Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15 (NIV)
[To my readers: On February 11, 2012 my father suffered a stroke which weakened him physically and took away his speech. The search for a cause of that stroke revealed stage four cancer in his body. For the next several weeks my father battled the cancer as well as the effects of the stroke. On March 22, 2012, just 14 days after his 85th birthday, Dad won his battle with cancer and was ushered into the presence of his Lord Jesus to join those who have gone before us.
The words that follow are my tribute to my Father. A tribute I was honored to share with those of us who gathered together to celebrate his life. May you be challenged and blessed by these words.
Since that time, I’ve taken time away from my writing to regroup, deal with some personal issues, and rest. It’s time to re-enter the world to share what God has laid on my heart. I pray he will give me the strength to balance life and writing so that you will be blessed by the words I am given. May the God of Heaven richly bless you. Amen.]
Rev. Max L Fisk — March 9, 1927-March 22, 2012
How do you sum up 57 years of memories in a three to five minute speech? The easy answer to that of course is…you can’t! It’s been so encouraging to hear your stories of how Dad influenced your lives; to hear how many of you will spend eternity with Jesus because of the ministry Dad had to you. There aren’t too many 84 year old men who can relate to someone who is 14 one minute and a 70 year old the next.
Dad, Pastor Max, Grandpa Max, was more than a father to me, especially in these later years. He was a mentor, a friend and one of my main cheerleaders whether I entered the pulpit or faced some new challenge in life.
Over the last eight years I had the honor of having breakfast with Dad nearly every Wednesday, in our usual booth at ‘Our Place Café’. You know you are a regular when you show up at a restaurant and your coffee is hot and poured, your eggs are done just the way you like them and the servers greet you by name. Wednesday mornings will never be the same.
One of the memories I have growing up was the role of music in our family. We were by no means the Von Trapp Family but mom worked hard to get five rambunctious pastors kids all singing on the right page…usually. We learned to sing on our 90 mile trips over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house. Mom taught us to sing in harmony.. Dad taught us the importance of living in harmony. Together they taught us the vital importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
While Mom had an ear for music, Dad had a love for music. They are not the same. On one occasion I remember Dad being asked, not so graciously, to refrain from singing with us since we were practicing for Sunday night church and he was throwing us off key.
Dad had a song in his heart even though it didn’t always come through his lips as well as it left his head. Nothing could quench the song in my Dad’s heart. Anyone visiting his Face Book page knew his love for music, and especially the old hymns. I helped him publish his last hymn. Even though he couldn’t talk and was weakened from the stroke, he knew exactly which hymn to put on his page.
Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus
There is never a day so dreary, there is never a night so long, but the soul that is trusting Jesus will somewhere find a song. Wonderful, wonderful Jesus, In the heart he implanteth a song, A song of deliverance, of courage, of strength, in the heart he implanteth a song.
I share that story because the chorus we just finished singing [Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace. I’m going to see my Saviors face; Heaven is a Glorious, Heaven is a Marvelous, Heaven is a Wonderful place.] was the last song my Dad sang this side of heaven. That was the same day that he called us four sons together to tell us that his time would be short and how much he’d enjoy our company for the remainder of his stay here on earth.
57 years of memories. 57 years of lessons Dad taught me. Some I’m still working on. Others I’ve forgotten, but some of the biggest lessons still ring true in my heart.
Lesson One: You can always come home. I think each of sons and at least one grandson took Dad literally on that by moving our families into his house. Looking back I don’t think Dad was inviting us to move our families into his house. He was teaching us though that no matter how many mistakes you’ve made and how much you struggle with life, Jesus always welcomes you home with open arms.
Lesson Two: Jesus forgives ALL sin. Too often we like to categorize sin by saying “Your sin is worse than mine’ or this sin isn’t as big as that sin. Dad showed me, especially in these last years that forgiveness was for ALL sin, ALL the time.
Lesson Three: Listen to the Spirit and follow his lead. Dad often told me the story of a time when he was prompted by the Spirit to make an unexpected stop at a friend’s house. A stop he didn’t want to take but a stop that resulted in several major events. People found Jesus. People were sent into ministry. Broken families were healed. All because of that one time when Dad chose to listen to the Spirit.
