Micahel Lenhof was my friend and an inspiration to me in many ways. When I received a call yesterday from his mother that he had passed away, I was not shocked. For the last three and a half years, Mike has been languishing.
Mikey was founder of Road to Success Ministries. It was his dream. Even though it never fully developed as he envisioned it, the fact that he had the vision was an inspiration.
I first met Mikey when I arrived in Fresno to pastor what was then called, "Baptist Temple Church." He was meeting with our youth pastor - so wide he took about two seats and so short his feet didn't reach the ground. (Later, he lost a considerable amount of weight.) He was exercising his gifts of selling - specifically in the area of church and school fund-raising.
later, I recruited him for a network marketing company with which I was affiliated. He saw the potential immediately and immersed himself in the program. He didn't miss a meeting and introduced me to many, many people - usually folks he believed he could help with this great plan.
He recruited me for a few things as well and tried to recruit me for more. He was a frequent traveking partner and even showed up for two national conventions of our business.
His physical limitations and learning disabilities made it difficult for him to make much money, but he kept trying.
Mike had a vision to help people with disabilities like himself become independent, self-reliant, and productive in society. I will look for ways to continue that vision.
He was a purpose-driven person who was devoted to Jesus Christ and deeply desired to follow God's call in a ministry to people with disabilities. Mike was also an entrepreneur who had years of experience in sales. When folks told him he was unemployable, he ignored it. He worked as long as he could and always had a plan. he could do sales ... so he did it.
His Social Security was never in danger. he never made enough money ... but he kept plugging away ... and dreaming.
He wasn't always easy to work with. He could get frustrated and that was not always a pretty sight. But he never, ever, ever gave up ... not on an idea and not on people. He had a big heart of love and a capacity to believe in a bright and abundant future.
Even from his bed in a nursing home, he told me to reach in his drawer and pull out a "plan' he had developed that would make us rich and support his ministry.
His last phone call to me went something like this, "Tommy, we've got to get this thing going."
There are only a few people on earth who call me "Tommy."
He usually ran out of steam on the phone after about 45 seconds, but he never ran out of dream.
One of the happiest times in his life was going on a mission trip with Clovis Hills Community Church.
He tried marriage. It just didn't work out. But he gave it a shot. And no one, NO ONE, could deny Mikey a shot at something he wanted to take a shot at.
He was that kind of guy!
People loved Mike because he inspired them and truly cared about them. He started the ministry with a big vision, drive, and passion to help others. He was a winner with a winner's attitude and an overcomer who knew that the source of his strength was God.
I wasn't shocked that he died, but I am sad. I am very happy for Mikey. He has been miserable and now he is doing quite well! Nevertheless, I am sad to see the chapter close, sad for a family that loved him very much, sad for a dream that seems to have died ...
Or has it?
Perhaps it is just waiting for someone to take it up.
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