Press Room

Hero Highlight: Mike Disario, Georgia

12.07.2009
Meet Mike Disario
Church Champion, Mentor Father
Atlanta, GA

A picture says a thousand words! Just look at the joy on Patsy Dickey’s face! Patsy’s beaming smile is the fruit of the labors of a Fathers in the Field service team led by Mike Disario. Mike and his field buddy, Austin, along with another mentor father, Darron Whitman, and his field buddy Zane, have helped to spruce up Patsy’s home and yard this fall.

Community service is an integral part of Fathers in the Field ministry, which identifies widows in need and gives boys an opportunity to serve them and in doing so, gain a sense of accomplishment, helpfulness, and self-worth. The work that Mike, Austin, and others did for this spunky Atlanta widow left her so overwhelmed that she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “I'm fighting a crying jag right now,” said Patsy as she recalled how well she had been cared for. “I had asked Mike on the phone if they might clean the yard. He said, sure, and on they came. They were a whirlwind on the move while they were here. Mike saw so much to be done here and wants to come again and do more. No one has ever done that, and I've been in this house 58 years. So that's why I cry. The Fathers in the Field ministry shines of God and His love.”

We had a chat with Mike to learn more about him, his heart for the Lord, and his desire to participate in Fathers in the Field.

When did you commit your life to Christ?

It was in September of 2000. I was 35 years old. I had gone through a difficult divorce and was broken. Through what I would consider a divine appointment, a Christian man from South Africa, who simply came to clean my carpet, had a discussion with me that would ultimately change my life for eternity. This man was extremely passionate about the Lord and could see how much I was struggling. He invited me to a men’s wild game banquet at his church and, since I loved to hunt, I figured it would be a fun thing to do. That night, after hearing the Gospel message, I spent more time talking with the event organizer who led me to the Lord over a can of Coke in a nearby grocery store. My life hasn’t been the same since.

There are so many ministries to be involved with. Why Fathers in the Field?

I had been involved in the outdoor industry for a long time and John Smithbaker had become a friend of mine. He told me about Fathers in the Field—his vision for helping fatherless boys—and I was impressed with how well thought out the ministry was. There was no doubt in my mind that it would have a meaningful impact on the life of abandoned boys. With my childhood experiences, passion for the outdoors, and love for the Lord I knew that this ministry was a good fit for me.

What was your childhood like?

My own father left me when I was just 5-years-old, so I understand all too well the wound of abandonment. It is devastating to a boy. But I also understand from first-hand experience the positive influence that another man—a mentor father—can have on a boy’s life. My grandfather, along with a mountain of a man they called “Tootsie” who was also a fanatic for the outdoors, helped raise me. Both had a huge impact on me and my development as a man. Now, through Fathers in the Field, hopefully, I can do the same in the life of my field buddy, Austin.

Do you have children of your own?

Yes. I have two boys—ages 13 and 1. My older son is from my first marriage and he lives quite some distance from me with his mom. Sadly, my access to him has been very limited. It’s hard. In fact, without the Lord’s help, it would be impossible for me to handle. I know that he needs me and I am committed to trying to be as much a part of his life as I am allowed to be. Meantime, my wife and I are working hard to raise my youngest son to love the Lord and the great outdoors.

Tell us about your field buddy, Austin.

He’s a great kid! He’s 13—the same age as my oldest son. And like my oldest, spends a great deal of time with his mom who deeply loves and cares for him. Thankfully, Austin’s mom realizes the importance of having a positive male influence in her son’s life and has allowed me the privilege of mentoring Austin. This kid is the perfect field buddy for me and I can only hope to have a similar impact on him as “Tootsie” had on me.

What would you say to other men who are considering getting involved with Fathers in the Field?

I’d say that if you’re a passionate outdoorsman who has a heart to serve the kingdom, isn’t it time to get your hands dirty?! To get your hands dirty you have to immerse yourself in the life of another. It only takes one man with a servant’s heart and one fatherless boy. We’re looking for a few good men. The boys are around every corner. I hope you’ll join the fight.

Today, Mike serves as a Mentor Father to Austin and as the Church Champion at his home church, Church of the Apostles in Atlanta. He is also working diligently to raise awareness for the ministry throughout the Atlanta area.

Thank you for standing up for a fatherless boy, Mike. You are a hero!