Mike Gower: A Man Who Finished Well

On Wednesday, December 29th Mike Gower passed away. Mike was a pastor, a resident director, an elder in the church, but most importantly he was a man who fully trusted Jesus Christ and radiated the love of the Spirit everywhere he went. Just weeks before he died he shared that he had learned "the way to live in God's presence is to be thankful for everything". I am thankful for Mike Gower.

Mike and his wife Caroline helped Renee' and I start off well in marriage. They spent many hours with us during our pre-marital counseling. Mike always shared wisdom, humility, humor and love. He could tell you what you needed to hear and be graceful at the same time. I will always remeber him grinding into my head that, "family comes before ministry."

For one year I was able to serve on the Governing Board at Risen King Community Church with Mike. He was always a wise leader in God's church and was a great support to the church staff. He was known to be "the Patriarch" at Risen King as well as Simpson University. He will be missed greatly. My prayer is to one day finish my life as well as Mike Gower.