What a special night at church tonight! Mike Storter, our Minister to College & Career and Recreation, dear friend, warrior for God, hero in many of our eyes, loving husband, and father of two,… sat on a stool, with his large print bible nearby , and spoke from his heart.  Mike’s voice may have been at a whisper and weak on his own, but his words were powerful and from God.
Here are some highlights from his sermon:

•  “Hold high the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
• “We need to be straight with people.  Share God in a way. Don’t be a bullhorn Christian and turn people away.”
• “When people see you, do they know that you’re a Christian?”
• “Question to ask ourselves:  What do we believe about God? Is He sovereign?” Revelations 21:6, Colossians 1:16, Romans 11:33, Jeremiah 32:17, Romans 8:28.
• “God has a purpose for you and your life where you are right now.
• “Read Psalms 139 as a love letter to God.”
• “There ain’t no where you can go to hide from God.” (at this point he asked his fellow teacher from the high school who teaches English to forgive him for his grammar, but there just wasn’t a better, more southern way, to say it.)
• “God doesn’t make mistakes.  He made you just the way you are for a purpose.”
• “Yes! God is sovereign.”
• Jeremiah 29:11.  No matter what we go through, there is a purpose!”

Mike shared the story about when over two months ago Hospice was called to be with him at his home.  He had prayed to God and told God that before he goes to be with Jesus, he really would love to baptize his youngest daughter, Hope, like he did his eldest, Taryn.  He had no idea that within a few weeks, he would be sitting down with Hope and another minister (Tommy Warnock) to talk about the plan of salvation with Hope.  They asked if she understood. Hope said, “Yes.”  They asked her if she wanted to ask Jesus into her heart.  She said, “Yes!” Mike asked her about him praying with her and so she can repeat what he said.  Mike told us that before he could even finished talking Hope had bowed her head and prayed to God for Christ to come into her life. (Dad, I think she had that one.)  When Mike shared that story, I glanced over to Hope, who was sitting on the row behind me, and she had the proudest most confident look on her face as she grinned and shook he head “yes!”
Brothers and sisters, my friends, God does have a purpose. He loves you! Won’t you say “Yes” to Him like Hope did?
Mike, you and your family are such an inspiration.  I admire your bold and humorous love for God. I appreciate your friendship and what you mean to not only our church, but to our community. Fight the good fight, brother.  God’s not done with you yet.