Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts

Friday, August 27, 2021

That Roller Coaster Called Life


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

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter


Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

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


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

 

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Love and a New Partner in Life

Where do I even start? 

Well I guess the best place to start is with my family, especially Nathan and Marathana who have blessed me in my efforts and where I am at in this point of life including the decision that has been made. Understand, this isn’t an explanation, it isn’t an apology, it isn’t an attempt to make me feel justified. For those who have followed me over the years, you know I share openly on my social media pages which I’ve been doing shortly since the start of social media way back in the early days of Myspace. Social Media is an extension of ministry work I do it for a couple of reasons, One, it is my nature is to share, journal if you will my thoughts and feelings. It has helped me recover from my past which was horrific in many ways, yet, looking back on life it was a blessing in other ways. I also share because I hear daily of how this ministry has helped many and inspired others. 

 

I fell in love in my late teens with the woman I thought I would spend the rest of my life with.  I knew her for some 43/44 years, and was her partner for 42 years, a little more than 41 of those we were married. For all but maybe 6 – 7 months of those years we were very happily married. 

The remaining years of our life were FANTASTIC as we traveled the country and worked on her Bucket List of things to do and see.  I will forever love Mary Jane and am learning in life that one love does not negate the possibility of another when you have lost your spouse..

 

Sheila Tracy Mitchell has become a new love and a love in a way I never thought I would experience again. Our relationship isn’t like the one I had with Mary Jane in many ways, but in many ways it is. I don’t even know how to explain it, other than there is a massive amount of friendship, fun, serious discussions, times of worship together, love, and romance, (and we are trying to follow God’s plan in that last part). I feel like a teenager again, in love but being older knowing the difference between real love and infatuation, but hey, let’s back up just a little.

 

I didn’t think I would ever marry again. Mary Jane always said I would, I said she was crazy.  I really didn’t believe I would and wasn’t planning on it in any way. We did talk that I may like to find someone to hang around with, talk to and so forth, but I could do that with guys. Well, that’s what I thought. 

Looking back on life, I realize I need to not only love but for me, more importantly feel loved. The last year and a half of Mary Jane’s life and my time after her death were horrible and it took 6 months to begin to make some terrible mistakes.


I was lonely and there were several women contacting me on social media, a lot, with a lot of hints and advances. I dated some, and please understand, the mistakes made were my mistakes, I take full responsibility, thankfully I had a couple of friends who called me out. I broke off those relationships. I realized after speaking to some friends, that as a guy, I could give, and give, and love and love, but that didn’t mean I was going to be loved in return. 


Now before I go to far I must also say this, I did date one lady who was a wonderful, dear Christian friend and has been for years. I must say this because this friend is still a friend and I am grateful for that, but the truth is, there just was not a romantic sparkle. She is a sweet, dear lady, and I am confident will be, and has been supportive in many ways of my new relationship, but, let's get back to the story here. 

I had a list of 3 people, where I thought there was no way they would ever go out with me. I’ve always set my standards high and these ladies were you might say way above my class. I figured, why not ask the one at the top of my list whom I had admired and respected for her personality and faith for some years. I’ve always been one to shoot for the moon and stars.

 

Sheila Tracy Mitchell was at the top of my list, so after thinking there was no way she would say yes, I decided to ask her out for a movie and dinner anyway. She would have to give her own response as to why she said yes. She is a lot more private than I, but when she said yes, I did a little joy and happy dance, literally, not making that up. So we went out to dinner and a movie. Since that date almost 4 months ago now, we haven’t been hardly apart, seeing each other 3 – 4 days a week, and me really enjoying our time together, be it, walking and talking, going to the movies, or our regular routine, something I’ve never done before, going dancing most every Saturday Night. 

Shelia works various shifts as a home health care worker, so we search for time together. Let me tell you, the puppy love feeling has moved far beyond that to a point of real love, a love I believe is a  lasting love.


Now the most noticeable thing that people notice about us when they see us is we are a mixed race couple.  For those that have known me and/or my family over the years, that was never an issue, having a black son is an indication of that. 

