Michael Rod

Michael Douglas Rod, affectionally known as Pastor Mike or just "Mike" of Brenham, Texas, left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 12, 2024, at 70 years old. Pastor Mike was born to Larry Rod and Louise Dvorak in El Campo, Texas, on January 5, 1954. He spent all his grade school years in El Campo, graduating from El Campo High School in May 1972. Pastor Mike's devotion to his family was evident in his marriage to Debera Rod, his wife of 50 years, whom he met during a lunch break arranged by Debera's father. They married shortly after, on May 3, 1974. Together, they have three children: Jennifer Durickovic, James Rod, and Nora Gonzales, who were the pride and joy of his life.

Pastor Mike was a devout Christian, accepting Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior on April 21, 1986. Shortly after receiving salvation, he felt called into full-time ministry to help others find freedom and transform lives for Christ. Pastor Mike attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating from seminary near the same time his oldest daughter, Jennifer, graduated from high school in June of 1990. Mike received water baptism as well as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. He entered full-time ministry as pastor and preacher at Rock Island Baptist Church in Rock Island, Texas. Pastor Mike then moved to pastor Iago Federated Church in Iago, Texas. In mid-1994, the Lord led him and his family to establish the New Hope Community Fellowship in Boling, Texas. After seven years, Pastor Mike was called to pastor Grace Community Fellowship in Needville, Texas, under the umbrella of Grace Ministries International and founding Pastor Myles Sweeney. After a short period, he answered the call to lead a church in Brenham, Texas. In the summer of 2000, Pastor Mike, his wife Debera, and their youngest daughter, Nora, moved to Brenham to serve as Lead Pastor of Grace Community Fellowship in Brenham with the founding elders and established members. Grace Community Fellowship - Brenham began in an open space above the Brenham downtown pool hall and bar, Legends. As the congregation grew, Grace Community Fellowship went through several locations, moving from Legends to the SHAPE Center, then to the Brenham Junior High School, and then to their final location at 107 South Saeger Street. While at South Saeger, Pastor Mike oversaw the construction of their new church building, establishing their Youth Ministry building, and expanding for a larger sanctuary.

Under Pastor Mike's leadership, Grace Community Fellowship flourished as a place where both the unchurched and the churched found solace and love. The church started with a handful of families and grew to over 250 members and countless recurring visitors. Grace Community Fellowship's impact extended beyond its walls, supporting numerous local organizations such as Celebrate Recovery, Freedom Hill, Adult and Teen Challenge, Brenham Pregnancy Care Center, and the City of Brenham. The church also served internationally in Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Georgia, assisting their predominant nondenominational and interdenominational Christian churches in understanding and implementing true Kingdom living. This was not only through preaching and teaching but also through acts of service, such as building churches and Christian meeting areas and fixing community homes for widows. Pastor Mike served as the Grace Community Fellowship-Brenham lead pastor for over 19 years before transitioning to Pastor Emeritus in 2019 and retiring fully in January 2020. His faithful preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ impacted thousands of lives, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of many.

Pastor Mike was not only a pastor and a preacher but also a man of diverse interests and talents. He was a dedicated Texas Goat Rancher, tending to a herd of 20 head of Boer goats and being a member of the American Boer Goat Association. He found solace in the outdoors, often engaging in activities such as hunting with his longtime friend Lee, going bay fishing with his brother Duane, or helping a friend with their farm animals. An occasional golfer, Mike enjoyed an annual In-Law versus Out-Law tournament where he and his son James matched against his sons-in-law, a tradition he cherished. He was also a skilled handyman, always ready to lend a hand in whatever was needed, whether it be replacing a well, extending a barn, or helping to build a church in Ukraine.

Pastor Mike is leaving behind a full family legacy of which he was very proud. His oldest daughter, Jennifer, is married to her husband, Bo Durokovic, of 18 years. They have three children: Alek, Jovan, and Julia. His son, James Rod, a proudly serving U.S. Marine of over 26 years, is married to his wife, Keyioca, of over 24 years. They have three children: Jameela, Joses, and James. Mike's youngest daughter, Nora, is married to her husband, Dominic Gonzales, of over 20 years. They have four children: Lillian, Naomi, Gabriella, and Daniel.

In addition to his family legacy, Pastor Mike is also survived by his brother Duane Rod and his wife Dolly, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his father, Larry Rod, and his mother, Louise Vasek-Dvorak.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23 2024 at Grace Community Fellowship with Pastor Matt Sweeney, Pastor Myles Sweeney and Pastor Lee Bryant officiating.

Flowers may be sent to Grace Community Fellowship at 107 S. Saeger, Brenham, TX 77833. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Community Church at https://www.gcfbrenham.org/give/.