I was born in southern Italy but my family migrated to the United States when I was three years old. We settled in an Italian neighborhood in the Bronx New York.
Growing up in the inner city was not easy. Violence, drugs, and street life meant that I grew up too fast. Although I came from a good family and had a very devout catholic mother, the outside world was more alluring.
So from a very young age I started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. This continued throughout my teenage years, until, for some unknown reason I joined the US Navy.
I met and married my wife Sheila while in the military in 1976. Our married life got off to a rough start, with infidelity on my part and almost ending in divorce. Thankfully, I realised my wrongdoing and asked my wife to forgive me. We decided to give our marriage another chance. This was in 1979.
For us, the real new beginning came six years later, when our children were toddlers. Sheila thought that, to be a good mom, the kids had to go to Sunday school. (Never mind that we did drugs in front of them.) Despite my Roman Catholic background, I had no idea what Sunday school was, but I went along with her request.
We started attending a small nearby church, where we learnt how to get to know Christ. I now realise that nudge came from the Holy Spirit, drawing us back to God.
The pastor and congregation were so loving and welcoming to our family. I’m sure we were quite the sight: I had long hair, was unshaven, and smelt of smoke and who knows what else. Despite our appearance, we were welcomed, hugged, and told to come back for the next service. We did, and we never stopped going back.
Not only did the Lord Jesus restore us to God, he also fully restored our marriage. All of our bad habits and addictions disappeared. Today, I can say that, after Jesus, my wife is the love of my life.
Chiesa Evangelica Sharon 