Social - June 2003

Fire marshal steps up as youth pastor

From blazes to praises:

By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer

Mike Futrell is fulfilling a childhood promise — a promise he made to himself and God.

Lincoln County’s Fire Marshal has taken on the task of youth pastor at Oak Grove Baptist Church.

“When I was growing up in the youth group, I knew God wanted me to do this,” he says.

Futrell became the youth pastor in fall of 2002.

“Last September I gave up all the excuses and said I’m going to do it,” he says.

Having originally gone to college for graphic arts and photography, he later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in administration from Western Illinois.

He has served as the fire marshal in Lincoln County for seven years.

In the evenings, Futrell has worked towards his doctorate of philosophy and Christian education from New Vision University which he received May 17.

And his studies continue.

Futrell is now working on his doctorate in ministry and pastoral studies from Covington Theological Seminary.

In his spare time — aside from working for the county, serving the youth of his church and attending school — Futrell and his wife, Susie, have started a karaoke business.

“I love to sing, but I can’t carry a note,” Futrell laughs.

He and his wife started looking into the karaoke business.

“The pieces started fitting together,” he says.

Futrell purchased the necessary equipment and is now for hire. He says the children in his youth group enjoy his new business almost as much as he does.

“I wanted to be able to give the young people something to do,” he says.

He is giving through his business in more ways than one. Half of all of the proceeds from the karaoke business go to the youth group. Futrell says that once the equipment is paid for and all of the CDs have been purchased, he will give more.

“I don’t want to make money. I enjoy doing it,” he says.

Futrell has been married for 25 years. He and his wife have a daughter, Melissa, and a son, Matthew. He says his family, church and God keep him going and clear his schedule for all of his many activities.

“God makes room for it. As long as I make room for Him, He makes room for everything else,” he says.

Futrell says his profession coupled with his involvement in the church has put him in an unusual position.

“I’ve got the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives here on Earth and in their eternal life.”

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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