Pastor Mike Ellis Memorial Fund
Donation protected
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:13)
This week the Lord called home my brother-in-law Michael Ellis. Mike was a devoted husband, a loving father and a humble servant of God.
Known as Pastor Mike to many, he dedicated his life to ministering to the downtrodden, the destitute, and those in spiritual bondage.
“...They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Mark 2:17)
His life’s ministry focused on reaching out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who needed it most and exemplified Christ's calling “to proclaim good news to the poor…freedom for the prisoners…to set the oppressed free…” (Luke 4:18)
His faithful leadership of The Rescue Church (formerly Bethany Baptist Church) and its outreach program—Lifeline Ministries (formerly Victory Home)—touched many lives in the Portsmouth Community and beyond. He labored tirelessly alongside his family and staff to bring hope and healing to those suffering from poverty, abuse, and addiction.
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)
Even though Mike often suffered from life-long physical difficulties he never focused on his own personal needs but only on those of his family and others.
Mike enjoyed enjoyed long-distance running and competed in the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. The same dedication and determination he brought to his running he applied to his ministry. He ran the race of life set before him with selfless abandon and finished strong.
His wife (my sister Melanie) and his daughter (Bethany) continue his life’s work but they now face the difficulty of life without their protector and provider, their rock and guide.
I’ve set up this memorial fund to help pay for the unexpected funeral costs and other financial challenges Mike’s family may face during this time.
This week the Lord called home my brother-in-law Michael Ellis. Mike was a devoted husband, a loving father and a humble servant of God.
Known as Pastor Mike to many, he dedicated his life to ministering to the downtrodden, the destitute, and those in spiritual bondage.
“...They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Mark 2:17)
His life’s ministry focused on reaching out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who needed it most and exemplified Christ's calling “to proclaim good news to the poor…freedom for the prisoners…to set the oppressed free…” (Luke 4:18)
His faithful leadership of The Rescue Church (formerly Bethany Baptist Church) and its outreach program—Lifeline Ministries (formerly Victory Home)—touched many lives in the Portsmouth Community and beyond. He labored tirelessly alongside his family and staff to bring hope and healing to those suffering from poverty, abuse, and addiction.
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)
Even though Mike often suffered from life-long physical difficulties he never focused on his own personal needs but only on those of his family and others.
Mike enjoyed enjoyed long-distance running and competed in the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. The same dedication and determination he brought to his running he applied to his ministry. He ran the race of life set before him with selfless abandon and finished strong.
His wife (my sister Melanie) and his daughter (Bethany) continue his life’s work but they now face the difficulty of life without their protector and provider, their rock and guide.
I’ve set up this memorial fund to help pay for the unexpected funeral costs and other financial challenges Mike’s family may face during this time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jeremy Tufts
Organizer
Portsmouth, VA
Melanie Tufts
Beneficiary