Michael's Church

Michael was proud to wear his Awana shirt

  Michael was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church located on East Valley Road in Dunlap, Tennessee. He was saved by Pastor Dennis Boston and Michael was to be baptized in the Church in June. Hopewell Baptist is a small country Church with a wonderful loving congregation.

Michael's "Never late Award."

 Michael knew Jesus Christ and always was spiritual, but he wanted more. He wanted a personal relationship with Jesus and he wanted to know God. Michael fell in love with this Church during the early spring of 2006, and became a devoted member. He admired his Pastor very much and adored the friendly people of the congregation. Church became a very important part of Michael's life.

  Michael was an enthusiastic member of their Wednesday night Youth Group known as Awana. Awana held Bible Study, followed by different activities each week. Michael was so enthusiastic that he always arrived an hour too early on Wednesday nights, thus earning him the "Never Late" award in June, 2006. He was so proud of that award. On another occasion, Michael learned the Ten Commandments in record time and earned his red Awana polo shirt, which is an honor.

The Pledge

   One of Michael's favorite things to do with his youth group was to go to the Nursing Home down the road from the Church on Wednesday evenings to entertain the patients there. That is the same Nursing Home where my mom, Michael's loving grandmother, resided for two years, who was stricken with Alzheimer’s, until she passed away. Going there was even that much more special to Michael, since it held memories of his beloved "Nanny." Sometimes the kids would put on a play, or sing songs, or played Bingo with the patients.

Michael's Easter Bonnet; yes, he made it from a road cone!

  I remember the week that Michael had to sing Amazing Grace at the Nursing Home and he practiced it every day for a week so that he wouldn't mess it up. He couldn't carry a tune for nothing but he loved singing anyhow. When I heard him belting it out while taking a shower, I couldn't help but laugh my head off. He sounded terrible, but he was so proud that he didn't miss any words. I don't think that there are many 18 year old boys that spend their spare time at a Nursing Home. Michael again showed how special he was.

Michael's graduation cake.

    In early June, 2006, Hopewell Baptist Church held a graduation party celebration for Michael and another youth member, Amanda, that had also graduated. The Church hall was decorated beautifully with lots and lots of graduation decorations in school colors. Michael and Amanda were each given their own cake, and the Church members provided every kind of food and desert that you could imagine, along with a multitude of presents for each of them. It was an evening to remember. Michael was beaming and we were once again so happy and proud of him.

  In July of 2006, after Michael's passing, Daniel and Jerry joined Hopewell Baptist Church and now attend Sunday services every week. Daniel was baptized there on Sunday, July 16, 2006. As for me, I have lost my faith.

Michael and Tabitha always worshiped together

Hopewell Baptist Youth Group just having a great time!