Mike as Santa has been featured in the Wichita Eagle and on a nationally televised Wichita State University and University of Tennessee Basketball game was called the "Best Looking Santa and Suit I have ever seen" by national ESPN broadcasters.
Prices go up the closer you get to Christmas but Mike is also available for the 1 man play, The Real St. Nick & Jesus which looks at the history of what is known as the Coke a Cola Santa as well as the historic history of the real St. Nicholas. Prices for the performance varies.
Mike has also been the "Official Santa" Of various sports teams in the Wichita area.
His photo of the Snow Globe Santa has also reached and touched people around the world.
When booking a Santa for your event, the old adage is true, ‘You Get What You Pay For.’ Mike Furches is someone you will feel safe with around your children, in your business, home and around your loved ones. There are reasons for that though, just consider the following:
Mike Furches is: Qualified Mental Health Professiona Qualified Case Manager A Mandated Reporter Licensed & Ordained Minister Nationally recognized and Known for his work advocating for the Abused Pastor of a Local Church Former Member of a Presidential Task Force The Leader in a Nationally Known Ministry Director of Wichita Homeless Outreach Much More
His experience includes: 30+ Years of Experience Author of Original Play on the life of the Real St. Nick Hundreds of hours of research on the Real St, Nick and legend of Santa Claus Avon National Convention The Biltmore House, (The largest privately owned residence in the United States) Dillon’s Grocery Stores Sysco National Headquarters Wichita Public Schools Derby Public Schools Rainbows United Santa for the Homeless Much More
Special unique features of Mike Furches presentation: The suit, it is an original made high quality suit
While it may not seem like a unique feature, consider this, Mike is a trained actor and plays up the role when visiting with children
He is also a trained worker with youth, he knows when and how to make children smile and especially for small children who are afraid of Santa, while he can’t guarantee the happiness of a child, he can promise to work at getting that photo opportunity.
For many presentations he travels with an elf which makes the job easier for you.
He can also speak in sign language for those children or parents who need this.
Many adults who have seen Mike have stated, “He really is Santa isn’t he.”
Mike Loves this Character, he really does have a passion to portray the real spirit of St. Nicholas. Much More
The truth is, Mike Furches loves the character of Santa and a portion of all monies earned go directly to providing Christmas presents for needy families in the area through Mosaic Wichita Church in cooperation with the Nationally Recognized and Known Ministry Mike Directs, The Virtual Pew. A portion also goes to support the homeless outreach for Mosaic. One can find out more about Mike by visiting www.thekeystonekid.org
Rates for Mike Furches are as follows:
Prior to 12/1 - $60 per hour
12/1 – 12/5 - $70 per hour
12/6 – 12/20 - $75 per hour
12/21 - $150 per hour
12/22, 12/23 - $150
12/24 - $200 per hour
Please note, hourly charges are billed for any time over 30 minutes and payment is due at time of services. Mike does offer some services for reduced or free fees to non-profit and charity events.
For information on booking Santa for your event, contact us at either mike@furches.org or 316-807-8034 or 316 258- 3952, (if calling this number please leave a message.)
You can support the work of Mike with the homeless and poor by visiting here, 100% of all designated gifts go to the designated cause, with 0% of those designated funds going to salary.
To see the video with Mike in the National Santa for the Homeless Day, a worldwide outreach started by Mike, click on the following video, if the video doesn't appear, click on the link:
It is that time of year when most ministries are soliciting donations. A few of those donations have come into The Virtual Pew and I want you to know we are so grateful for those. We want to be clear though, from the outset, that even the smallest contribution can make a huge difference to this ministry. For those that know this ministry, you know we allow specific designations where those designated gifts can go directly to the area of need you request. Those individuals will also know that we make every effort with the contributions to make the Christmas season a special season especially for children in need, more about that later, but first a quick break down of contributions over the last year.
So far over the last year The Virtual Pew received in contributions a total of $5,502. Of that, $3,420 went out to direct ministry, including gifts to children, assistance in living expenses for individuals, counseling expenses and more. We also received $350 in contributions to The Virtual Pew for the Mosaic ARC program of that, 100% was given to Mosaic to help cover expenses for the Mosaic ARC program as well as contribution of salary to another individual who is helping with the counseling for Mosaic ARC. Therefore of a total of $5,502 given to The Virtual Pew, $3,770 went to direct ministry, and $1,732 was used for expenses to travel to Tennessee for my mothers funeral, and other ministry related expenses such as printing, travel, phone and so forth. Hopefully this helps show the significance of the contributions given, and the reality that the overwhelming majority of contributions are given out to direct ministry.
Now as mentioned earlier you can designate gifts and those designated gifts will be used for the ministry request via 100%.
Christmas Giving for Families and Children, 100% of designated goes specifically to the area you request.
Here we have adopted several families to give to, with the economy the way it is, it is very difficult for some families.
Let me tell you about one of the families, one is a lady who has had a very difficult life including being prostituted out in the past, having 3 small children and very little income. This family is active in a church and is making the effort to walk with God. This family also had a child commit suicide several years ago. For this family we need the following types of gifts.
