“The Story of Mike Brown’s Conversion”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

 

On April 12, 2006, I was first introduced to Mike Brown. Brother Dale Barnes (preaching with the Caneyville, KY church of Christ at the time) had known him for over ten years, as Mike worked at his deer processing plant in those years. Dale asked me to go with him and to talk with Mike about being baptized because he recently discovered he had severe cancer, and Dale thought such a visit would get him to think about his soul.

            We went to Mike’s house around 10:00 a.m. and talked with this kind soul who was already feeling the effects of cancer. He was painfully thin and already having “good and bad days,” but this day was a good one (and soon to get better). I met one of Mike’s sisters, Rayda, and after exchanging pleasantries (including learning that I had been to his house in November of 2005 when we passed through his neighborhood inviting people to church), Dale began to speak. As Dale led the conversation, he asked Mike about his conversion and if he had ever been baptized for the remission of sins. Mike said, “No,” and Dale continued. He read from Mark 16:16 (“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned.”), Acts 2:38 (“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”), then Acts 22:16 (“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”), and I Peter 3:21 (“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ”). He wove those verses together, showing how they all pointed to the necessity of being baptized for the remission of sins if he wanted to go to Heaven.

            As he continued, Dale asked Mike if he’d be interested in being baptized, and Mike said, “Yes.” Dale asked, “When?” and Mike said, “Now!” When asked, “Why?” Mike said to be forgiven of his sins. Based on our discussion, such questions and answers showed Dale and me that Mike knew what he was doing and was ready.

            Rayda stopped us to ask if we thought we should call someone from the Bellevue Baptist Church, and Dale answered pleasantly, “No. This is Mike’s decision and not theirs. If Mike wants to be baptized, then we will go right now.” Mike again consented, and we all headed over to the church building at the Southside church of Christ in Owensboro, KY. Yes, this was a “good day” health-wise for Mike, and it would get better. Before leaving, we called for Dale’s younger brother, Don Barnes, to come with us, and he was there in a moment, ready to assist in any way he could.

            Upon entering the church building, we talked for a moment and discussed who would do the baptizing. I deferred to Dale, but Dale insisted that I do it. We talked some more and then asked Mike to make the “Good Confession” before his baptism (The confession of one’s faith: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,” Acts 8:36-38; Matt. 16:16; Rom. 10:10). Then Mike changed into another garment so he would have dry clothes to wear home, and I put on some waders in preparation for following the Bible pattern where he would be baptized (immersed in water) so his sins would be forgiven. In a few moments, I baptized Mike into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). According to Scripture, he was added to the Lord’s church at that time (Acts 2:41, 47). Before leaving, Don Barnes led a prayer, and then Mike went home, exhausted and happy.

            I made a point to see him on Friday (April 14), and he was sitting outside on his porch swing. He was having a good day again and commented on how great he felt and how happy he was. He was glad for his baptism and was glowing as I looked upon him that day. As we talked, I learned Mike had a visitor Wednesday evening following his baptism. A Catholic priest stopped by to visit, and upon telling him about his baptism that day, the priest basically said it was fine for him to do, but it wasn’t necessary. Mike said it was necessary and referred him to the passages that Dale had cited on Wednesday when he was baptized. The priest said no more! Mike and I talked some more on that Friday, and he told me his plans for being with us in the worship services that following Sunday (April 16).

            Sadly, Mike would never gather with the saints on earth. His health began to deteriorate quickly. I came to visit him at different times and to pray with him. One day in April, Mike made a point of telling me that he had subscribed to cable so that he could watch our television program that we had at that time. He knew he could not assemble with the saints due to his failing health, but he also knew he could study from God’s word a few nights a week as he watched the program. At different times in the following days, including the final Sunday I saw him alive (May 14, 2006), we discussed the day he was baptized. By this time, Mike was emaciated but told me he was “ready to go.” His girlfriend, Martha, was present, and I told them both how I also knew he was ready and then recounted the story of the day of his conversion on April 12. He said, “Yes, Yes,” in agreement at times, and I then led a prayer before I left. He died on Friday, May 19, 2006, at 3 a.m.

            The funeral was held on Monday, May 22. I was asked to speak at the graveside and told the story of his conversion to those present. At the graveside, I recounted the events of April 12, 2006, quoting the passages Dale used concerning baptism, and showed “why” Mike had hope and that it was due to his following what the Lord said and being baptized for the remission of sins. I concluded by going back to Ecclesiastes and the words of the wise man, “Fear God and keep his commandments … this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc. 12:13).

            I did not know Mike for very long, but I feel blessed for my time with him. He had a significant impact on my life. This experience has taught me the need for getting to folks and teaching them the truth while we have the chance (Prov. 27:1; Jas. 4:14)! If we had been there a week later, perhaps Mike wouldn’t have been baptized – due to health reasons – too weak to move, etc. This is my motivation for talking with folks and trying to win more folks for the Lord before it is too late – for me or them (II Cor. 6:2, “…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”)!

Addendum:

            I wrote this article roughly 18 years ago. I wanted to reprint this article here for a few reasons. 1) I still think about Mike Brown when I see people converted “late in life” (Matt. 20:9-14) 2) I think this kind of article is an encouragement to the brethren here, reminding us that while we want to think there will be a “next time” or “tomorrow,” there will be a day wherein we have no more “tomorrows” (Prov. 27:1; II Cor. 6:2; Heb. 3:7-8, 15; Jas. 4:14). 3) Never give up when trying to win someone to the Lord. As we noted above, brother Barnes had known Mike for ten years. Knowing brother Barnes as I do, I know he spoke to Mike about the Lord on many occasions. Apparently, Mike hadn’t listened before, but because Dale didn’t give up, this time, Mike listened!

            What if Dale had given up on Mike during those ten years? What if he had not made one more attempt to speak to Mike? What then? Because of the efforts of someone who would not give up, a precious soul entered eternity ready. Like Abel, Mike is dead, and “yet speaketh” (Heb. 11:4)!