Thoughts after a funeral
So far today has been pretty tough. Actually the past several days have been pretty tough. I haven’t blogged about this yet but last Wednesday my friend Mike died. Mike was 24. It doesn’t matter what the issues are – 24 is too young to die.
I only knew Mike for about a year. He started coming to our church with his mom and immediately got plugged in to our worship ministry. He was an incredible piano player and was passionate about being part of a team of people who would lead our church in worship. Mike had lots of worship leading experience and was eager to learn more. I remember one of our first conversations, Mike came up to me and said “Chris, I want to do what you do!” That conversation started a series of meetings where Mike & I got together to talk about his faith, his desire to serve God and to be obedient to the call on his life.
Mike & I used to talk about how awesome it would be if he could spend a year or so in a real high level role with the church where he would serve in a different area of our worship ministry every week – planning services, playing piano or guitar, helping our tech team, lots of different things. Mike was so passionate about just being part of the team and accomplishing whatever we could so that our congregation was able to worship God.
When Mike told me a couple of months ago that he had been accepted to a Bible college to start taking courses in music ministry, I was incredibly proud of him and the steps he had taken to make that happen. It was so exciting to see him be able to put some flesh and bones on his dreams. At the same time I was really bummed that Mike wouldn’t be around our church – the school is out of town and he would have to live on campus.
If I have heard one thing about Mike in the past week it was that Mike was the gentlest guy anybody knew. If ever there was a guy that was impossible to NOT be friends with, it was Mike. I honestly cannot think of a moment of knowing Mike where he was not smiling, excited and genuinely interested in those around him. How could you not like a guy like that??
Mike was also incredibly talented. He was one of those musicians (and the worship leaders who read this will understand the value in what I’m about to say) that I had 100% confidence in. When I asked Mike to be a part of a service or asked him to carry an intro or a solo I had ZERO doubt that Mike would be able to pull it off at a level that would make me proud. Someone told the story this morning that some people who heard Mike play once nicknamed him Michael W. Thwaites because of his natural ability and what he was able to do on the piano.
I could honestly talk about Mike for hours. And, this week, I have. I’ve talked about him with other pastors here, I’ve talked about him with his family, I’ve talked about him with other people from our worship ministry and I’ve talked about him with friends. I’ve told them stories of Mike’s deep longing to be obedient to God and his desire for God to use his life in incredible ways. I’ve remembered how much Mike taught me in the short time that I knew him and how he continues to teach me through the stories that I hear about him, telling me new, incredible things about his life and the impact that he had on those around him.
So I am not ashamed to say that I miss my friend Michael. I do, so much. I will treasure the last conversation we had where he told me about some great things God had recently done in his life – things we had been praying about for months. I will miss his goofy smile, the funny way he would sit at the piano so he could see his music just right. I’ll miss his talent and the music that came when he played.
I do not doubt for one second where Mike is right now. Mike is in the front row of heaven with his arms up worshipping in a way that is wholly familiar but completely new at the same time. Mike has very literally been given new eyes and new ears to see and hear the glorious things that God has for him now. My prayer is that we would never forget what Mike has taught us – to seek God first, to be obedient to the call on our lives and to be faithful with what God’s given us. I know that I have been pushed in all of those areas because of my friend Mike.
THWAITES, Michael Gordon
Suddenly at his home on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 in his 25th year; beloved son of Wendy and David Thwaites. Michael leaves behind his brothers Bryan and Matt, his grandmother Marie Willan and his grandparents Carol and Peter Koeslag. Michael is survived by his aunt Linda, uncles George, Stephen and Rod, other relatives and many friends. Having been predeceased by his grandfathers Graham Willan and George Thwaites and his uncle Russ Willan. Michael walked his 25 years on earth with a passion to serve, to love God and others. He loved music and worship, he served in mission outreaches in Honduras, El Salvador, and New York City and serving at both Teen Ranch Orangeville and Teen Ranch, Scotland. He completed college at Faith Mission College Edinburgh, Scotland before returning to continue his service at Teen Ranch, Orangeville.
Thanks Chris.
My wife, Heather, and I studied with Mike at the Faith Mission Bible College in Edinburgh 2004-2006. We too loved him and will miss him; meanwhile we are praying for you all in Orangeville Baptist Church, asking that God will comfort and strengthen you in these sad days, give you a greater Heavenly hope and enlarged Kingdom perspective.
in Christ,
Adrian.
