Podcast Preview
In this episode of 12-Minute Convos with Jesus Believers, Engel Jones connects with Michael Cooper from Maryland. Michael reflects on his long-lasting marriage, sharing the sweet story of how praying for a spouse in junior high led him to his wife, and offering the simple but profound advice to always "cherish her".
He also vulnerably opens up about being adopted as an infant, the emotional journey of connecting with his biological family later in life, and how his adoptive parents laid the essential foundation for his strong faith.
Listen in as Michael discusses his unique calling with Corporate Chaplains of America, where he ministers in both blue-collar warehouses and high-tech companies. He explains that being a chaplain is more about truly listening to people's stories than just giving advice.
Michael shares moving testimonies of leading a 92-year-old hospice patient and a corporate worker to Christ. Openly relating to biblical figures like Moses as a "slow learner" who sometimes takes a while to pay attention to God's voice, Michael reminds us of the Lord's immense patience. If you ever doubt how much God loves you, Michael’s powerful reminder to simply look at the cross will deeply encourage your heart!
Guest's Bio
I am the adopted son of George and Mary Cooper, who was fortunate to be raised in a stable and loving home during my formative years of life. My parents also adopted my middle sister, Michelle, as in infant when I was about three years old. Since my mother was told that she would never have children of her own my parents thought their family was complete. A little over a year later my youngest sister, Tina, was born. Our father was a man who demonstrated and sought to instill a strong work ethic in each of our lives.
During my high school years, it became clear to me that God had something for my life that was different than what I had planned. It was through the guidance and encouragement of my pastor and other trusted leaders that I surrendered to a call to ministry and following high school began my studies at a Baptist University in my home state. It was during my senior year of high school that I began dating the woman who has been my wife for the past 38 years. Debbie and I are blessed with two daughters. The oldest, Savannah, is married and living with her husband in Hagerstown. Our youngest Olivia, is at home with us while she is working a part-time job and attending the University of Maryland’s global campus.
While I have been fortunate to serve in ministry for the past 38 years, I rediscovered chaplaincy and served as a chaplain intern at Frederick Health as I was enrolled in their CPE program. In 2021 I became a board-certified chaplain through CPSP and over the last few years have been prayerfully seeking the opportunity to expand the ministry that God has given me through chaplaincy.
Some of the struggles and challenges that our family has faced over the past few decades has prepared me for the joys and difficulties of walking with people through their own lives. It is my hope that I can continue to engage and journey with others as they seek to discover their path in life.