Michael Franzese is a trophy of God’s grace. His testimony is riveting. He had our congregation on the edge of their seats. If you haven’t heard his story, you owe it to yourself to read this booklet, and then get his book and video. -Dr. David Jeremiah, Senior Pastor, Shadow Mountain Community Church, Founder & CEO, Turning Point
There have been many unforgettable services at Willow Creek Community Church over the years, and one of those top memories certainly is the weekend Michael Franzese told his fascinating, riveting, and dramatic story of redemption and renewal. This former mafia prince is now a humble man whose story God is using to inspire and change others. The curiosity people have with organized crime provided a fantastic opportunity for people to invite guests. Michael’s story challenged, blessed, and was transformational in thousands of lives. He is the real deal and a humble follower of Jesus.Thousands waited in line for up to 4 hours to speak with him after the services. With a servant’s heart he patiently and kindly stayed and personally ministered to every single person until the last person had left. It was an extraordinary experience that honored a God who is still extraordinarily changing lives! -Gene Appel, Lead Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
We went into this a little apprehensive. Was he real, would he be arrogant, would he cause political or theological problems? Michael over delivered in every way. He was humble, gracious, accommodating, and sensitive to our needs, he delivered a powerful word that ministered to our church in a biblical, balanced way. -Life Changers International Church, Hoffman Estates
Our church recently hosted Michael Franzese, former Mobster, who is now a dedicated Christ-follower. Michael was well received and really connected with our audience. His story of God's grace and forgiveness is one to which everyone could relate and identify. Our attendance was nearly double the normal Sunday attendance and we have received nothing but positive feedback from those who attended. I highly recommend Michael Franzese to churches, schools, and other organizations that need to hear a positive message. -Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church
As a senior pastor of a large church (3700+), I am always on the lookout for guest speakers who have a unique story to tell and can share God’s love and grace in compelling ways with the unchurched people we are trying to reach. But little did I know, or expect, what I was bargaining for when I invited Michael Franzese to spend a weekend with us. My first clue that something special was taking place was when the traffic was backed up over 3 miles as people made their way to our Saturday evening service. That evening, our 1700-seat auditorium was filled to overflowing, the extra 200 seats we had set up were full and as was our 350 seat atrium. It was the largest attendance we have ever had at one service. The two services on Sunday morning brought more of the same. All-in-all we had record attendances for a non-Christmas/Easter event (6500) people with 150 people indicating decisions for Christ. Not only was Michael’s story of his former life riveting, but even more so was the clarity and conviction with which he shared the grace, forgiveness and love of Jesus Christ which has changed his life. His humility, candor, and sense of wonder that God has not only saved him but is now using him to reach others, served to remind us all that God is not done with modern-day Damascus road encounters. That weekend left me in awe of how God, in his grace, uses the least likely to show forth the wonder and power of his grace to transform lives. I still shake my head in disbelief at what God did that weekend and give Him praise for his special servant, Michael Franzese. -Lead Pastor, Northwoods Community Church