They serve at First Baptist Church in Cruzeiro do Sul, which Mike has pastored since 1978. First Baptist was organized in 1929 by Joseph Brandon, the first missionary supported through BFM. It has served as the launching pad for many churches and m­­­­­ission points.

 

Mike builds his own boats and frequently travels up and down the Juruá River preaching the Gospel to those who have never heard. In the past few years, the Lord has opened doors to reach several Indian tribes in Brazil and Peru. Among these are the Ashaninka, Poyanawa, Marubo, Nukini and Kaxinauá. Many have already been saved and baptized.

 

Their church has multiple ministries to the people of Brazil. One ministry is called “IDE,” which is Portuguese for “Go.” They send a group to different towns and villages several times during the year with doctors, dentists, nurses (free medicine) and also give haircuts, teach dental hygiene, arts and crafts and much more. During the day, the children are told Bible stories and at night, there is a church service. This ministry is completely funded by the local church.

Mike was saved at the age of 10. When he was 12 years old, his family moved to Brazil as missionaries. Bev was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Alton, Illinois. She was saved under her father’s ministry at the age of 9. Mike and Bev have been married since June 12, 1970 and have been blessed with four children and 11 grandchildren.