Brett Milton
The first memory of Donnie that I can recall was when I was seven years old. My family attended a church in roseville about two miles down the street from Abundant Life Fellowship, Foothill community church. My buddy who was the child of a missionary told me “I can’t go to Sunday school today, my parents want me to see Donnie Moore speak and break things.” I knew immediately that Donnie Moore = cool.
Fast forward about 15 years I get invited by Becky and her then boyfriend, hahaha oh the irony, from Abundant life to come up to radical reality Easter camp for the day and I took it. I remember seeing the joy on young people’s faces, servants relishing the chance to serve, and a camp that was full of love.
I jumped in and started serving at radical reality Easter camp 2009, my now girlfriend Becky from Abundant life, there is your irony, was still running the program staff and I was ready to be a part of the team. I did about 8-10 program staffs with my now wife Becky, which has led to having our kids dance on stage, drive golf carts, and most importantly feel the love of Jesus that saturated every radical reality camp.
I remember the long time camp attendees predicting the color of the chair or the room on foregiveness night, I remember the seriousness that culminated with Holy Ghost night and the joy that rang through ebinezer hall on commissioning night. What is so powerful is that the same program, or equation if you will, that Donnie developed as the foundation for the Radical reality camps is as powerful today as the when it was first begun. I was a Christian heading up to the radical reality camp every year but every year I felt challenged, refreshed, and renewed because the Holy Spirit was the director of that camp, Donnie had the right heart to listen and direct the flow. Donnie also had that incredible way of making everyone feel included and special, he was larger than life to me in this particular area. Donnie just loved everyone and everyone loved him!
Baseball was a common topic that I would share with Donnie. I was fascinated with picking his brain about the players he knew and the stories that accompanied them, and he was always happy to oblige. Be it conversations about Ricky Henderson, which always included Ricky speaking in third person, or Donny sharing about who he was loving on, it was obvious that Donnie received favor in the sports world because he was genuine! He was the same guy everywhere talking to me and Beau at 1am near the hotel at the camp or in the weight room of the coliseum talking to the Giants, which he invited me too, he was the same guy.
It has been an absolute privilege to serve the Moore family. Program team, Deans, Directors, whatever you need we are still here to serve the Moore family. I count myself blessed to have been able to have known Donnie, as well as his wife and children. The Milton family loves you all and we pray for peace and comfort for you.
Tony Handi
Donnie and I met for lunch just about every Monday for a year. What a fun time of sharing what God had done in our different services and a lot of laughter too!
A wonderful brother with a heart for God and a love for people.
Time spent with Donnie was always a blessing.
Rich Shepherd
I’m just ONE out of the MILLIONS . . .
At the age of 12, I attended a summer camp in Chico, CA called Radical Reality Summer Camp. At that time in my life, there was a lot going on. I didn’t know what the next four years would look like, but at that camp, I experienced God in a real way and I’m so thankful I did because the next four years would be turmoil. My brothers and I would witness physical abuse in a real way, my mom would encounter an addiction with alcohol that would eventually lead to us being adopted by family members at the age of 16, and life as we knew it, changed!
During that period of time (4 years), we would attend a church in Roseville, CA where a guy by the name of Donnie Moore would come very often. He was larger than life. He was the Chaplain of The Oakland A’s, my favorite baseball team of all time, an evangelist who spoke in churches all over, and also a motivation speaker in junior high, high school, and colleges all across America. He and his team, Radical Reality spoke in every state in America except 1. Through the course of 30+ years, over 10 million heard him in those schools. When it came to the camps, over 30,000 students. When it has come to the impact he had on athletes, immeasurable!
When I attended those youth camps throughout the years, it was an escape from the turmoil we faced at home. I never wanted camp to end because I didn’t want to go home. The camp had the best worship, the messages were life altering, and the presence of God was through the roof. At these camps, my faith grew stronger, I built relationships with people, received The Holy Spirit & prayer language, competed in team activities, dealt with hard issues in my life and forgave those who brought pain into my life by their actions, and created memories that I still carry today.
One memory . . . I was so nervous to talk to Donnie. To me, he was again, bigger than life. It wasn’t because he was intimidating . . . he was far from that. At the end of camp, I approached him and asked if he could sign my Bible. To me, Donnie was like an athlete and when you’re a kid, an autograph is of top priority. I remember him taking my Bible and not just signing it, but writing something more. The words read, “The world will try to keep you from this book and this book will keep you from the world.” Your friend, Donnie Moore.
WOW! 24 years later, he was right!
