The following message was posted on April 13.

To our Musicianaries Family,

It is difficult to have to tell you that Bobby went home to be with our Lord after suffering a heart attack on March 31, during a mission trip to Southeast Asia. While ministering at a pastor's conference in Cambodia, he collapsed at the end of a teaching session. The Cambodian doctors who first cared for him said his heart was damaged and he needed special treatment that could not be provided in country, so he was med-evac'ed to a hospital in Bangkok. For 10 days in the hospital's CCU, he received extraordinary medical care, but in the end his heart was unable to sustain him.

While in the hospital, Rachel (our daughter) and I were so encouraged as we learned of the thousands of prayer warriors who were interceding for him. We were strengthened by all of the prayers, encouraging notes, and phone calls that we received during Bobby's hospitalization. Our sorrow is so deep...and there are times that I just don't want to face life without my Bobby...but our Lord has unmistakably shown Himself faithful to me for 50 years and it is certain He will continue to make His steadfast love known in these times ahead for all of us. Bobby was a treasure beyond words to me and the twenty years we shared was a total gift from the Lord that I will never understand or deserve, but gratefully appreciate with wonder.

Bobby's memorial celebration was beautiful. Many thanks to all of the family and friends who came to share in the celebration of his life. Two of our special friends, Dan Plourde (our pastor at Calvary Chapel Jupiter) and Jim McCandliss (a MII Board member and 20 year friend) shared "Bobby stories" that brought tears and smiles to everyone.

Many of you have asked, "What's going to happen to Musicianaries now"? The Lord has clearly laid it on our hearts to continue to carry out the vision that He gave Bobby 25 years ago and to go forward and deliver the Good News that will change nations-one person, one heart at a time. The Musicianaries' Board of Directors is in the process of formulating the plans of how we'll be moving ahead.

We already have our leadership team in place to direct our July "Rice For Cambodia" mission trip where we anticipate giving out over 400 tons of rice. Please pray for our staff as we work through all of these details for this outreach. Also please pray for the Lord to direct all of the reorganization plans, that we will have His wisdom and insight to follow His leading.

Thank you for standing with me and the family as we continue the work that Bobby so faithfully started.

Love and blessings to you, Lee Michaels

The following message was posted at 5:10 p.m. Sunday, April 5.

Dear Precious Friends,

We have so been comforted and moved by your expressions of love for Bobby and our family during these past weeks! We would love to include you in our plans to remember Bobby's life and what he meant to all of us by requesting your presence at the Memorial Celebration Service in honor of our dear husband, father, friend, mentor, teacher and singer, Bobby Michaels, on Tuesday, April 14th, at 2:00pm.

The service will be held at Christ Fellowship Church, located at 5343 Northlake Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418.

The Musicianaries' office has arranged for a special rate of $89/night at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Beach Gardens for our out-of-town guests. The hotel is located at 3505 Kyoto Gardens Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. Their telephone number is 561.694.5833. Please tell them this is under the "Group Name" -- Bobby Michaels. If you have any questions or problems please contact Ellie Wyatt at the hotel.

We are planning a reception after the Memorial Service and request that RSVP's be made ONLY to John Clark at john@musicianaries.org, so we can get an accurate count for the catering.

In lieu of flowers, a bereavement fund has been established to help support Bobby's wife. Those wanting to contribute to the fund may send a gift to Lee Michaels, PO Box 31868, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420.

Again, we appreciate your love, support and friendship! It would be an honor to see you there to celebrate our Papa's life with us! May the Lord richly bless you!

Rachel Esterhuyse and Jeff Gordley

Bobby and Lee's children

A message from Bobby Michaels wife Lee, daughter, Rachel, and son, Jeff:

Our hearts are aching as we tell you that Bobby passed away this evening shortly after going into the operating room. Before the surgeons started the operation, Bobby's heart stopped with an instant "flat-line". The medical team tried for 45 minutes to resuscitate him but his heart did not respond.

We are deeply saddened by our loss...but rejoice that Bobby did get totally healed...with a new heart, kidneys, and any other part that might have needed fixing. The Lord knew the plans He had for Bobby...and today was his graduation day as he went to the One he loved the most and served so faithfully. We know he was carried away in the arms of Jesus.

Words cannot express our thanks for all the love, prayers, and notes of encouragement that have come to us by everyone who have been touched by Bobby's life. Our prayer for all of you is that you will experience the same peace and comfort that we have received from the Father.

We will let you know of memorial plans once these details have made. Thank you again for all of the love and prayers for our family.

We love you all deeply!

Lee, Rachel, and Jeff