Lesson Four: God has forgiven you. Have you forgiven others? Have you forgiven God? It’s so easy to get angry when we are mistreated. It’s so easy to hold a grudge, refuse to forgive and promise retaliation. Those things only keep us imprisoned. Dad inspired us all to love and live freely.
There were many other lessons of course. Too many to mention. But perhaps the biggest lesson I learned from my Dad was never verbalized by him. In fact, if he were here today he’d probably not agree with me. You see, my Father was, to me, an example of my Heavenly Father. Don’t get me wrong. Dad wasn’t perfect. He ate too much ice cream and took too few walks. He confided in me some of the struggles in his own spiritual life. But he gave me a clear picture of my Heavenly Father because of his unconditional love for me.
In church circles we talk about a God who is our Heavenly Father. A Father that loves us regardless of what we do or say or think. While that is true, it’s sometimes hard to find a good example of that in our world. When we are young and afraid we look to our Daddies for support. As we grow older and struggle with life and things don’t work out the way we planned those closest to us may fail to support us because we don’t meet their expectations. No so my Dad.
My Dad walked me through some of the darkest, loneliest days of my entire life. He showed me love, forgiveness and acceptance when my choices disappointed him. Sometimes those choices were unintentional, sometimes they were the result of my own bull-headed Scandinavian heritage. Regardless of the choices I made, I learned that my dad loved me. I’m proud of my Dad and I know he was proud of me.
I had supper with my dad shortly after he entered Parmly Life Points Care Center. It was a Saturday evening and I was preaching the next morning. I was talking with him about my sermon and from time to time he’d try to interject some scripture I should use.
The gentleman across the table asked me, “Is your dad a pastor too?”
I smiled, “Yep, he’s been a pastor for…over 60 years.”
Dad corrected me very clearly, “67 years” He said slowly, “But God shut me up!”
I remember putting my hand on his shoulder and saying, No Dad, God hasn’t shut you up.
And so, I close with a request. Please help keep Dad’s message alive. His voice is now directed towards praising the Savior in heaven. But while his voice may be silenced here on earth, please keep his message, the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; the message of grace, alive by showing others the patience, care, understanding and love that he showed so many of us.
Don’t shut up the message of Pastor Max.
11 comments
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December 22, 2012 at 11:01 am
Planting Potatoes
I was blessed by your words today! Thanks! God bless and Merry Christmas!
December 29, 2012 at 6:57 am
Mike Fisk
I’ve not been very good at replying to comments lately. I apologize for that. Thank you for your encouragement. Hoping you had a Merry Christmas as well and that you have a Happy and Blessed New Year. God Bless! ~ Mike
December 29, 2012 at 8:58 am
Planting Potatoes
no worries! God bless!
January 30, 2013 at 6:59 pm
tools4retooling
Hi Mike,
With a lump filling my throat and water clouding my eyes, I have read every word. This is my first time to read this…didn’t realize it was here on your blog. 😉 So many memories of such a sweet man. Max still ministers to me in my memory, from one day in his office in the Teen Center, counseling me when I lived in Taylors Falls…must have been around 2004. “Lindy, every morning when I open my eyes, my first words are ‘May the meditations of my heart and the words of my mouth be pleasing to you Lord.’ ” He was always leading the Lord’s sheep, never like driving cattle.
He was always so encouraging, peaceful, humble, focused on what Jesus was directing him to say and do.
Thank you for this tribute.
Love in Christ,
Lindy Combs
January 30, 2013 at 9:03 pm
Mike Fisk
Hi Lindy,
Thank you so much for sharing this. Dad was a very special person to say the least. I miss him terribly as well. As I lead my church I’m so appreciative of the heritage he left us. God’s blessings on you. Your words made my day today! ~ Mike
November 11, 2013 at 6:57 am
daniellajoe
Beautiful !!! Good fathers are so precious, I am blessed with a great earthly father and an awesome Heavenly Father …. Your dad’s message will go on…amen
November 11, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Mike Fisk
Thanks Daniellajoe. You are so right. Earthly fathers are a treasure, especially when they point us to our Heavenly Father. I still miss my dad terribly, especially now that I’m in ministry full-time. So many times I’d bounce ideas off him and even though we were ‘generations apart’ he always had wisdom to share. God Bless and thanks for following Built with Grace.