My Parents Danny and June Chambers and I knew Mike from his Bible college days over hear in Edinburgh Scotland!! My dad has told many a story of mike over the years we have known him!!
My mum was one of his bible college lectures and as my dad is the burser in the Faith Mission Bible college my dad well he delt with many a thing including the man who he went to the office to pay his fees, buy his books ask questions or just to go for a chat or a bit of a laugh as my Dad’s quite the funny guy! etc.. Mike always had lots of questions inquisitive guy!
I knew Mike from both hear in uk and also Canada as I have been over to Canada several times and helped out on summer missions with faith mission Canada Mike and I shared a passion for Canada and Fm Canada’s work and often spoke together about our shared love and experiences for and of Canada.
Mike was a kind, genle loving guy who was very caring always smiling!!!! and he was very talented musician I remember the first time I heard him play something at fmbc and it just blew me away goosebumps hairs on the back of the neck ye they called him M.w.smith etc… at college.
Mike was ethusiactic, keen chap who was always willing to help and lend a hand and be involved in anything but made me laugh sometimes as he could be day dreamy at times and not realize your there as he was smiling away to himself thinking about something(Probebly something Godly) lol!!
, He was passion about his faith in the Lord Jesus and also in his music which he used this gift to praise God wherever he went.
Reading what Chris has written has brought tears to my eyes rolling down both cheeks as I read about the Mike we all knew and loved!!
On behave of myself Debbie Chambers and my parents Danny and June who are all deeply saddened also we would like to pass on our Love, Thoughts and Prayers out to All Mike’s family and also his friend’s at this time – of which he had many!!
Mike you will be greatly missed by us all but although your life was cut short the amazing impact you have made for God and also on so many of our lives even in your death will live on as I know that It’s made me sit up and think etc… I pray for all the nonchristians you were connected to and any nonbelievers some possibly who will be attending your funeral etc.. that God’s name be praised thru the witness of your life and testomny to him as your saviour and Lord of your life and this would really speak volumes to them and God would soften their hearts open their ears open their eyes to him and point them to the one and only way to Heaven thru him their Lord and Saviour!!
May God truely speak to all who knew you and use this sad time to challenge us and save others thru your amazing witness and testomny!! Amen
miss you see you in Heaven some day friend!!
Debbie Chambers
We were students alongside Mike at College in Edinburgh and very shocked by this news about Mike. Mike and I (chris) were just e-mailing each other recently. We will be praying for Mikes’ family and close ones at this time as we will be praying for the church family too Chris. We pray our God will use this for His glory!
Chris and Juliet
Hi, I am May, a Chinese and live in China now. I Studied with Mike at The Faith Mission Bible Edinburgh for two years. He was a very special brother. Still, I have a record of his solo in my mobile phone. He was a nature singer and expert of guitar and piano. I never forgot that we asked him to say ‘tomato’ in his Canadian accent again and again. He was a very gentle guy. We all loved him so much.
May the Lord bless you all at this time. May you all find rest and hope in Him.
Thank to Mike’s family espically to ‘give’ us this lovely brother, May the Lord give you new strength everyday.
Love from the Far East, China
I remember …
He was a good singer for God…
I still remember him… my dear friend…
Words cannot sum up what Mike was like and how great he was so il not even try. My prayers are with Mikes family and friends.
I’m sorry to hear about your friend and teammate. This has to be incredibly hard for your community. I’m praying for you guys.
I am Michael’s father. I wanted to express my thanks for all of the prayers and support our family have received over the past week following Michael’s death. I want also to thank Chris and Pastor Earl at OBC for their care and support.
Michael was a son that anyone would have been proud of, not just because of his selfless character but also because of his faith and passion to serve. I am truly blown away by the impact that michael had on the lives of those around the world.
Sorry to hear of your loss Chris. Death is a horrible thing to live through, but we can learn o’ so many things from someone’s death. I am a youth pastor and always encourage my kids to attend a funeral- even if it’s for someone they hardly know- bbecause you walk away with a whole new perspective on life, God, and others.
It seems that so many amazing people go home at an age that is far too young. I believe that Michael was one of those souls that will accomplish so very much in heaven. The best part is that those who love him will see him again soon. This life of ours is so short and we have eternity to spend together. Love is the strongest link in the chain that connects us !