None of this means that ever single person has been supportive of our relationship for various reasons. On the point of race, understand, I had a former friend who stated he had an issue and made a jest comment. I will say here, notice I said former friend. It is a blessing to see how many people have supported our relationship and made comment on how beautiful we are together, or how much they enjoy watching us together, and on and on.  Let me be clear, I absolutely, with all of my heart have placed Sheila to the #2 point in my life. Jesus is #1, Sheila has become above all others, including myself. I know love, I lived a life despite one serious mistake, showed others how much I can love. I LOVE SHEILA TRACY MITCHELL!

 

Sheila and I went Facebook Official some weeks after we had made a commitment to each other to be exclusive with each other. We realized early on of the beautiful thing God had done in putting us together. There is more now, as of this writing, for now going on 3 weeks, we’ve held out on an announcement. 

 

I had planned on asking Sheila to marry me at Jerry’s Bar and Grill, a place we go dancing, but at a concert on the Thursday before a situation arose that I realized I needed to jumpstart the proposal, I wanted Sheila to know that I loved her, would commit to her and be there for her in every way, so it was at Bradley Fair I asked, and she accepted to marry me.

 

Now there will be critics regarding the time of our relationship among other things. I would typically agree, 4 months is a quick period of time to make such a decision, but we have seen each other in that time more than anyone I’ve ever dated, including any 4 months prior to marriage with Mary Jane, and there is no doubt in my heart that this is right. 


For the last couple of months, I’ve had 3 men that I’ve shared several things with to help hold me accountable. I’ve discussed several things with them in the process and sought wisdom; that will continue. Sheila and I also realize that an engagement is a period of time where we plan on getting married, but we still advance our relationship with each other. For this reason we have looked at the possibility of a February wedding but that is up in the air. It could be sooner, it could be later, (I pray sooner than later.) The bottom line is we are praying about not just our timing, but God’s time.

 


Sheila has been wearing her ring and I made the effort to contact family early on, some contacted me, some did not so for some family, and a lot of friends this will be the first time you have heard this news.


On June 22 Hollywood Jesus ran a story about this and how our love came to be, thetime we’ve known each other and the role Hollywood Jesus more or less played inus getting to know each other over the years.


I would have never imagined, the joy Sheila has brought into my life after such a long difficult period of time. I am smiling, laughing, and even dancing again. I would have never thought this was possible and am excited about the hope of the rest of my life with Sheila. 


The Song, Love Song for Number 2 by friends Mickey and Becky Moore follows, just click on the link.

Mickey and Becki Moore - Love Song for Number Two - YouTube

To Donate via Pay Pal, donate at paypal at mike@furches.org

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

You can also always donate to The Virtual Pew at 1249 North Saint Francis, Wichita Kansas 67214


Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

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


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

 

 


Sunday, December 8, 2013

Who is Mike Furches, What Am I Called To Do



www.thevirtualpew.com
Who am I? I am first and foremost a willing slave to Jesus but I am more. I am a writer, speaker, author, I actually have 3 jobs although many think I only have one. I write, often contribute to Hollywood Jesus and The Virtual Pew, although I wish I was doing more for Hollywood Jesus, my own fault though because of the time it takes to do other things.  I operate an online ministry previously referenced called The Virtual Pew which I started a number of years ago with the help and advice from some rather respectable people in Christian Ministry, that ministry, The Virtual Pew is also about helping people who are tired of church, been hurt by the church, our focus of ministry has always been The Lost, The Last, The Least and the challenge to those in the church to do the things Christ has called us to do. There is a strong aspect of teaching with The Virtual Pew but also helping people, one at a time, with love and compassion. There has been everything done there from Evangelism, (actually speaking with altar calls and street evangelism or one on one evangelism both face to face and on line), to Suicide Prevention or Grief Counseling and because of my own story, often times helping people who have gone through abuse in one form or another, most often sexual abuse. I have worked with gangs, and troubled youth through that ministry and despite what some believe  I don't do homeless ministry 100% of the time because the lost and hurting involves more than just the homeless.  

www.mosaicwichita.com I also pastor a church, albeit very small, Mosaic Wichita. We have as a primary focus the charge of making disciples.   We support other ministries and the work they do, there are first line ministries and others that we like and support, some like that of Breakfast Bob that is a front line meeting initial and immediate needs of those he comes into contact with. We know of his intent to share Jesus and  it is as mentioned in scripture, some water, some plant, some cultivate, and ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who obtains the harvest.

