Mr. Michael Thomas Gallagher

In 1955 he graduated from Minnehaha Academy (a Christ based high school) and attended Northwestern Bible College for one year. The college was started by Billy Graham who Mike volunteered for in their Motion Picture outreach. Based on a lack of funds, he finished his AA Degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Also, Mike served six years in the U.S. Army reserve in a Military Intelligence Unit while attending school.

A retail career followed, first at Powers Department Store in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota as an assistant menswear buyer. This was where he met his future wife, Joy. He then became an assistant menswear manager for Montgomery Ward. He was in merchandising, personnel, and buying departments with Montgomery Ward for twenty-seven years until their closing in 1983.

Mike always wanted to be a pastor. In 1983, he and Joy joined Wycliffe Bible Translators and served for over thirty years and volunteered with them until his passing. Shortly after joining Wycliffe and moving to Texas, he was licensed by Minnetonka Minnesota Bible Church and Cedar Heights Baptist Church in Cedar Hill, TX. He and Joy were instrumental in opening a new church located in Oak Cliff, TX. For three years, they used their passion and knowledge to assist with the church’s success.

In 1996, Mike helped start The Finishers Project now called MissionNext.org. He most recently served as their Member Care Coordinator. In 2000 he started the Second Career Finishers Wycliffe Recruiting Office the International Center for SIL (Summer Institute of Linguistics) and Wycliffe. He also became a Ministry Associate with “Freedom in Christ Ministries” (FICM) mentoring individuals and teaching thirteen-week (FICM) Bible Courses at Grace House located in Tool, Tx.

He is survived by his oldest son: Steven, wife Treva, granddaughters Katie and Olivia Gallagher and great grandson, Hunter. Middle son Scott Gallagher and youngest son Mark, wife Julie and granddaughter Avery Gallagher.

Mike’s Daily Declaration of Dependence:

“I recognize my absolute lack of power and ability”

“I redirect my dependence to the supremely reliable power of the Holy Spirit”

I reject my tendency to self-reliance: ‘You are God, and I am not’

Mike’s moto was “Keep on Keeping On” and would love to see all people trust in Jesus as their supreme Lord and Savior.