#0253360
Dave and Michael are passionate about the Great Commission of making disciples, especially within the military context because military disciples take the gospel wherever their orders carry them both in the U.S. and overseas.
Until March of 2019 Dave and Michael gave leadership to the local Cru Military ministry team on the Monterey Peninsula in California. Their ministry at both the Army's Defense Language Institute (DLI), and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) enabled them to live out their greatest joy of helping active duty men and women to integrate their faith into their daily lives through discipleship! Over the last four years, the opportunity for more broadly influencing these men and women was greatly increased when they served Area of Operations Directors for Cru Military in the West Area of Operations.
The West region encompasses 12 states bounded by the four corner states of Montana, New Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. The region hosts over 50 military installations, so you can imagine the excitement of the task, but also the enormity of it. Dave and Michael knew this was God's call on their lives for that time and were eager to see what He had in mind. It was a wild and delightful ride as they mentored and served the Cru Military staff throughout the region and prayed the gospel forward through them.
After a 90 day sabbatical, the Cooks are ready for a new season and are waiting on God to give His marching orders. Michael is excited to begin mentoring staff women throughout Cru Military and is waiting for the job description to be written for her. Dave is still passionate about discipling young military men, helping them grow in their knowledge of God and teaching them how to make disciples. It is so exciting to still be used of God to minister in the military context at our age!
Prior to joining full-time staff with Cru, Dave spent 11 years in the Navy serving as a helicopter pilot. During his first tour in San Diego he had two life changing encounters. First, he was excited to learn from two Navy men that he'd been invited into a personal relationship with the living God. Realizing that this was the quest of his life, he dove right in! Second, Dave will tell you that when he met Michael, he was "smitten" and knew almost instantly that he would marry her.
Michael, a native of San Diego, was swept off her feet twice in the late 70's. First, at a Billy Graham Crusade when she heard of God's love for her, she was carried away by His grace and mercy expressed in the cross of Christ. Second, a suave and God-fearing Naval Officer came to her door on church visitation and won his way into her heart with his persistent pursuit of her.
Dave and Michael have been saying "I do" both to each other, and to God, since 1978. They plan to continue doing so as long as God gives them life!
If you share the Cook's passion for disciple making within the military community, why not join with them by giving a gift and becoming a ministry partner! The button below will guide you through the process.
Call us at (888)278-7233 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday, or email us at eGift@cru.org.
Get help 24/7 from our FAQs.