There is a new movie out that is currently playing the film
festival circuit that I was recently able to screen. Let me state a few things
right off the bat: Typically for these types of movies, (Christian Themes) and
a low budget Indie, I typically blast, mainly because most "Christian"
themed movies in my opinion are just garbage. I was reluctant to do a review
for this movie for another reason though; it touched on an era and time that I
actually worked in the "Christian" music world and the movie features
one of the bands I managed that opened up a lot of doors, The Rob Cassels Band.
Rob even makes a cameo appearance in the movie.
In the late 1970's through the late 1980's I worked in the Christian Music
Industry. I fell in love with Rob Cassels and the genre early on in my
Christian life. I first met Rob at The Son Festival in Myrtle Beach South Carolina.
Later on after doing concert promotions, I started working for Rob in
1984/85.I still say, Rob is as legit as
anyone ever in this industry, but I don't think Rob ever got the respect he
deserved and it is one of the reasons for my early skepticism of this movie. I was
going to be upset if Rob and his music was presented in a negative light.
I finally decided, I needed to see the movie so after contacting
the filmmakers and being sent a screener for the film, I decided to sit down
and watch it, and boy, oh boy, was I surprised. The film captures beautifully
much of the early history of the Christian Hair Band era and the early
transitions of what was known of as Jesus Music into what became CCM or the
Contemporary Christian Music Industry.
I know I'm giving some personal injection here, but bare
with me. Some, including Bob Hay one of the founding members of the FCCM,
Fellowship of Contemporary Christian Ministries which included many of the
early pioneers of Jesus Music has stated that The Rob Cassels Band was the
first to successfully cross over into the non Christian market and I was the
one that put them there. I traveled much of the time with Rob in those days as
not only the bands manager, but as a road manager, running lights and sound at
various times. While I am now in the International Blues Hall of Fame as a Great
Musician from the State of Kansas,
those years in "Christian" music in a non musician capacity was
responsible for much of my views of the industry of "CCM."It is here that Electric Jesus in so many
ways is spot on and I found myself identifying so much with the character of Erik,
a sound man who is kind of like a "ministry coordinator" who sees it
as part of his responsibility to keep the band rooted in their faith and
purpose. There are a couple of scenes that mirrored reality so much that I
wondered if the producer and writer of this film, Chris White had ever been
listening to some of those conversations taking place on busses and back rooms
in the Christian Rock days.
Now don't get me wrong, while there are some noticeable
actors in this movie, i.e. Judd Nelson, Brian Baumgartner and others, most of
this cast is not well known or going to on their own fill a theater. They are
however, as an ensemble quite good and complementary to each other and the
characters they play. The story is also top notch along with the direction. One
for example doesn't have to be a "Christian" or a fan of
"Christian Rock" to enjoy this movie. I will say however, with me
living during and working in this era, it is quite enjoyable to reminisce those
days that now, well, now, have become history. To that era in fact, I have to
give major kudoos to the producers and makers of this movie for holding true to
the authenticity of the music as well as honoring and mentioning many of those
who contributed to this genre of music.
Electric Jesus does something else, while not mentioning
names, it does a good job of illustrating some of the issues with those in the early
days of this industry, especially to many of those who I think were shady at
best, down right manipulative and liars at worst; those in the industry. Many
were promoting an agenda to make money or to "become popular in their own
way with little concern for the artists and musicians. Now don't get me wrong,
there were a lot of good ones during those days promoting the music, but as
anyone who was a part of that history, I can tell you, there were more than a
few shady ones. In fact, if anything authenticity could have been presented more
than it was it would be the times the bands didn't get paid or were taken
advantage of . While it touches a little on this, I would dare say, not enough.
Those bands made tremendous sacrifice and with little spiritual help. There was
a price to pay for some and thankfully, in the movies closing moments, it
touches on this.
I liked Electric Jesus, far more than I anticipated, I laughed, I sang along, I even teared up. The
story is well told and for many like me who lived through this era, it is an
authentic reminder of what was, and for many, could have been. It's done in an
honest way, showing the flaws and desires of some to do it right.
