Former rich “gangsta” Michael Franzese — Not exactly your normal prayer event speaker!
The outstanding annual Prayer Breakfast is happening … for the 41st time … on April 11, 2018. It is always a great event, with hundreds attending. The details you need, including obtaining tickets, are found at www.cbmcstl.com.
New St. Louis CBMC Director Mike Baese and longtime CBMC leader Tony Kalinowski tell us about the Breakfast … and invite us. (Former CBMC Director Stan Bower has moved to Dallas and is bringing the CBMC ministry there)
From www.cbmcstl.com:
“Michael Franzese grew up as the son of a notorious Underboss of New York’s violent and feared Colombo crime family. At the age of 35, Fortune Magazine listed Michael among the ‘Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses’ and one of the biggest mob money-earners since Al Capone. His legal and illegal business activities included auto dealerships, union kickbacks, financial services, sports, entertainment and a multi-billion-dollar gasoline tax scheme, which generated an estimated $5 to $8 million per week in revenue. In 1985, Michael was indicted on 14 counts of racketeering, counterfeiting and extortion. In 1986, he pleaded guilty to two counts, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison, and vowed to do the unthinkable – walk away from the mob.
While in prison, he became a Christian and now spends his life sharing Christ’s redemptive story with corporate executives, professional and student athletes, at-risk youth, prisoners and anyone seeking the inspiration to beat the odds and make positive changes in their life.”
Difficult to believe?
John Newton – author of the great hymn “Amazing Grace” – was the captain of a slave ship before coming to faith in Christ, resulting in radical positive changes in his life. “The cries of 20,000 slaves haunt me!” he said later.
Henry Blackaby found joy in visiting “Death Row” in Angola Prison because murderers had repented and come to faith in Christ.
(To hear … “Dr. Henry Blackaby (“Experiencing God”); re his visits to joyful Angola Prisoners’ on death row!” … click on … http://haroldhendrick.com/2013/09/26/dr-henry-blackaby-experiencing-god-re-his-visits-to-joyful-angola-prisoners-on-death-row/ )
Before the Apostle Paul had come to faith in Christ on the Damascus Road (Acts chapter 9), he had been attacking, persecuting, and conspiring to murder Christians. He was later inspired to write most of the books of the New Testament.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (II Corinthians 5:17)
“I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me!” (Galatians 2:20)
(Personal story: Joan and I in TV “surfing,” came across a baseball game of the Cincinnati Reds. A relief pitcher with the last name of “Lorenzen” was noted by the announcers, who did a close-up of his left arm. He had all of Galatians 2:20 tattooed on his left arm … to the point that we could read the whole verse on his arm! (Joan took a picture of it on the TV screed! Good thing he had long arms! The announcers reported that he had a troubled past. Looks like he found some good answers!”
From the past, to hear … “Annual STL Prayer Breakfast Chairman Tony Kalinowski shares of his spiritual journey; welcomes us!” … click on … www.haroldhendrick.com/2013/02/15/annual-stl-prayer-breakfast-chairman-tony-kalinowski-shares-of-his-spiritual-journey-welcomes-us /