November 11, 2013 at 5:48 pm
daniellajoe
You are welcomed 🙂
March 10, 2015 at 8:03 am
Robert J Provencial Sr.
Hello Mike Fisk,
Your Dad, Max Fisk was a Very Good Man and Friend to me! He took time to teach me “How to be a better Parent.” I was glad to have time with him when I could. He even came to my home when I lived in Osceola. Max was a Blessing to me! I will never forget him. I also Loved your church services when you were pastor in Osceola, Wi. Next time I get up that way I’ll see you in your new church! God Bless You!
March 10, 2015 at 9:41 am
Mike Fisk
Thanks Robert. I still have, on my desk at church, the statue you made of Jesus carrying the cross. I continue to praise Jesus for the changes I’ve seen in your life. I know I speak for dad in saying we both are so honored to have been a part of helping you in your faith walk. Blessings to you as well!
March 28, 2018 at 1:46 pm
Paresh Haldar
Transformational Leader Development to Sustain Healthy Disciple Making Training.
Training Proposal 2018
Transform East Alliance
Paresh Chandra Halder
West Bengal
Email – transformeastalliance@gmail.com
WhatsApp +91 8100893670
Vision Statement – Every Bengali community worshiping, living in harmony, and financially thriving.
TEA Purpose/Mission – TEA networks ministries to train and resource for Disciple-making and sustainable community development among Bengali speaking unreached people groups of East India.
Area of Operation and Partnership ” Transform East Alliance ”
Current Status
1. TEA has grown to partner with 25 ministry organizations. ( If you want? then I can send you list of 25 partners / organizations)
2. These organizations are working among 85 unreached Hindu and Muslim and Tribe People Groups in 15 districts.
3. As we Trained hundreds of Disciples, Master Trainers with Indigenous Leaders across in state of West Bengal East India in the past few years. we are actively involved in ” Disciple making and Church Planting among the Bengali Community also developing Emerging Indigenous local Leadership in state of West Bengal with our network ” TEA ” in 15 District of WB.
Project Definition
The Context
West Bengal India is considered to be the most backward, illiterate and poor state of India. Out of 95 million people, 48% people live below poverty line. The per capita income is just $250. Ten percent of the people have migrated to others states of India in search of jobs, as there is lack of job opportunity in West Bengal. The government claims that the literacy rate is 63%, but over 60% of the people are functionally non-literate. The government has done very little to develop the condition of the people. Politicians are driven by selfish motives and the caste system is very prevalent in every sphere of society. Health services provided by the government are very poor and expensive private hospitals are not affordable to common people. It is said that WB is a rich state with poor people. It is true that WB has all the natural resources like fertile land, and hardworking people, but still people are poor. While over 70% of the people live on agriculture, the technology they use is ancient. The core of the problem is the Hindu religious worldview which is characterized by fatalism, caste system, lack of biblical work ethics and lack of creativity/initiative in creating jobs for people. People expect politicians to change and politicians want people to remain poor and illiterate so that they can continue caste politics and rule. This is in contrast to the Biblical worldview which brings hope, restores dignity of people, encourages equality, and encourages people to take initiative for themselves and for their communities.
The number of churches and disciples is significantly growing, which is encouraging. But most disciples are focused on personal blessings and spiritual change. Most mission organizations focus on baptism and church planting and not on change of worldview and community transformation. New churches lack deeper knowledge and understanding of the Bible and vision and skills for transforming their own community with local resources. Ministries and churches are dependent upon outside resources.
The Description
• This project will accelerate the multiplication of skilled Disciple Master trainers and Catalyst.
• Master Trainers and disciple makers will gain deeper understanding of the Biblical worldview, to interpret the biblical texts into the local context, and guard the newly planted house churches from false teaching and syncretism.
• They will be able to analyze the actions and behaviors of believers and clearly understand whether they are driven by biblical worldview or traditional religious worldview.
• They will be able to modify and develop disciple making and leader development training curriculum based on the Bible and relevant to local context.
