Up and Down and All Around
Mike Yaw’s life story is one of movement, perseverance, redemption, and unwavering faith. From business ventures across the globe to sailing the world as a missionary, Mike’s journey reflects what can happen when a man allows God to lead every chapter, especially the difficult ones.
Born on January 3, 1950, Mike was raised in Upper Arlington, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus affectionately nicknamed Cowtown. Years later, he would settle in Arlington, Texas, another Cowtown suburb, this time near Fort Worth. Mike often smiles at the symmetry, seeing it as a reminder that God weaves purpose and even humor into our paths.
Rooted Early, Refined Through Trials
Mike believed in Jesus at the age of 12. Like many men, his faith was tested and strengthened through hardship. After experiencing business failure and divorce, Mike fully surrendered his life to Christ at the age of 35. That turning point reshaped his priorities, his purpose, and the legacy he continues to build today.
Mike has been married twice and speaks with gratitude and respect for both women who shared those chapters of his life. He is the proud father of two daughters, both happily married to strong Christian men. His family legacy continues through four grandchildren, all college graduates and committed Christians, and nine great-grandchildren who are being raised in faith-filled churches.
A Life of Work and Worldwide Experience
Mike’s work ethic showed early. He was one of the youngest paper carriers in Columbus, Ohio, and received his parents’ special permission to work. That drive carried him through a wide range of industries and opportunities.
His professional journey includes roles with B and G Tool and Die Company, Steve’s Pizza, the State of Ohio as a Real Estate Appraiser, and Sinicola’s Foods, where he helped produce pizza and spaghetti sauces sold in major grocery stores.
Mike’s career later expanded into global food service and technology, including leadership and operational roles with:
- Domino’s Pizza and RPM Pizza
- Domino’s Ohio Commissary
- Domino’s Michigan Commissary
- Domino’s National Commissary
- Domino’s franchise ownership in the DFW area, including Mi-De Pizza and Mighty Pizza
- Domino’s Pizza operations in Australia and India
- FriendlySoft software sales
Each role added depth to his understanding of leadership, systems, and people, skills God would later use in extraordinary ways.
Sailing the World With the Good News
Perhaps the most remarkable chapter of Mike’s life began in July 1998. As a sailing missionary aboard his vessel, Good News, Mike set out on a journey that would last until July 2012.
Sailing single-handed around the world, Mike shared the Gospel across continents and cultures. He distributed more than 1,000 Bibles in multiple languages and served on a film outreach team for Campus Crusade for Christ. Through that partnership, he gave away more than 1,000 DVDs in 20 languages and showed the Jesus Film on beaches and in community centers wherever he sailed.
Mike’s mission extended beyond words. With the help of partner organizations, Good News supported the building of houses and churches, helped drill water wells, and established Good News Learning Centers in children’s homes and orphanages throughout the Caribbean and Africa.
Faithful Service at Home
After years of global ministry, Mike continues to serve faithfully where God has planted him today. He is an active member of Central Bible Church, where he served in the children’s ministry under Stephanie Thomas for six years.
Since July 2021, Mike has served with the CBC Storehouse under the leadership of Jon Rhiddlehoover and is now entering his fifth year of service. Whether distributing food, serving families, or encouraging fellow volunteers, Mike brings the same humility and commitment that defined his years at sea.
A Life Still Being Written
Mike Yaw’s story is a testimony to God’s faithfulness through every season, success and failure, stillness and adventure, youth and legacy. From Cowtown to Cowtown, from boardrooms to open seas, Mike’s life reminds us that God wastes nothing and uses every experience for His glory.
Up and down and all around, Mike has followed the Lord, and the journey continues.
