An offer you can’t refuse
February 19th, 2009 Posted in videoWe all remember the line from The Godfather, as Vito Corleone instructs his “consigliere” Tom Hagan to make a certain person “an offer they cannot refuse,” which was Mafia-speak for “Do what I want you to do!”
Though the Godfather trilogy was fiction, based on some fact, we all know there really is a Mafia out there.
Michael Franzese, the real deal
Recently, I had lunch with Michael Franzese, a former mobster. He told me his story and shared how our A New Beginning radio broadcast had been a great help to him while he was in solitary confinement–or “the hole,” as he called it–in a prison here in Southern California.
Having no real knowledge of this mysterious world, I peppered Michael with questions about how the real mob worked.
From the Mob to the Lord
Michael was the son of a notorious kingpin in New York’s Columbo crime family.
Michael was once named one of the biggest moneymakers in the mob since Al Capone by Vanity Fair. By age 35, he was the youngest mobster listed on Fortune magazine’s survey of the 50 most wealthy and powerful Mafia bosses in America.
But amazingly, Michael came to Christ and got out of the Mob and now travels the world telling his amazing story. He has written a book about it called Blood Covenant.
We did an interview recently at Harvest, which you can see below.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Wow! That is definitely God at work. Only by the blood of Jesus! Glory to God!
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
What an awesome testimony and also a great interview.
March 1st, 2009 at 1:36 pm
An awesome interview. Our church was blessed to have Michael at our church Jan. 31 & Feb. 1 for a very special weekend. An awesome time and a very great guy!
March 1st, 2009 at 11:19 am
I’m glad that people like Michael are coming to Christ. I’ve seen many mobster stories, where killing and stealing seems like nothing to them. And then they would go to church like nothing happened and say that they’re still going to heaven. I pray everyone who doesn’t believe in Christ will start, even the mobsters and gangs.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:34 am
Pastor Greg, God is awesome. This testimony really hits home to me. I was saved after doing a few years locked up. Most of my friends continued on the same path and are now in prison for life, on death row, or in the mafia. I know how hard it is to get out of this lifesyle. I this is only possible through God, but God uses people like you to share the love of God to deliver those in bondage. May God continue to use you and Michael. My prayers are with you.
Your Brother in His work,
Gilbert
March 1st, 2009 at 7:26 am
Affirming, Affirming, and Affirming! Michael’s telling of how his life was not protected, even under his earthly father, shows without a doubt how Jesus Christ is our only hope and role model. We never need to doubt God’s love or provisions for us! Praise God for saving Michael and allowing him to speak about his life and God’s amazing love!
February 28th, 2009 at 10:12 am
What a interview. I attend Harvest and have for 11 years. I also was caught up in crime and prison time, 12 years in and out, until the Lord Jesus rescued me when I cried out to Him. Wow, what a life I have in Christ.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Pastor Greg, what an amazing interview! To see this man set free, serving Jesus, is making me tear up. Our God is so amazing. Just when I think I can’t be blown away by His wonderous works, I hear a story like this.
Thank you for airing this. Now I am going to buy the book!
February 21st, 2009 at 7:49 pm
God is so good. God’s way are so high above our ways. Praise God for the new birth in this man’s life, and that the Holy Spirit moved you, Pastor Greg, to meet with Michael. It is my hope that many in the Inland Empire will see this interview. The Press-Enterprise says we are the highest county in crime at this time. Yikes! And many can be ministered to through Michael’s testimony and changed life. How awesome is our God! Blessings
Micah 6:8