We don't try to make just Christians, or people saved by the skin of their teeth but disciples, truly dedicated 100% willing to surrender all to Jesus. We are to make Disciples, period. While we are to reach, love and serve the poor among others, (Jesus ministry was not only to the poor) his final words commanded us prior to departing this earth was to make disciples. It is our belief at Mosaic that while our primary area of ministry is to the poor, including the homeless, that does not negate the demand and command of Jesus, that we make disciples among all people.

There are other things I used to be, a lifeguard, a factory worker, a construction worker, a carpenter, a football player, a soccer player.  I worked and did pretty well in the music business and in the world of psychiatric mental health rehabilitation.  While those are experiences and parts of me I am appreciative of, have learned from, is still a part of me, they are not the all of me.

www.thevirtualpew.comOh yeah there is something else I am besides all of this, something many of those in ministry seem to forget about, I am a father and a husband. If those aren't my first callings or priorities to ministry and I believe the first callings for all of those in ministry, then the ministry one is involved in is not the ministry God has endorsed.  Think about it, pray about it, search scripture for the truth on it. On those matters of Biblical truth, I will not compromise. It is not always easy but if I can't love and serve my own wife and children, how can I really love and serve those I have come into contact with in my "ministry" life?   Let all of us totally surrender to Jesus, not the things we have heard about Jesus, but the Jesus we see in scripture, his life, his example, let us be the people, doing the things, that God has called us to, not our opinions, not our feelings, but God's callings.

To see the following video, simply click on video, if the video doesn't appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXzjLUN6Fd0


The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.  Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid 

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=AvQt2suzQ4nUnLSb97VR-xq3-qE6mHRNJ0TFrlWTyy-_SvT7ZidH5PO1INe&dispatch=https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BERPD5JYBVNMAClick here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew


Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

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There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. 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.

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

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News



The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page




Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Happy Anniversary, 33 Years of Life’s Lessons

Happy Anniversary, 33 Years of Life’s Lessons

Today I celebrate with my wife, 33 years of marriage. I realize that in today’s world that is quite an accomplishment, especially when considering that we have actually been together for around 35 years if you count the time together that we weren’t married. In a world where more than half of all marriages, including the marriages of people of faith end in divorce, I am often asked how we have made our marriage work. There are also assumptions that everything about our marriage has been wonderful and that we have always gotten along.

The truth is, there have been rough spots in our marriage, including parts where I was far from a perfect husband, as if I was ever close. We even separated for a period of time some 10-12 years ago, even contemplated divorce up to the point where we spoke to our children of the likely divorce. No, things have been far from perfect in our relationship.

In the difficulty in our marriage I take full blame for my actions but some will ask what is it that kept us together. The answer is quite simple and almost a cliché, the answer is God.

I will never forget an Easter Sunday when we were separated when I went to visit Mary Jane and the kids at our house in Owasso. I was spending more time away from them and decided a visit on Easter Sunday. I loved my kids despite the difficulty of the relationship with my wife. As was the norm I left my family mid morning to go back to where I was staying. Along the way I was listening to the radio and heard the testimony of I believe Yolanda Adams. On the journey back I heard Yolanda Adams say of how much she had ruined her life and of how she was reminded of her grandmothers’ prayers. While listening to this I was reminded of my own grandmothers’ prayers. I recalled waking up to see my grandmother sitting at the kitchen table, reading her bible, praying, often times praying for me. I couldn’t help but reflect of how I was throwing away my grandmothers prayers in breaking my relationship with my wife. I arrived at the place I was staying, sat down and within an hour from arrival I had written a song called Grandmas’ Prayers. That evening I decided to make my marriage work with my wife.

Many will ask what does this have to do with an Anniversary Celebration. The answer is quite simple; we were willing to work at making our marriage work. We realized that God brought us together and it was worth working at something God had blessed, a relationship of marriage between the two of us. Long story made short, we worked at it and our relationship is stronger now than ever. Is it perfect? No, but last night as we sat on our love seat together, fighting illness and physical pain that comes sometimes with getting older, I told Mary Jane, “we will be married until either one of us dies or we both die together.” She affirmed that to be the case, we realize our relationship with each other is for life. Now how all of that plays into the eternal, I honestly can’t say, I can say that I hope the two of us becoming one in marriage is something that lasts for all of eternity. We love each other and on that there is no doubt. In that love though, we have learned lessons others can I think, if willing learn from.

