Today, we continue our #MeetaMissionerMonday series by introducing one of our newest missioners, Mike Garr. Mike is a parishioner at St. Michaels in Grand Ledge, MI, in the Diocese of Lansing. He was part of the Just Faith program at St. Michaels. He attended Central Michigan University in Mt Pleasant, MI and Hudson High School in Hudson, MI. He received his Culinary Apprentice Certificate from Greenbrier Culinary Program and worked as a chef and Customer Development Specialist for Gordon Food Services for 30 years. He has previously led retreats for Catholic singles and volunteers at a homeless shelter. He has also been on mission trips to Guatemala, Colombia and Belize. He has three adult children and twin granddaughters.
Mike retired from Gordon Food Services the week before starting the MKLM orientation program in October 2017. He began discerning about three years ago, after having taken an online survey with Catholic Charities. He would spend an hour a week in the chapel and writing in his journal. He was often unsure of what do with his future. One day, MKLM came to his head, having previously heard Maryknoll priest Father Brian Barrons speak at his church. A sense of peace came over him and it was then that he worked with Father Brian to fill out the application in October of 2016. Doubt began to creep back in as he went through the selection process. But finally, he decided that God was telling him what to do and he did not want to say no to the opportunity.
He feels Kenya is the best fit for him and hopes to help the people in a couple of areas. After completing language school, he hopes to get involved with Project HOPE (Helping Orphans Pursue Education). This international health education and humanitarian assistance organization works to help children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. He also hopes to work with street children in Kenya and possibly participate in prison ministry.
Please join us in praying for Mike as he begins this meaningful chapter in his life. We hope that you wish him well and support him in his endeavors. Please share Mike’s story and Maryknoll Lay Missioner with others, especially committed Catholics who may be discerning God’s call to serve.
CLICK HERE or below to view his interview.
CLICK HERE to view his video blog on prayer called “Take Ten”
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