Mike +
Julia
Peace

Since 1985, Michael has had the opportunity to travel the world with Christian rap music and motivational speaking. In his obedience to God, he chose to remain in Rochester, dedicating his efforts to be of impact to children, teens, college-age and older adults. Through the financial support of our home church, Bethel, Michael was enabled to have a strong presence in the Rochester public school, teaching two curriculums ARISE (Achieving Respect In Society Educationally) and Abstinence which had lasting results in not just the deterring of teen pregnancy and STD's, but a rise in character development. ARISE was featured in a medical abstract, and Michael and his Associate and best friend James Heath were conference presenters in the country of Jamaica. He has also been a guest Chaplain for over 25 years for the Buffalo Bills and visiting opponents, as well as a guest professor at Elim college.

Mike and Julia have been involved in public outreach traveling across the United States doing gang & prison ministry in major urban cities such as New York City, Detroit, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and Atlanta encouraging young people to leave the drug game and become gainfully employed or educated. In 2005, Julia joined 4 other special women of God to be part of the international Christian Television Show “ A Different View “ produced by TCT. The cast of Jeri Barracks, Jackie Davis, Delia Know, Jill Kelly and Julia addressed current issues with godly counsel and salvation opportunities for 5 years.

Michael has spent 32 years as a visiting volunteer chaplain at New York Industry facility, Youth Pastor, Directors of Vanguard (a ministry initiative that would spend a week with selected youth of Rochester and Buffalo New York. These young people were chosen because they loved God and desired to be in local government, schools or churches in their cities. Last but not least they have been a leader / Volunteer with Bethel Express a children's ministry outreach of Bethel Christian serving under two previous Luis & Pamela Perez /James & Judy Heath for 12 years and 18 years as Director/ Pastor and establishing it as a non for profit 501 (c)3 called Bethel Express of America. The ministry was further developed for Bethel Express by using the S Factor - Spiritual Strength, Social Stability, and Scholastic Success with a tutoring component. Although it was a ministry for 6-12 years of age those children that have stayed with Bethel Express has been a 100% graduation rate and were rewarded scholarship money their 1st year of college established in honor and memory of Cristobal Rodriguez a Bethel Express Leader and Miracle prayer warrior. We have Alumni with Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorates. If a child felt college wasn't his route they were taught Bethel Express Enterprises to learn a good work ethic and entrepreneurial skills.

Most recently they have had oversight of the Remix ministry, since 2010, serving a Community meal on Arnett Street and out of the duplex on Bay and Niagara Street rented since 2013 and purchased in Dec 2015. It serves as a beacon of light and center of hope for the children of Bethel Express providing Tutoring, Spiritual enrichment, Development, and respite services. Over 32 years in ministry, Mike and Julia have poured into the lives of many here in the city of Rochester. To this day Mike received offers of employment as well as out-of-state invitations to Pastor-established congregations.

Though Michael is known and recognized nationally and Internationally and considered famous (on the cover of some national magazines) he is not rich. That is because he never charged or put a price on his and Julia’s services. They received whatever people, churches, or ministries could afford. Their richness and treasure are not in money or pay but the assurance that they pleased God with their convictions and obedience and the satisfaction that they were able to help people in all types of predicaments.

Michael has received plaques from local colleges and ministries as well as the NY Governors award for distinguished African-Americans in addition to local news articles here in Rochester and throughout the United States. Although their work may not seem very visible they work in the trenches with such passion and commitment and touched the lives of countless young people to include the Mayor’s office. Julia was his friend and work colleague at Brockport College for 8 years before becoming his wife of over 30 years. They both are ordained Ministers under Christian International Apostolic Network, under the leadership of Bishop Bill Hamon Santa Rosa Florida. Julia has witnessed Michael’s demeanor of humility, respect, and never a selfish motive to make a name for himself to advance his own personal agenda, but rather do everything for the betterment of individuals and the Glory of God.