At 16 years old, we were adopted by my uncle and aunt and with the transition of life and such, we didn’t make it to any more camps. For the next two years, I walked away from my faith. Internally, I was struggling with all that was going on. Yet at the same time, I lived with a family who was safe, secure, and sound. They showed my brother and I so much love and support. But the problem that I didn’t fully realize was that I laid my faith down.
At the age of 19, I found myself in a place of despair. Baseball, a game that I played my whole life was over. Couldn’t hack it at the next level. Moved back to Sacramento, got a job at UPS, moved in with my grandparents and just felt stuck. Eventually moved into an apartment in Rancho Cordova with my brother and just existed.
Through a series of events, I find myself going back to the church in Roseville, CA and started playing drums for the youth group. Summer time approaches and my youth pastor, Joe Antekeier invites me to camp to be a counselor. To make a long story short, I go and my life forever changes. God speaks to me, on 3 separate occasions and calls me to the ministry. The next thing you know, I’m in an intern program and on my way to become a youth pastor.
Over the next 10 years, I become a jr high youth pastor, start helping with media, and through that time attend camps with students. Eventually, I become the youth pastor and again, continue attending camps. One year, they asked if I can help with media and I jump in. AND THEN IT HAPPENS . . . Donnie needs to meet with me to go over his notes for a powerpoint that needs to be made.
So I remember driving up to his cabin in a golf cart. There he is, on the porch with his notebook, a pen, old school white out, a Lipton ice tea, and of course what seems like 1 gallon of cologne on. If you know Donnie, you know what I’m talking about.
So I sit with him and he begins to walk the message out. Now, instead of just saying, put this scripture, this quote, and this point on, he proceeds to preach the message out loud. This will come into play later on. So, I sat there, listened, wrote stuff down, and mentally prepared myself. At the end, he actually asks me if he should changed anything. I’m like, “Dude, you’re Donnie Moore, everything you just said is AWESOME!” And make no mistake about it, Donnie knew how to hear from God!
(I did not call him dude. #lol)
I loved going to that cabin anytime he asked.
Fast forward a few years, I am at camp, getting ready for a night service, praying, and the Holy Spirit speaks to me and says transition is coming, and I’m to go work for Donnie. WHOA! I remember telling Vanessa and she is like, I feel it too. So, I tell her, I am not saying a word unless Donnie does. If God can speak to me, God can speak to him and sure enough, after a meal in town, I’m driving with Donnie and he proceeds to inform me that God spoke to him about Vanessa and I. He asked if God was leading us to come and partner with him. And just like that, we’re off to Stockton, CA.
I am working for my hero!
The next years ahead would see us working out in the weight room together, traveling to churches, sitting in the Oakland A’s locker room and spring training facilities, traveling to cities to invade jr high and high schools with a message of “Whatever your mind can conceive, your heart believe, you then can achieve!” Countless nights, sometimes early mornings, you could find us at Denny’s eating eggs, grits, toast, turkey bacon all washed down with whole milk. Those were some of my most cherished times.
On the road, he would ask me to preach messages out loud to him so he could critique me and make me better. He would point to an item on the road and say, “Rich, what do you see?” He was wanting me to use my words in a way that would describe it accurately but with a story. Donnie was a master story teller! At times I would tell him about the hurts I had experienced along the way and he would listen, and listen, and listen! Then, he would flip a switch and encourage me, give me answers, correct me if needed, and always give me an action step. Donnie knew how to disciple. He was genuine about it.
Through those years, I got to read his notes, HANDWRITTEN, and create powerpoint and handouts. A while ago, I had a binder with all the copies I made. Something spilt on it and they were ruined. I was devastated. Those notes where the product of a man who stayed up countless hours praying and writing. Those words were powerful. I loved his notes and how he laid them out, corrected mistakes with white out, used arrows to point towards thoughts, and yes of course, I loved the typos. I loved them because I would then have Cindy, his wife, text me to correct them. Cindy . . . I owe this woman so much! Genuine, so genuine! Cindy is the type of lady that can listen and speak life into any situation with grace and wisdom. She put up with my “everything has a place” on Dropbox and super analytical mind towards everything. She helped me lighten up on some areas in my life but what meant the world to me . . . she loved my wife! She cared for her. She listened to her. She made Vanessa feel important. I’m forever indebted to Cindy Moore!