This isn't a perfect movie, but it is extremely good. I hate
that with the current state of movies we are in with most theaters shut down,
this may not get a run in the theaters. It can be seen at various film
festivals. It is up there as far as entertainment value goes.
Electric Jesus could have just focused on the music and I would
have likely appreciated it. It does so much more though; it pays respect in an
honest way to a time and style of music that changed many lives. I know I was
there, it molded me and I saw it first hand. I even hear on occasion from
people who made decisions to follow Jesus at a Rob Cassels concerts, some,
where I shared the message.
For paying tribute to an era and style of music that really
did make a difference, I give a very deserving and much higher than expected on
a scale of 1 - 10 a beautiful eternal 8.
To see The Trailer for the movie, click on the link below:
You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches
and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is
available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer
Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The
Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio
book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches
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short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means,
spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
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My love for The Electric Light Orchestra started early.I was going from place to place to stay as a
young person, my life was already in the mist of dysfunction and it was while
staying, as I often did, at my grandparents house, that I would sit up and
watch late night television. Two of my favorite staples was either The Midnight
Special or Don Kirchner's Rock Concert.
ELO appeared on both shows in regularity, in fact, they hold
the record as the band appearing the most times on The Midnight Special and Kirchner stated in one of his introductions regarding ELO; “ELO now resides at the pinnacle of rock
stardom, still growing, still musically innovative, and still one of a kind.”
I always loved music, it was a means of escape from the difficulties I was going
through, this love was developing during the early to late 1970's and no band had as
much influence on me as The Electric Light Orchestra.
The primary driving force for The Electric Light Orchestra
was the brilliant Jeff Lynne. He has gone on in recent years to produce many
of the greats in music from George Harrison, Joe Walsh, Brian Wilson, Ringo Star, to Tom Petty. His own participation
in the super group The Traveling Wilbury's alongside George Harrison, Bob
Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty has also left a mark on the history of Rock N
Roll.
Early in my youth, as is the case for many, I developed a
love for a "favorite" band that lasts a lifetime. Unfortunately,
from my youth, until my adulthood, I never got to see the band in concert. It
seemed as if for years the band had broken up and with many disagreements as to
who owned the band after an apparent split. Was it Jeff Lynne or was it drummer
Bev Bevan? It seemed as if I would never get to see them live, despite working
within the industry to some extent for some time as well as seeing a ton of
bands in my experiences. I had heard rumors that Jeff Lynne would never tour ELO
again and that his dissatisfaction with some of the American audience who complained
during one tour. They apparently quit playing the song some say introduced
them to the world, Roll Over Beethoven. Their performance is considered by many as the greatest
performance of the song of any artist in history. The likelihood of a
reformation of The Electric Light Orchestra with Jeff Lynne, the indisputable
voice of ELO was around zero to never. Then something happened.
On September 14 of 2014 Jeff Lynne along with backing band, Take
That, the Gary Barlow Backing Band and the BBC Concert Orchestra made a less than
one day surprise announcement that Jeff Lynne would be appearing at Hyde Park to perform as Jeff Lynne's ELO.What happened next is musical history, over
50,000 concert tickets sold-out in less than 15 minutes. The 50,000 plus fans
and millions more later watching the concert marveled at the performance at the outdoor rain soaked event. It was during
this performance that Lynne expressed how much fun it was and that audiences
could expect an upcoming ELO tour. My dreams of seeing the
band rose from the dead.
Unfortunately, the first tour consisted of only a few dates,
a few in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl and a few back east, none of which
were a possibility for me at the time, and all in relatively smaller
venues.Another heartbreak, especially
when considering this could likely be it for the band.
I have to regress a bit, I love ELO so much that while my
daughter lived in Ohio, not far from Cleveland, I had refused to accept or visit the Rock N Roll Hall of
Fame in Cleveland due to the omissions of inductees into the
Hall of Fame. The greatest tragedy as far as I was concerned was the omission
of The Electric Light Orchestra and as a result, I refused to attend. On April 7 of 2017, that changed as ELO and Jeff Lynne was
inducted. A year later my daughter bought my wife and
I tickets to visit the Hall of Fame for my birthday. My wife and I attended in July of 2018. What we thought would be a joyous moment ended up being
tragic.
