an open life. I do so because it helps hold me accountable,
but I also do so because I think it is a reminder, that if God cares for a dumb
poor street kid like Mike Furches, who has made more mistakes and done as many
stupid things as anyone on earth, that there is still hope for them. I realize my many, numerous imperfections, yet
I also realize the faithfulness of God to love and forgive despite this roller
coaster of life many of us travel on.
My word, for all of you who like me, experience that ride, I
would say, be patient, and understand I above most all people realize how
difficult it is to be patient. There are times it seems as if there is no hope,
but, in those times, be patient. Now on
this point, also understand, four fingers are pointing back at me because
sometimes, being patient is the hardest thing to do when tragedy seems to
surround us. How do I know that to be true? Because I am Mike Furches and I
know, life is far from perfect or even at times positive, but in the end, God
is there, He cares and is available to all of those, including me, who will but
call on Him for help.
For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses.
If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit.
If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.
You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon
Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org
Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com
If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal.
You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches
Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches
Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.
I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.
Blessings and thank you,
Mike Furches
To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches
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You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:
The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band
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