Over time, God had transitioned us through a couple of spots, but Donnie and I remained in contact. He let me build his website, even with my very limited skills. I still got to make his powerpoint, he still called and preached his message to me. He would also just call to tell me how proud he was of Vanessa and I. There would be times where He’d call and say, “Running arrow (the nickname he gave me years ago), Red Man (Donnie) is very proud of you!” I called him red man because he would have a v-neck on and his big massive chest, result of benching over 500 pounds, was RED!
Did I mention in his 50’s, he’d bench 500 pounds on his birthday? A couple of times, I had to spot him! Me . . . 160 pound boy . . . spot him! I’ll miss that.
Donnie always made me feel special. He called me one of his spiritual sons. He’d call and say “Rich, you’re doing it. You’re faithful to the call of God on your life. You’re preaching God’s Word. You have a beautiful family. I’m so proud of you!”
He would ask me to preach my message for Sunday over the phone to him. He’d give me insight and clarity. He’d also tell me if it stunk! I loved him for that.
I have so many memories that I could go on forever. We just loved Jesus and had a lot of fun.
Donnie . . .
– Attended my wedding and prayed over Vanessa and I.
– Loved my boys and prayed over them.
– Spotted me when I reached 315lb on the bench press.
– Gave DJ and I money to buy gardening bricks from peoples houses in Arizona because Home Depot didn’t have the right ones for them to use on the feats of strength.
– Called me over to the house countless times to fix anything to do with technology.
– Gave me my first bottle of Versace Cologne that I still wear to this day, and always will.
– Let me speak at camp for breakout sessions & Man of God talks.
– Called me and asked me to speak in a main session this year. (Dream of mine)
– 36 Camps together. (Easter & Summer)
– Let me drive from church to church so he could go over his message.
– Christmas lights . . . OH MY!
– Faith & Family Day
– Val’s Burgers
– Countless talks about Kenny & Shirley Foreman
I could go on for days!
Donnie believed in me and went beyond words to show that.
I coach my boys in Baseball because Donnie encouraged me too. He gave me the idea years ago while we were driving to the coliseum. I thought I should let other guys do it so my boys would learn to honor and respect others. He said, “You coach them. Other guys can still do that. But show them that you will be there for them.” I’m so grateful for that advice. It was so awesome to watch Donnie coach DJ with Jim Elliott Baseball. DJ, without a doubt, was a game changer for me. Countless truck rides, fast food meals, laughs for days, and everything in between. Time and life have created miles apart, but when we get on the phone, it’s like nothing changed. LOVE YOU DJ!
When God moved us to San Luis Obispo to become Campus Pastors, Donnie was the first guy I called. It meant the world to me that he celebrated with me over the phone and over the last year, He has called to check up and speak life into me. And yes, we have preached messages to each other.
I will miss those calls . . . his notes . . . his stories. I will miss Donnie Moore.
Donnie . . . I sure will miss you. In the mean time, the cooler will get loaded in the back of my truck with waters, gatorades, and energy drinks for college students and people around San Luis Obispo on a hot sunny day, the cologne, Altoids, and change of clothes will be in the truck at all times, and when I’m driving home late from an event, I’ll stop off at a Denny’s to grab a bite. I got my weight room setup in the garage and when I lift, I’ll think of you.
Thank you . . . for making me feel like the most important ONE . . . out of the MILLIONS!
Love you!
#DonnieMoore #HeavenGainedMyHero
Angie Balfour
I met Donnie and Cindy in 2011 through the Oakland A’s organization. It was a season of change for me…it was a new team and I was soon to be a new mom. Donnie and Cindy welcomed me with open arms and provided strength, friendship, wisdom, courage, guidance, and love over the next 3 yrs. I will never forget and will always cherish our barbecue at your house, the night we crushed burgers, and the night you came to our rental house and did your best to shed light on a negative situation (it took a while but I’ve closed the door).
Thank you Donnie for letting me participate in Faith Day at the Ballpark. For teaching me how to rip a phone book in front of a crowd!
Thank you Donnie for my most cherish Easter Sunday. For welcoming my family to share that beautiful sunrise service with you and your beautiful family up on the hill with nothing but the CROSS and ALL of HIS glory.
Thank you Donnie for sharing your beautiful family with mine. Cindy, there are no words I can share to comfort you…and that makes me sad because you comforted me at all times during my darkest days. You are an angel from heaven.
Thank you Donnie for being a father figure to me. For being a man of faith to me and Grant. I’m gonna hit the weights hard just like “Donnie Freaking Moore” would do. ❤
I love you Donnie and am forever grateful.
