Glory to God For All Things

Prayers for a Dear Friend of Us All

I spoke by phone this morning with Michael Bauman, for years a faithful part of our conversations on the blog. He shared with me that he is now in home hospice care (in Wichita) and has been given a terminal diagnosis. His faith is truly evident in his conversations, even as those present their own struggles.

I was struck particularly by his “joy” which he says seems to persists beneath everything. This is a gift from God.

Please keep him in your prayers and remember his wife, Merry. May God grant him paradise and a place with the saints. I will keep our community posted with any further news.

About Fr. Stephen Freeman

Fr. Stephen is a retired Archpriest of the Orthodox Church in America. He is also author of Everywhere Present: Christianity in a One-Storey Universe, and Face to Face: Knowing God Beyond Our Shame, as well as the Glory to God podcast series on Ancient Faith Radio.

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Comments

19 responses to “Prayers for a Dear Friend of Us All”

  1. Joan Kakascik Avatar
    Joan Kakascik

    God Bless you as you approach our God in Glory. Thank you for the love given to othrs which spreads far and near.

  2. Fr John Vaporis Avatar
    Fr John Vaporis

    We love you Michael.
    Christ is Risen!
    Fr John Vaporis

  3. Jason Seta Avatar
    Jason Seta

    Thank you for sharing this sad news and his joyful witness, Father. Prayers abound.
    Br. Jason Peter

  4. Dean Avatar
    Dean

    Thank you Fr. Freeman for the post and photo, though it saddens my heart to hear the news. Yes, Michael and Merry have been an integral part of this community through the years. I always have enjoyed his thought provoking comments and Merry’s down-to-earth, home-spun notes.
    If you two read this, know that you are in our loving prayers to our man-befriending God in Christ Jesus.

  5. Rhonda Joy Ashby Avatar
    Rhonda Joy Ashby

    Dear Fr Stephen & Michael,
    Thank you for sharing. Our prayers are with you both and Merry. Christ is Risen! And with Him all of His own. Lord have mercy upon the bitter and the sweet.
    Joy

  6. Byron Avatar
    Byron

    God hold him and Merry close and have compassion and mercy on them! Thank you, Father, for providing this update.

    “This is the day the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

  7. Barbara Avatar
    Barbara

    Christ is Risen!
    I have enjoyed many of your comments over the years, Michael. Your insight and sincerety come through, and no matter the topic, you write with respect and compassion. A sincere thanks to you for helping this convert through some delicate and challenging issues.

    I will pray for you and your family in the days ahead. God bless you. ☦️

  8. Bonnie Ivey Avatar
    Bonnie Ivey

    Michael, I have always loved your posts; so wise and heartfelt. Your delight in serving the Lord always comes through. I will pray for you and Merry. Thank you for sharing so much with us.

    Bonnie

  9. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    Dear Fr. Stephen, I, too, am grateful to see this beautiful photo and appreciate Michael sharing this news. Merry and Michael and all who love them are in our prayers.

  10. Allen Long Avatar
    Allen Long

    Michael,
    Through the years, I have been strengthened in my faith by the wisdom of your comments.
    May God grant you a strong ending and great comfort to your wife.
    Thanks be to God for His wondrous working in and through your life!

    Allen Long

  11. Matthew Avatar
    Matthew

    Michael,

    Thanks so much Michael for your contributions here. It has been very good getting to know you over the past few years.

    I thank God for you and what you have offered us all here in this space. Your faith is a testimony to all.

    Matthew

  12. Matthew Avatar
    Matthew

    We will be praying for you and Merry.

    Peace my brother.

  13. Hélène d. Avatar
    Hélène d.

    Thank you, Father Stephen, for sharing this news about Michael with us ; it’s so unexpected !

    Dear Michael, may the Lord, whom you love so much and whose faithful servant you are, grant you strength and confidence, and preserve this joy within you despite this trial.
    He is risen, our God and Savior !
    May the All-Holy Theotokos watch over and surround Merry with her ineffable tenderness !

  14. Katherine Avatar
    Katherine

    Prayers also from a sister in Greece ….

  15. Denise Avatar
    Denise

    Thank you for letting us know, Father.
    Michael and Merry will be in my prayers. 💗🙏

  16. Dino Avatar
    Dino

    Michael is already in our heart, how can he not? and I am sure that the All Holy Mother of God has a veil of Grace over him and over his wife.

  17. Burwell Noyes Avatar
    Burwell Noyes

    Lord have mercy on our dear brother!

  18. Jenny Avatar
    Jenny

    May God bless Michael and Merry. I will be keeping them in prayer, knowing that the Lord keeps them both in His loving hands.

  19. Justin Avatar
    Justin

    Mr Bauman,

    It is a rare opportunity to be able to tell someone you love them before their funeral. So, I thank you so very much for your kindness and wisdom to me on this forum, and your love (such as it can be online like this). You and your dear wife certainly have my prayers in this time. When you get there, please pray for me.

    With love in Christ,
    Justin (a Brother from Colorado)

    (Fr Stephen can you pass this on to Michael if he cannot be on this chatbox anymore?)

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