A pastor’s pastor, ‘Mole Cole’ served Kern with distinction
And he said, “I love you, too.” That turned out to be the last thing Pastor Milt Cole said to me, a few days after Christmas. Milt had served the church body at Fruitvale/Riverlakes Community Church for 50 years.
He served first as youth pastor, then as the senior pastor and then before retiring, Milt served as the pastor of senior adults and pastoral care.
He was known throughout Kern County and beyond as “Mole Cole.”
Milt was far from perfect, but he was the epitome of humility and gentleness. Overcoming great physical challenges with his speech impediment and in life, he pressed on in the strength of His (God’s) might.
As I reflect, amid my grief, at his passing just after the new year had begun, even though I first met Milt some 30 years ago, I still marvel at the simplicity, and yet the profound boldness, at which he presented the gospel and how he lived it.
Milt’s wit was second to none; he could and did make comments that would take your breath away.
In fact, if you were ever “zinged” by Milt, you know he loved you deeply!
He was a Pastor’s, pastor, a Friend’s friend, and a Mentor’s mentor just to name a few things.
He was our Billy Graham, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Oswald Chambers all rolled into one.
Loving his beautiful wife, Patty, of over 60 years, and loving his family was the visible fruit of Milt’s commitment to his calling and the ministry.
He was determined to put into practice what he preached, and yes, he preached — often sermons without printed notes.
But if you had the pleasure of hearing one of his sermons, you would be compelled to start taking notes at the very onset of his speaking.
He was a man of integrity. He was so kind, but he often spoke of his selfish heart. He was a person of discipline, but struggled to tell anyone “No.”
I have learned a lot from Milt since I met him some 30 years ago and one thing has become clear.
The last words the Milt spoke to me on this side of heaven, the thing that governed his life, was he knew God has truly loved him and had sent His Son to die for him.
It was from that assurance that Milt shared those treasured words with me.
As a few of us gathered in his room, along with his wife, Patty, I brought my guitar and we sang some Christmas songs for them, as they sang along with us.
Before I left the room, I bent down and kissed Milt on the cheek and said, “I love you Milt,” he turned his head toward me and said, “I love you, too.“
That was it, only a God-redeemed vessel could love the way Milt loved, that is why he could and did share that kind of love with any and every one he met!
Until we meet again at the marriage supper of the Lamb. What a celebration it will be!