While attending the Hall of Fame I was having
trouble with my back, it was uncomfortable getting around and despite my wife
having some stomach pain,she actually got around better than I. I was disappointed
in a number of things, not only was there no display we could find of
Chuck Berry, all there was for ELO who had recently been inducted was the 2017
induction plaque with the bands name on it. This was
a massive understatement, there were many bands not in the Hall of Fame with
displays but nothing for some of the greats who were in the Hall of Fame. It just
didn't make sense. Then as I thought things couldn't get worse, they did.
It was a strange week upon our return to Kansas. My wife continued to complain of her
stomach hurting and we didn't know what to do. We got home on a Friday and the
band I play in had a Saturday night gig. It was unusual that my wife didn't
want to go so she stayed at home, still complaining about her stomach but said
she would be fine. That night I was shocked at our performance to be inducted
into the International Blues Hall of Fame as a great musician from the state of
Kansas. It
was an honor I still don't think I am deserving but an honor none the less.
I came home, woke up my bride to show her the plaque and certificate. I could
hardly sleep. As the weekend progressed my wife continued to complain
about her stomach pain.That Monday we
took her to the doctor to have some tests done. As the tests progressed and we went
back on Friday of that week to check the results, she was sent to the emergency
room from the doctors office and she would spend 4 of the next 5 weeks in the
hospital.
It didn't take long before my wife, Mary Jane, was diagnosed
with Pancreatic Cancer. I could go into a lot of detail about the disease and our
experiences but initially after a failed surgery, (the Whipple) that had to be
abandoned or she would have died on the operating table, she was given
approximately 6 months to live and with treatment, the most she could expect
would be one year. Our life was turned upside down as my bride and partner
for some 40+ years was facing the possibility, no, the likelihood of death within
the next year. I was devastated.
Over the course of the next year I became a caregiver,
giving up any form of income outside of those contributing to help as they
could. The almost weekly chemotherapy bills would have us being billed almost
$37,000 per month and this didn't account for many of the other medical bills
coming in. I would lose virtually all income but my wife needed me, and I needed her.
It was during this time that a couple of things transpired.There is a great organization in Wichita called Victory in
the Valley. Typically during my wife's chemo treatments which range from 3 hours
to as long as 7 hours they have a waiting room lounge for families at the Kansas Cancer Treatment Center. It is great
as I can connect with other families and relax.It was while there that two things happened. One of the ladies I met,
her name Angel, told me about the Dream Foundation which grants wishes to
families who are facing terminal cancer and that Jeff Lynne announced that he
was going to be doing a more extensive tour with The Electric Light Orchestra
in North America.I then put two and two together and my dreams was resurrected. Well, actually, it was our dreams as Mary Jane had also developed
a love for The Electric Light Orchestra just as I had. She even told me the song Telephone Line was our song because we had made out to it and
other ELO songs so many times. I won't mention my dumb response to that
statement unless you ask, many have heard it.
We then got our hopes up and our oncologist helped draft a letter and wrote
a letter himself for or application to get this dream date, hopefully to
Ohio to see ELO.We were excited, only to
be let down after we were told by The Dream Foundation that with over 25,000
requests a year, ours would not be accepted. Mary Jane still
had a couple of dreams left, one to visit Lake Tahoe with friends we had made
plans with over a year prior and another to visit our family reunion for likely
the last time for her in East Tennessee.Dear friends, Doug and Shelley Prater took care of virtually all of the costs to
Lake Tahoe including our flight. We didn't know how Mary Jane would do and I
decided to do a fund raiser at Facebook to help with the trip home to East
Tennessee, remember, I had no income and we were largely living on the
donations and little money that Mary Jane brought in, of which almost every
penny goes to bills related to medical and living expenses.
It was during this time that I thought; "why not see if our Facebook
friends and families could help with maybe seeing one of the show that Jeff
Lynne is doing in the United
States?" We looked at the options, and
ultimately decided on Nashville Tennessee. We had friends that lived in
Nashville, (unfortunately of which we only got to see one of them) and it was
earlier in the month and at the time we made the plans, we knew that the end of
July, (the time of our family reunion) would be beyond the time frame the
doctors had originally given Mary Jane to live. So we decided on Nashville and to our
great pleasure, friends and family, even some people we didn't know, came
through to give us the finances needed to make the Nashville trip possible, and
it looks as of this writing that we will also have the finances needed to take
the trip to East Tennessee for our Family reunion during the last week of July,
first week of August.
