I hope that this book is an encouragement to those coming behind me, who have stepped out to serve the Lord. I am, in a sense, writing memoir, but I don't intend it to be about me. After all, who is Mike Cook? I am nothing more than a man who has tasted and seen that the Lord is good. In writing this book, my purpose is to record the work of the Almighty in the life of one of His most reluctant servants. I have seen the needy helped in over a dozen countries. I have rejoiced over hundreds of villages being reached with the Gospel for the very first time. I have seen churches spring up in these villages, in a manner that only could be credited to the Hand of Providence. I have broken bread with Christ Followers in humble city flats and in run down huts in remote villages.

I have had brothers and sisters in Christ from four continents on their knees in prayer for me when I was undergoing medical treatment for health issues. I have watched little children grow up in our sponsorship program, and become solid members of their communities and churches. I have been privileged to teach hundreds of pastors, who literally took what I taught back to their villages and used it in discipling their church members. I have fellowshipped with men who had been imprisoned, beaten, and threatened with death for their faith. I have experienced unbelievable blessing in this life. None of this is attributable to me or my wisdom and strength. I merely showed up at God's appointed times. He chose me generations before I was born.

I often like to joke that I was chosen to show just how great God is. If He can use someone like me, He can use anybody to do His bidding.