Michael Jervase "Mike" Prince, 48, of Elkhart, was discovered passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 7:17 pm at the downtown home of an acquaintance. He was born in Elkhart to Michael J. Neely of Elkhart and the late Jamie Prince.

Along with his dad, Mike is survived by two brothers, Corry D. Prince and Lonnie Prince, both of Elkhart. Mike also had some extended family including Angela and Troy Neely and many friends and acquaintances including Miranda Ragsdale. Along with his mother, Mike was preceded in death by a son, Andrew Price, who passed in the early 2000's.

Outwardly, not much is known about Michael other than he belonged to Elkhart's ever-present contingent of transient and homeless people. Throughout his daily rounds about town, Mike quite often wound up at Billings Funeral Home, where he would be able to get out of the cold (or heat), partake in a bit or refreshment and rest, and collect and organize his thoughts with the help of the funeral home's resident chaplain, Jeremy Sarber.

As with many who suffer the daily hardships of being without a home, Michael had his share of demons to battle, but the regular conversations that he had with his pastor friend Jeremy gave Michael the hope and strength to continue on yet another day. In fact, the good pastor began to journal his thoughts towards Michael, and the following is an excerpt from Jeremy's spiritual journey with Michael:

" …Michael was sitting on a bench with his head in his hands. His unkempt facial hair, soiled, tattered clothing, and the backpack that likely held his every earthly belonging signified Michael was homeless. If that weren't enough to garner some compassion, his posture screamed he needed help. My spirit was willing, but my flesh was feeling shamefully self-absorbed. Keep walking, I thought. Don't make eye contact.

Jesus's parable of the good Samaritan entered my mind somewhere between Michael and my parking space. In the biblical story, a moralistic priest and a self-righteous Levite refuse to lend aid to an unnamed man whom thieves have left half-dead on the side of the road. "But a Samaritan," Jesus says, "when he saw him, he had

compassion" (Lk 10:33). The priest and the Levite would have thought even less of the Samaritan than the naked victim on the ground, yet the Samaritan proved to be a better man than them. He stopped to help, paying for the stranger's healthcare out of pocket. Jesus concludes the parable, saying, "You go, and do likewise" (Lk 10:37).

I'm happy to say I did. I turned around, walked back to Michael, and said, "I'm sorry to bother you, but are you okay?"

Allow me to make another confession before I go any further. I expected Michael to raise his head, humor me with a moment of small talk, and then ask whether I could spare a few dollars. I anticipated giving him all the cash I had in my pocket, a single five-dollar bill, before saying, "Take care," never to see him again. I assumed he'd stroll across the street to the convenience store to buy a pack of smokes and maybe a soda, and I'd get in my car to head home as initially planned. But I was wrong.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but are you okay?" I asked.

Michael said nothing. He wouldn't even look at me. The wind and traffic were just loud enough that I couldn't be sure, but I thought I heard him sobbing. When I stepped closer, muffled whimpers confirmed my suspicion. "Weep with those who weep," the Bible says, so I planted myself next to him on the bench and petitioned God on hisbehalf until he was ready to talk (Ro 12:15). Six or seven minutes later, he was ready. We can debate whether a man's childhood could seal a fate of perpetual struggle and failure throughout his adult life, but if it is possible, Michael qualifies…."

We can look at Michael's passing as just another sad end to a rather sad existence. Or, we can expect more of ourselves and reach out to those who are in need. We promise you wouldn't have to go far or look too hard. Reach out, extend your love, give a smile (they're FREE!!!) or just give someone a moment of your time. Who knows the difference you may make on a person's soul. Keep Michael's story ever-present in your heart and mind and allow it to guide your soul in the future should you come across someone in a similar predicament. We guarantee you'll be a better person, but, even greater than that, so will God.

Memorial donations may be given in Michael's memory and honor to any cause, organization or charity that champions the downtrodden and helps their cause. For those interested in the theological writings and observations of Pastor Jeremy Sarber, please contact him at jeremy@billingsfuneralhome.com to learn more about his online presence and ministry.

Charity of One's Choice