Dec 31, 1949 - Jan 8, 1998
| Dr. Michael L. Hauenstein - Dean of Charity Baptist Bible Institute for over 15 years, has left a lasting legacy at Charity Baptist Church. His smile was a pleasure to all who saw him, his words brought joy to whom he spoke, and his heart brought help and comfort to those who sought it. Mike embodied the essence of a Christ-like life; never an unkind word, never a criticism and always an encouragement to go on. He gave of himself and made himself of no reputation. |
| Mike was a Viet Nam veteran. He was shot and permanently disabled and awarded the Purple Heart. Mike described this terrible event in a gospel tract. When he was shot, a medic named Paul McCombie, came to his aid. He attended to Mike and helped get him on a helicopter. They never saw each other again until 26 years later during a surprise reunion at Charity. |
| In the Spring of 1996, Mike was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's
disease). And even as it progressed, Mike still maintained a spirit of grace that
can come only from the Lord. Shortly after the reunion at Charity, the people at Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago learned about Brother Mike and his remarkable story. They requested more information about Mike and his testimony. Even though Mike's illness had become more severe, he wanted to assist in the story. Eventually, with much difficulty, but help from the Lord, we were able to complete the review of the story and return it to the writer for completion. In November of 1997, "Unshackled" recorded the life story of Mike Hauenstein. It aired for the first time in February of 1998. Finally, the Lord saw fit to take Mike home. Although he's in a far, far better place, all those who knew him, miss him. |
Click on the images below to read Mike's tract and the Reunion story.