It was with great surprise that Mary Jane and I took what we
considered our life long dream date to see Jeff Lynne's Electric Light
Orchestra in Nashville.
There were things others had done for us, one individual got in touch with
Dhani Harrison, (the opening act for the show and George Harrison's son) about
letting Jeff Lynne know of our trip and there were other things, dear friend
Mark Hollingsworth, a legend in the world of Christian Music and well known in
his work with bands period would meet us prior to the concert and we would have
a meal together and catch up. I also had a high school friend, Jim Schulman who
is the Vice Mayor of Nashville that worked out and got a parking pass for us
that literally had us parking in the garage, attached to Bridgestone Arena,
that had us literally less than 25 yards from the entrance into the arena and
surprisingly, thanks to the wonder drug, Imodium AD Mary Jane looked like she
may actually make it to the concert and make it through the concert, and thank
God, she did.
The show was phenomenal, many have commented on some of the photos
and how happy she looked and the smile on her face. We truly had a great time.
Did I mention we have this thing over the last number of years, that no matter
where we are at, what we are doing, that when we hear an ELO song we have
to give each other a kiss?Well let me
tell you, on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the Bridgestone Arena, we did a lot of
kissing.We also met new friends, the
couple sitting next to us, was a blended marriage, the husband from Denmark, the
wife originally from the Philadelphia area, and we came to find out, we are distant
cousins, both having the same 10th Great Grandfather. I met a new friend, an individual
who came to see us at the concert who had floor tickets and saw a post I had on the Bridgestone event Facegook page, Allen Farley who was so gracious and kind to us, tagging us
in great videos and photos of the band.
Then there was the concert, truth is, it didn't disappoint,
it had by far, the best sound of any concert, especially in a larger sold out
arena of any concert I have ever attended. For the bands refusing to take their
mix seriously, or making excuses about getting a quality sound, they should check out this concert and the
comments from people in the know.The
light show was on par with the best I have ever seen, right up there with Pink
Floyd's The Wall Tour and because of the technology used for backdrops and
video, it may have been better. I would have loved to have heard my late dear friend
of Heavy Light Productions Sam Smith's thoughts on the lighting and video backdrop. It was in a
word phenomenal, but there was something far more special about this show that most
will never imagine. Sharing it with my wife.
Thanks to dear friends and family, I was able to go on the dream date with my
bride that I never thought possible to see the band that not only I, but we,
have loved for our 40+ years of being together and never thought would be possible. It is why I say now, not only
is God Good, God is Awesome! We realize, that ultimately for all of the microcosms
of the universe to come together like they did for this fabulous event in our
lives, that should have never happened, but did, only God almighty could make
it happen. Of course along the way, many people had to listen, either willingly
or not, to the call of God for them to be involved to also make it happen. For
all of that, we are grateful and say again, in all sincerity, Thank You!
The following is the finale in Nashville with the song that started it all, Roll Over Beethoven. I also have to give special thanks to Allen Farley who took the video and the opening photograph.
Currently Mary Jane continues her battle with Pancreatic Cancer, to find out more about our
difficulties and struggles, visit out Go Fund Me Page at this following
link or click on any of the above photographs:
BE
ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW
AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER
MAJOR RETAILERS, MY BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT
MOST MAJOR RETAILERS INCLUDING AMAZON AND IS A TERRIFIC READ. IT IS ABOUT FINDING LOVE VIA GOD AND IN LIFE, VIA MARY JANE. ALSO FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME ABOUT HOW TO GET THE AUDIO BOOK FOR THE KEYSTONE FREE VIA SOUNDCLOUD
The
Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind
contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to
give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post
articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor,
Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful
for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.
Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also
provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into
this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from
The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link
to the original site with the materials provided.