One of the things I have become convinced of is that many don’t take seriously the relationships they are involved in. There is a difference between a dating relationship and a life committal relationship, I for one value the commitment we made to each other. We took our vows seriously and thankfully we have seriously worked at keeping them. I will also say, that for me, there has been nothing better than a monogamous relationship of which I can experience the joy of sharing life together with a mate, along side our walk with God. What I will say here will shock many, but the greatest shared joy in life we have is our faith. Our faith in God is without a doubt the secret to our long term relationship, joy, and hope for tomorrow. I can not imagine two people sharing life together where their shared belief in their faith did not exist.

We encourage couples to stay strong through the difficulties. When a shared faith and shared love of that faith exists, then it is possible to fight through and win the battles against the other things that would pull you apart.

Of course in all of this there is the assumption that I am saying people should either get married, or stay married, that isn’t the truth either. There are relationships where God doesn’t exist, there are ongoing abuses and more that may exist. I can’t imagine those types of relationships without God. I can say that with God individuals can overcome any types of relationship but God has to be at the forefront of all of those battles. Otherwise, I don’t know of how likely it is those marriages will succeed. I am also reminded though of the beautiful concepts of singleness which should also be celebrated. I am reminded here of the words from the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:1-16.

1) Now I will answer the questions that you asked in your letter. You asked, “Is it best for people not to marry?” 2) Well, having your own husband or wife should keep you from doing something immoral. 3) Husbands and wives should be fair with each other about having sex. 4) A wife belongs to her husband instead of to herself, and a husband belongs to his wife instead of to himself. 5) So don’t refuse sex to each other, unless you agree not to have sex for a little while, in order to spend time in prayer. Then Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6) In my opinion that is what should be done, though I don’t know of anything the Lord said about this matter. 7) I wish that all of you were like me, but God has given different gifts to each of us.

8) Here is my advice for people who have never been married and for widows. You should stay single, just as I am. 9) But if you don’t have enough self-control, then go ahead and get married. After all, it is better to marry than to burn with desire.

10) I instruct married couples to stay together, and this is exactly what the Lord himself taught. A wife who leaves her husband 11) should either stay single or go back to her husband. And a husband should not leave his wife.

12) I don’t know of anything else the Lord said about marriage. All I can do is to give you my own advice. If your wife isn’t a follower of the Lord, but is willing to stay with you, don’t divorce her. 13) If your husband isn’t a follower, but is willing to stay with you, don’t divorce him. 14 Your husband or wife who isn’t a follower is made holy by having you as a mate. This also makes your children holy and keeps them from being unclean in God’s sight.

15) If your husband or wife isn’t a follower of the Lord and decides to divorce you, then you should agree to it. You are no longer bound to that person. After all, God chose you and wants you to live at peace. 16) And besides, how do you know if you will be able to save your husband or wife who isn’t a follower?

The bottom line is this, to have been married to the same person now for 33 years is a rather remarkable event. Many doubted our marriage from the get go, there was the age difference, the difference in taste, even her dad calling me a bum when Mary Jane told him we were going to get married. We overcame though, I think to the point where now, many in our family recognize the love we have for each other, to the point that Mary Jane’s dad Ed was among the first to encourage us to follow God’s call in our life. There are our two wonderful children, Marathana and Nathan and other additions including a wonderful son in law named Brett and a daughter in law named Emily. There is also those two incredible grandchildren, Aaliyah our granddaughter and Atticus our grandson.

Is it worth it to fight for this love concept called marriage? You bet it is, I know, as one who almost failed, I have learned the joy of success. I have experienced if for 33 years as of today, and I hope and pray that we will experience it together for all of eternity. That is love, and marriage is a bonding experience of love I celebrate today. Hopefully in my celebration, I have encouraged you to either celebrate your own relationships and to battle if necessary to make your relationships work, or to let you know, that it is perfectly okay to also celebrate your singleness if you are single. God is good all the time, I know because he has blessed me and among the greatest blessings I could experience is to be in a life long union with the most wonderful woman God could have ever blessed me with. For a dumb ol street kid who had nothing in life to look forward to, God has used my wife to bless my life and the ministry we are engaged in but I also have an eternity to look forward to. For that I am grateful to my God, but I am also so grateful for my wonderful soul mate, my wife Mary Jane.

To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2Dna8dffc4
The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew 

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219

Email: mike@furches.org

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Blog

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group

MySpace The Virtual Pew Group

The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed