The death of Michael Jackson has hit close to home - the home of Rev. Dr. Bernie Miller, pastor of New Covenant Fellowship Church. The local minister was vice president of artist and repertoire for Epic Records, Jackson's former record label, from 1987-1990.
Rev. Miller received a platinum record award for Jackson's "Bad" album. Before the album’s release in 1987, he was invited to Jackson's Neverland Ranch for a special listening and dinner party.
When Jackson died last week at a Los Angeles hospital, Rev. Miller joined millions in mourning the “King of Pop.” Deeply saddened by Jackson's death, he said he first met Michael in 1976, when Michael’s brother, Jackie, took him to the family's Encino, Calif., home.
He recalls, “When I walked into the house, I first saw Janet sitting in the den watching television. Jackie left me there for about a minute or two, and then in walked Michael and his mother, Katherine.
"My first impressions of the family can never be shattered by any negative news that may surface about him or them. The Bible teaches 'a friend loves at all times.' My years at Epic Records brought us closer together, and I consider them friends.”
As a pastor, he said that he was thrilled to read on Mary Mary's Facebook page that Andrea Crouch had an opportunity to share the gospel with Michael three weeks ago and, he reportedly accepted Christ as Savior. “To know that, means the world to me” said Rev. Miller.