You
can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon,
Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99
Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at
soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The
audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There
are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You
can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at
mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now
I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The
short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all
means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
There is a new movie that has been in theaters for several
weeks called Instant Family Staring Mark Wahlberg.My wife and I just saw it today, and in a
word, the movie is fabulous.
As a disclaimer from the very start, my wife and I adopted
our son Nathaniel in 1989. He came home with us on December 26 of 1989 and a
few short months later, the court decreed him as our son, and we as his
parents. We know all too well the issues that come with adoption, issues
related to long term acceptance for the child and issues as the child deals
with those issues and others for the parents. These issues don't last just for
a short while, but seemingly for the life and duration of the life of the child
and the life of the adoptive parents.
Now in the adoption process, let me make something clear.
The child who has been adopted becomes as much a part of the family as a child
who was born into the family, we know this to be true because we have a daughter
born in 1981. While our love for our two children is different, they are both
our children, just as much as if both had been born naturally within our family.
We love one just as much as the other and always will. Not to make excuses for
actions of any child, but unfortunately, just as seen in the movie, there are
those in families who sometimes due to a lack of understanding of the concepts
related to adoption.
If you haven't picked up on it, that is the themes of this movie starring Mark
Wahlberg as Pete and Rose Byrne as his wife Ellie.They portray a real couple who was involved
in a home improvements type of vocation where they take older houses, flip
them and sell them for profit. They realize they are ready for a family and
through the Foster Family process (a whole other set of issues which arise
through this process) look at the possibility of adoption. Their experiences are
displayed on screen as the couple decides to take into foster care 3 siblings
with a Hispanic background.As the
family begins to bond, they realize their desire to adopt the children.
Among the supporting cast are the children, Isabela Moner who plays a difficult
15 year old Lizzy, and her two small siblings Gustavo Quiroz and Julianna Gamiz
who play brother and sister Lizzy and Juan. There are issues with each child
and difficulties for the adoptive couple relating to all three children,
especially the older sister Lizzy. The agency team of Octavia Spencer as Karen
and Tig Notaro as Sharon
provides some comic relief and a representation that even within agencies there
is not always agreement. That is important for this film as it never forgets to
present the important thing in the adoption process is the children.
There are some who come from strict religious backgrounds
who may have issues with this movie. Instant Family follows a group of foster
parents in training as they are all looking at adoption, including single
parents, a religious family and a gay couple among others. I felt the movie presented
a loving and thoughtful presentation about what all prospective parents go
through, including adoptive parents from varying backgrounds. Again, the
emphasis is on the children and the film is quite educational in the process of
adoption as well as the things that families deal with after the process,
especially those that go through the foster care system.
The truth is this movie has its moments where you may need a
few tissues. It is emotional, but in a good way. I challenge especially adults
who are contemplating adoption to see the movie, in fact I would encourage
anyone who knows a family who has adoptive children to see the movie. From an
adoptive parent, I will tell you it is quite accurate and in many situations,
it is even more difficult than the things we see on screen. There are however,
in this life, heroes who have gone out of their way to show a child in need of
adoption that they can in fact be loved and brought into a family.It may take time for understanding to take
place but with time, and love, it can take place.
One of the things I was reminded of is how God puts families together and I
couldn't help but reflect on the passages in the Bible that talk about how God
has adopted those who follow Christ into the family of God.I loved the Wahlberg character because
although he has issues at time, his love for the children is never really
flinching and there are times that we see his willingness to stand up for and
be protective of the children, even in ways that may bring about harm to others.
I can't help but think that in some ways, God is like that with those He calls
his children. In those situations, we can all experience the feelings of love
that comes from a Heavenly Father. I know that for me, in my life, I have
experienced those things and am grateful for them. I only hope that for the
duration of my life I can display this type of love to my children, including
my son, who is as much a part of me as my daughter. It's kind of hard to
explain, but thankfully there are movies like this that can, and do show, the ability
to love even those where there may be issues and difficulty.That ability to love others, despite differences, seems to me, to be a theme that we can all learn from with the events and attitudes in today's world.
On a scale of 1 - 10, for the two loving parents and the numbers in the word
instant, where they became two that had an instant family, I give a well
deserving, enjoyable 9.