For the mother – clothing sized extra-large, basic gifts. For the husband – Clothing, large, - extra large, basic gifts Boy Aged 6 - clothing for a husky sized 10, toys, this child likes army related toys. Boy Aged 3 – clothing sized 4 toddler, toys, this child likes sports related items, trucks, cars Girl Aged 5 – clothing sized 6, she likes princess related items and baby dolls.
Another family
Girl Aged 3 – clothing sized 4 toddler, a coat, boots size 11, any other clothing items, likes interactive games and puzzles Boy Aged 2 – he likes push and pull toys and toys you put things in. This child also likes music
Another family Boy Aged 14 – Clothing Adult small, all kinds of clothing, he also likes cars and artistic types of gifts, including drawing, art and more.
Kids involved in Mosaic Tutoring program, we are looking for one gift per child, either clothing or learning related.
Ages of children in tutoring program are as follows:
16 year old boy 13 year old boy 10 year old boy 10 year old girl 7 year old girl
We are also seeking donations and contributions for the Mosaic ARC program which we help sponsor. The Mosaic ARC program is a program that provides recovery services for persons who have been physically and sexually abused. These services are provided despite ability to contribute for services. Currently we are seeing 3 people face o face, and provide phone counseling to 2 people. There are ongoing costs to this and 100% of designated gifts go directly to Mosaic.
General Contributions to The Virtual Pew. The Virtual Pew has ongoing costs associated with this ministry, from computer and web site maintenance, to supplies for the persons we are serving, costs of materials, printing, and minimal salary assistance. This ministry was featured last year in Dr. Charles Stanley’s In Touch Magazine and has done wonderful work with literally hundreds of direct contacts per year, and thousands of contacts via internet ministry. From our writings to our direct communication and interaction in social networking sites this ministry continues to grow.
Much is going on with our ministry, so much has happened in the last year, from the death of my mother, to the involvement with Tiroma Films out of Tulsa Oklahoma who is working on making a movie on my life. I am pleased with the things God has done, but nothing gives satisfaction like the daily interactions I am blessed to be a part of. From the counseling of sexually and physically abused individuals, to the encouragement in escaping sinful lifestyles and making the effort to get ones life back on track, free from such influences as drugs, gangs, abuse, sexual addictions, occult activity and more. We are also excited about the new ways we are opening up discussion with others who are outside the Christian circle, whether with individuals who are Atheists, Homosexual, or others.
God is still good, and we continue to see ministry take place. We see relationships strengthened, and people rededicate their lives to Christ on a regular basis. We also have the joy of seeing people make commitments to Christ, not just in a flash pan way though, but in a way where disciples and committed followers of Jesus come about.
I thank each of you who are receiving this for your prayers and support of this ministry in the past. The next year looks to have another bright future but will also have additional needs, especially once we start raising the funds for the movie which will provide hope to thousands who have experienced abuse in their life. I get to see the joy of the ministry, others have been blessed to also see the results of this ministry, ministry which wouldn’t take place outside of your generosity.
Now as is always the case. I appreciate the gifts, but want you to know, if you pray and feel the desire to give to another ministry, by all means do so. I have no problem with that, but truly seek to contribute to a ministry where your contribution will be used wisely and in the way it is needed. At The Virtual Pew of course we don’t have to maintain any jet airplanes, we don’t have to pay any large salaries, that is unless you figure the $700 or so in salary that I personally brought in last year a large salary. But pray about it, I challenge you to remember those Jesus instructed us to love and serve, the homeless, the widow, the person in prison, the sick, the needy, the orphan and the widow. While I am sure Jesus may be in many larger ministries, I am certain he is concerned and compassionate about ministries to the poor, his word indicates so, and I challenge you to support those ministries.
Blessings to all, and to all a very Merry and Wonderful Christmas,
Mike Furches
The following is a video we put together for my wife. It is the song titled The Secret of Christmas. It also features some old family footage and some we have spent Christmas with over the years who otherwise wouldn't have had Christmas. The song is in the middle of the video and has a great message. Just click on the video to watch and if the video don't appear, click on the following link:
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Mike Furches heads up The Virtual Pew, some say, the first Online Church. He speaks nationally on various topics and; is a freelance writer. He has published 2 books titled The Keystone Kid which has received rave reviews and thechildren's book with his late wife Mary Jane, Herald The Angel.. The short film, The Long Walk is also based on the book The Keystone Kid. Mike’s ministry is to those often called The Last, The Lost, and; The Least. Mike has worked with some top music artists and has an active interest in film. He is also an inductee into the International Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Blues Musician from the State of Kansas. He is available for speaking on a various topics. Mike has also been in some capacity as a pastor at various churches over the years. Thus the name Pastor Mike, which is a part of his Blues Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band which has been endorsed by numerous Blues Hall of Fame Members from across the world.
When booking a Santa for your event, the old adage is true, ‘You Get What You Pay For.’ Mike Furches is someone you will feel safe with around your children, in your business, home and around your loved ones. There are reasons for that though, just consider the following:
His experience includes:
Many adults who have seen Mike have stated, “He really is Santa isn’t he.”
Please note, hourly charges are billed for any time over 30 minutes and payment is due at time of services. Mike does offer some services for reduced or free fees to non-profit and charity events.
