Mike Kraft was a great friend of Sheila and me. We met many years ago at Shalom Ministry. Mike always had new information to share with me that would always be just about outside of the mainstream, and on a wide variety of topics. I was always intrigued by these tangents, even when I couldn't see them arcing back into my life in some profitable way. I never figured out what his information sources were, or how he could so often come up with things I had never heard about before! And I have so many things to thank him for. It was Mike who introduced me to the writings of Watchman Nee, which explained how to live a Normal Christian Life. Nee also had accurate and insightful perspectives on doctrines and interpretations that were just outside of the common Evangelical perspective, and that helped me to better understand Scripture and God. It was Mike who taught me not to be afraid of the New Testament Greek language, and that even a non-linguist such as myself could go beyond Strong's Concordance and gain deeper insights to scripture. I'm still on the lower rungs of the ladder compared to Mike, but I would never have even tried without his encouragement. This has also been a blessing to my life. It was Mike who taught me not to be afraid of what is referred to as "higher criticism" of the Bible, and that there was another hidden world of value in examining shifting historical perspectives on Scripture, and how manuscripts were copied and transmitted. Not only was it not heretical to consider how we got the Biblical text that we received, I found my faith strengthened and my confusion on certain points clarified by studying the differences between different manuscripts. I only have Mike to thank for this. Mike also introduced me to the investment ideas of Robert Kiyosaki, who taught me not to fear renting out a house for profit, and the value of passive income. Once again, this was an author who had many ideas that went against the grain of traditional investments, and the results so far have been very beneficial for me. It was Mike who encouraged me to not be afraid of working with the homeless or incarcerated youth. These engagements have been a tremendous blessing to my life. It was Mike who taught me not to be afraid of home-based ministry or church, and that doing so "outside of the covering" of the institutional church was neither unbiblical, divisive nor dangerous, and that some of the best fellowship and learning times for me have been in such environments. One of the most important things that Mike taught me was how to pray. All I knew to do before was just say some words. Mike taught me how to listen to the Holy Spirit, how to work with others in praying for people, and how to expect miracles in a world (and even a Christian world) that frowns on them. All the while, Mike was teaching me how to love people, how to have patience with them, how to persist in being righteous without compromising one's values or making enemies of people, and how to continue walking, even when the path was overgrown and the way was hard. I imagine right now that there's some angelic librarian who is showing Mike around some vast library where there are answers to many profound and obscure questions, and I can see his face lighting up to finally understand the mysteries that had eluded him (as well as the minor errors that may have deluded him!). I hope he can show me around that library some day.
Memories
Mike was a life long friend. Our family's were extremely close. It all began when Mike and I played little league baseball on his dad's team. Mike was quite, kind, genuine man. He will be missed.
I remember meeting Mike at the New Hope Support Group meetings. It was wonderful watching him move forward with his loss and thoroughly enjoying himself at our many social gatherings. We were all pleased when he started facilitating. But he loved coming to the dances and socializing. Always with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was a wonderful man and will be missed. May he rest in peace.
We got to know Mike because of his obvious enthusiasm for country music and dancing. He and Laura were there with us many a weeknight in Plymouth or New Boston. Can you picture twenty-five to thirty couples turning together and moving to the beat of a county tune? Most of the dances have four patterns of eight steps. After a while, everything clicks, muscle memory moves your feet, and that western hat feels right. It didn't take long to see that Mike was a natural on the dance floor. He touched our lives with his genuine smile and personality. His passing brings us a sincere sadness. Please be assured that we will miss him. Our heartfelt condolences to his family.