For God, Family and Republic

Congratulations are in order to one Mike Waddell. Mike is a ole college buddy of mine from Liberty. He is smalltown guy like myself, though he is from Martinville, VA which is thirty miles to the west of Danville. We both shared the same focus of studies. Like Mike, we both like pastor Charles Stanley. We both have a copy of Republic, Not an Empire, and think it better is to spread the Gospel to the Third World rather than blow it up like some people in power.

Anyway, Mike is a sincere Christian, and I have been impressed by his character and spirit of charity since I met him five or six years ago. Mike is two years my junior, but one could be years older than he is, and still look up to him. Mike is modest about his accomplishments. As a matter of fact, he doesn't even tell people he was a Marine. I remember after 9/11, he was pulling sky-marshall duty.

Above all, Mike has a heart for Jesus, missions and helping people. He has been a public speaker for Christian missions. Likewise, he reaches out in evangelism endeavors. He was recently engaged, and announced plans to spend his life with his sweetheart Katie Rickabaugh. They plan on settling in the California bay area in the interim and Mike hopes to eventually plant a church one day in Oregon. Whatever Mike does, I trust that God will bless him in his endeavors.

Mike blogs at miKeToWn.

May God bless them both richly as they start their new life together.