• Churches will become transformational and will bring social, economic and political transformation in their communities.
• Several transformational, integrated models will emerge which will be visible to both churches and communities. By seeing these models, other ministries and churches will adopt these models, replicate them, and begin a transformation movement in West Bengal and other states of India.
Coaching and Mentoring
An Accelerate mentor is a trusted counselor, coach and guide, someone who maintains a close relationship with the team and team leader. The mentor invests his or her time and expertise to equip the team to achieve their goal.
The mentor is always an outsider to the team, but is in continuous and close contact with the team leader. It is not the role of the mentor to be the “answer man” for every problem, but to facilitate discovery of the answers.
Every team is going to go through times when no one in the team has the answer or knows what to do next. A crisis may arise or help may be needed from an experienced and objective person. No team can successfully complete the mission to disciple a city without an outside mentor.
Mentors launch, equip and multiply new teams. The team mentor is responsible to guide the team through the learning process and help team leaders to identify where they are stuck. Mentoring is both formal and informal. It is also holistic and includes spiritual and emotional nurturing, skills training and character and leadership development. Team mentors also do not work alone, but work together to help one another. Different mentors have different strengths; some are good at strategy, while some are good at relationships or with administration. Mentors continually evaluate teams to make sure that everyone gets the support they need. Accelerate has developed a useful tool for mentors to use with teams and team leaders called PATH. P – Person, A – Awareness, T – Training, H – Highlights,
Objectives
1. 10 Coordinators ( Trainers of Master Trainers ) will be trained with the following skills and expertise. They will be trained in 1 years, in 6 sessions of 2 days each.
Integrated Disciple Making Training curriculum / materials ( Disciple Making, Stories Telling, Women Empowerment & Income Generation )
Skills to facilitate strategic training program in their region.
Skills to train and coach multiple groups of Master Trainers
Skills and resources to strategize partnership, and ministries to see sustainable and transformation Disciple – Making and Coaching and Leadership Development.
2. 5 groups of 15 Master Trainers, total 75, will be train in two years, in 6 sessions of 2 days each, From each region, following numbers of Master Trainers will be train.
They will be train with the following skills and expertise.
Integrated Disciple Making Training curriculum / materials ( Disciple Making, Stories Telling, Women Empowerment & Income Generation )
Skills to facilitate training of Disciple Making Catalyst in their region.
Skills to train and coach multiple groups of Master Trainers
Skills and resources to strategize partnership, and ministries to see sustainable and transformation Disciple – Making and Leadership Development.
3. 30 groups of 15 Catalyst each, total 450, will be train in 6 sessions of 2 days each in 1 years. in each region / State, following numbers of Disciple Making Catalyst will be train.
They will be train with the following skills
Integrated Disciple Making Training curriculum / materials ( Disciple Making, Stories Telling, Women Empowerment & Income Generation )
Coaching skills to coach groups leaders and house church leaders.
4. More than 450 first generation house churches will be started by train catalyst. Two Catalysts together will start 2 house churches during their training period. Many more second, Third, and fourth generation churches will emerge during and after this training project.
Actions Plans
10 Coordinators ( Master Trainers ) will start in on January 2018, and will be held 6 times in a year.
10 Coordinators ( Master Trainers ) will identify 75 Disciple Master Trainers in their regions and start training them in the first / second quarter of 2018. Their training will be held every three months, 6 times in a year.
75 Disciple Master Trainers will identify 450 Catalysts and start training them from third quarter of 2018. This training will be held every two months.
Training coordinators will gather reports of their region and submit at quarterly basis.
These reports will be reviewed and feedback will be provided to them for improvements.
Evaluation meeting will be held with 10 Coordinators in on December 2018 and goals / plans will be reviewed and modified if needed
This training project will end in 4th quarter of 2018. An evaluation and celebration meeting will be held to celebrate the fruits and evaluate to learn how to move further in each region. ( If you want ? then I can send you budget of MTs 5 Training & Catalysts 30 Training ).
Regarding
Transform East Alliance
Paresh Chandra Halder
West Bengal
Email – transformeastalliance@gmail.com
WhatsApp +91 8100893670