To see the trailer for the film, click on the following link or video:
Currently my wife is fighting Pancreatic Cancer, to find out more about our difficulties and struggles, visit out Go Fund Me Page at this following link:
BE
ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW
AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER
MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT
MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
The
Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind
contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to
give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post
articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor,
Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful
for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.
Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also
provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into
this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from
The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link
to the original site with the materials provided.
You
can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon,
Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99
Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at
soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The
audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There
are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You
can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at
mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now
I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The
short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all
means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Just a brief notice, we are going to be doing many more video reviews for the page. While there will be the ocassional written review, most will be video via our page The Movie Guys. I encourage you to check out the links below and subscribe to the channels. We are pleased to be working with Wichita State University and their Shocker Studio along with Teen View Magazine. We will be filming the shows at the studios and Teen View along with staff from Shocker Studios will be assisting in the production of the shows. You can find out more about Shocker Studios by checking out their Facebook page at the following link:
I certainly thank you for your support of this work over the years and as things grow and get bigger and better, we want you to know, we will continue to listen to you and appreciate your input and views. We also encourage you again, to please subscribe to our other blog pages and our pages regarding The Movie Guys.
To see the review for Breaking In and Deadpool, click on the link and video below.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Just a brief notice, we are going to be doing many more video reviews for the page. While there will be the ocassional
written review, most will be video via our page The Movie Guys. I
encourage you to check out the links below and subscribe to the
channels. We are pleased to be working with Wichita State University and
their Shocker Studio along with Teen View Magazine. We will be filming
the shows at the studios and Teen View along with staff from Shocker
Studios will be assisting in the production of the shows. You can find
out more about Shocker Studios by checking out their Facebook page at
the following link:
I
certainly thank you for your support of this work over the years and as
things grow and get bigger and better, we want you to know, we will
continue to listen to you and appreciate your input and views. We also
encourage you again, to please subscribe to our other blog pages and our
pages regarding The Movie Guys.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT
FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT
AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR
RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST
MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
The Virtual Pew and our other work is
supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on
the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so
much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary
from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a
homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute
to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on
than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the
ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and
feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that
appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the
materials provided.
You
can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon,
Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99
Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at
soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The
audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now
I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The
short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all
means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Just a brief notice, we are going to be doing many more video reviews for the page. While there will be the ocassional
written review, most will be video via our page The Movie Guys. I
encourage you to check out the links below and subscribe to the
channels. We are pleased to be working with Wichita State University and
their Shocker Studio along with Teen View Magazine. We will be filming
the shows at the studios and Teen View along with staff from Shocker
Studios will be assisting in the production of the shows. You can find
out more about Shocker Studios by checking out their Facebook page at
the following link:
I
certainly thank you for your support of this work over the years and as
things grow and get bigger and better, we want you to know, we will
continue to listen to you and appreciate your input and views. We also
encourage you again, to please subscribe to our other blog pages and our
pages regarding The Movie Guys.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT
FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT
AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR
RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST
MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
The Virtual Pew and our other work is
supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on
the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so
much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary
from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a
homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute
to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on
than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the
ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and
feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that
appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the
materials provided.
You
can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon,
Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99
Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at
soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The
audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now
I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The
short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all
means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Welcome to my review page. You will find reviews for everything from books to music, but especially movies. Enjoy the page and don't forget while you are at it to check out all of the other blogs I do as well as my web site www.furches.org and www.thevirtualpew.com where you will find message boards that have open discussion about all kinds of issues related to faith.
Mike Furches heads up The Virtual Pew, some say, the first Online Church. He speaks nationally on various topics and; is a freelance writer. He has published 2 books titled The Keystone Kid which has received rave reviews and thechildren's book with his late wife Mary Jane, Herald The Angel.. The short film, The Long Walk is also based on the book The Keystone Kid. Mike’s ministry is to those often called The Last, The Lost, and; The Least. Mike has worked with some top music artists and has an active interest in film. He is also an inductee into the International Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Blues Musician from the State of Kansas. He is available for speaking on a various topics. Mike has also been in some capacity as a pastor at various churches over the years. Thus the name Pastor Mike, which is a part of his Blues Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band which has been endorsed by numerous Blues Hall of Fame Members from across the world.
