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Description:
At 80 years old, Pastor Mike Bayer — lovingly known as “Old Mike” — isn’t slowing down. He’s just getting started. In this episode of The Valiant Forge, Mike shares his raw, redemptive story: from meeting Jesus as a boy in a broken home, to serving in the Marine Corps, to launching a YouTube ministry in his eighth decade of life.

This isn’t a highlight reel — it’s a fireside conversation about failure, obedience, and the calling that never expires.

We talk adoption, addiction, aging, and the spiritual fire that still burns. If you’ve ever felt like your best years are behind you, this episode will remind you: if you ain’t dead, you ain’t done.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why Mike’s mother banned him from reading the Bible at 8 years old

• The life-changing moment that led him from the Marines to ministry

• How a miracle adoption reunion unfolded across 3,000 miles

• Struggles with lust and pride — even in old age — and why obedience still matters

• How a 99-year-old man came to Christ in Mike’s senior congregation

• The origin story of his “If you ain’t dead, you ain’t done” motto

• Why he launched a YouTube channel in his 80s — and what God’s done with it

Old Me Living Better - YouTube

Want to be a guest on The Valiant Forge Podcast? Send Mark Osborne a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17432638464878159623a121d

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