Love Always,
Angie
Becky Milton
In 1996 I was newly saved & knew nothing about the Holy Spirit. My friend Shekina persuaded me to go a camp to see this great speaker named Donnie Moore because she knew it would change my life. We found out a church called ALF was going to Donnie’s camp the next day & we joined them, not knowing anyone else.
Without knowing much about speaking in tongues I made the decision to be prayed over on a Wednesday night. I was completely out in the Spirit for hours without any clue what had transpired.
Over the years I volunteered as a counselor, a super mean dean of women, a Program Staff Director, and now camp director with my husband. I felt it an honor, that even as a single young woman Donnie & Cindy believed in me & my giftings.
It’s been my honor to both serve at camp & become friends with Donnie, Cindy , Brooke, Anna & my husbands kindred spirit, DJ.
I have had many God moments over the last 21 while listening to Donnie Speak. I have also laughed a ton in his presence.
While living in Ensenada as a missionary at the Lords Gym I got to translate for different members of Radical Reality during a crusade. I can recall Donnie focusing all his love upon a huge orphan teenage boy named Felix. I can remember how he mentored him & doted upon this giant orphan boy, lavishing him with God’s pure love. A boy who everyone had abandoned , ignored & frankly was scared of was shown Gods ABBA Father unconditional love through your caring compassionate dad/husband/son. It has stuck with me these 18 years.
I’ve seen Donnie cradle broken & abused girls , pray for orphans, & give hope to the hurting for the last 21 years.
There is a bit of Donnie in all three of his children. Brooke’s heart for her family, the Glass Slippers Girls & her friends reminds me of Donnie’s compassion & love. Anna’s passioniate nature & zeal for life reminds me of Donnie infectious energy that captivated his audience. And DJ, Donnies thinner spitting image, is hilarious & such a showman, reminding me of his fathers uncanny ability to tell a story and make people laugh.
Cindy you have been such a great role model for me as a wife, mother & minister. You were such a great balance for Donnie. I’ve always loved seeing your love for each other & your children.
Mrs Moore, you raised a great man. He spoke of you & your husband with incredible love & fondness.
I am sorry if I went too long. I wanted you all to know our great love & respect for Donnie & your family.
PS
If you would like to laugh please have Joey tell you the story of the hand motion in Mexico that did not mean the same thing there as it does here. Donnie & Joey had lots of laughs about that incident. If he doesn’t remember I’ll tell you someday.
With love,
Becky Milton & Milton Crew
Donna Nelson
My memory of Donnie has nothing to do with the the great minister he was…my memories are late nights playing uno that I would always win :), singing,laughing just being silly and sitting and listening to him read me his newest sermon he just finished writing. One of my favorite memories was during camp one late night after he spoke we spent hours feeding raccoons all the bread and crackers Cindy had in the cabin!!! So many memeories of being apart of bed time prayer time with Cindy and the girls and learning how to one day be a parent myself. I love his family with all my heart… Donnie was more then a great minister he was family to me and I will miss him dearly ❤
Nancy McKissick
Donnie was a friend and leader from the good old UOP days
Story:
Wow, first let me say I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Donnie. I can still think back to the time when I first met Donnie. I was a freshman at UOP, and was the quarterback for a powder puff girls football team. Donnie came over and started talking with me and said, “You have got to meet my wife.” This was a God ordained conversation that led to many blessings and friendships in the years to come.
Cindy, we met, and you went on to become my mentor, teacher of the Word, my discipler, prayer partner, Godly example, and dear friend.
I loved to worship and learn with you, Donnie, and Chi Alpha, and I so appreciate the many times and years together.
The last time I saw Donnie was about a year and a half ago. We laughed, reminisced, called Cindy, and talked about us getting together. I was so thankful to see Donnie then, but am saddened to know our journey on earth will not allow for Donnie to be included when we do get together. (Did I really get so busy that so much time has passed?)
I send love, prayers, thankfulness, gratefulness, and encouragement to all of Donnie’s dear family and friends.
Message:
Hello Sweet Cindy and your beautiful kiddos – Brooke, Anna, and DJ,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know Donnie as a wonderful man, husband, father, friend, and child of God.
I know he is with the Lord, but in the moments to come, even though you know he is with the Lord, our human side experiences loss, sadness, and grief. I feel for each of you and am praying that your hearts may know God’s deep comfort and love, and that His presence may come upon you moment by moment.
I love you, and am so very thankful the Lord allowed us to meet way back when, and am so grateful for the many years together!
Much love, admiration, and thoughts,
Nancy McKissick