"Forgetta bout It From Mafia to Ministry" by Rocco Morelli
Page 2.
I asked him what was the reaction of his family when he told them he turned his life over to God. "My Mother was overjoyed. My Father was also happy, as he had turned his life over to God earlier. My Father told me when I was knee deep in the mafia life, he started a prayer request to God, if He would save my life, he'd turn his life over to God." Recalls Rocco.
I asked Rocco what kind of services his Ministry offers to assist men adjusting to life outside. "Our ministry offers programs and life skills to the inmates being released and their families, which include 12-Step Programs and Marriage Seminars. We also network with other ministries who offer aftercare training, which is very important in assisting them to re-adjust to life outside of prison." He said.
I asked Rocco, what are some of the words of encouragement he offers to the men, when they are hit with the reality of being discriminated against in seeking jobs, their search for housing and financial help. Even though the application says we don't discriminate, we all know they do.
"I tell them to stand steadfast, most importantly become part of a strong Church family. I stress the importance of educating themselves and to change their way of life, even if they have to move. They have to renew their way of thinking." He said.
With helping a wide variety of people, I asked Rocco how, or if he measures the success of his programs?
"Well, I've worked close with Prison Fellowship Ministries, who received studies from Penn State University on the affect of Outreach Prison Ministries in the successful release of prisoners. They stated within the first two years if a man doesn't go back to their old life of crime, they'll have an excellent chance of living a productive and full life. I strongly encourage them to find rewarding work within their communities, and a church that is reaching out to others in need and bringing Jesus to them." He said.
I read where Rocco describes his wife, Christine, as his God appointed wife. I asked him to give us some insight on how he met his wife.
"Upon being released from prison, I was involved in Pittsburgh with Cornerstone TV, Full Gospel Business Men s International, and later became a pastor. I was invited to be the guest speaker at a Business Men s dinner a few hours away. While standing in line for dinner I turned around to speak to one of the leaders, but instead there stood Christine. I immediately said to Christine, I see Jesus in your eyes. She gave me an odd look. While eating dinner the leader I sat with said, there are a few single women here tonight, and pointed them out. This confirmed what the Lord told me on my drive to the meeting. The Lord said, you are going to meet your wife tonight. In my spirit I believed Christine was the one. When I was finished speaking and gave the invitation to the prayer line, I said to the Lord, if she s the one let her be the first in line. Christine came up first and I felt an instant connection, I knew she was the one.
Her father was one of the leaders of the Fellowship. Later that evening I asked his permission to take her out. He said to me, Who am I to get in the way of what God wants? It seemed as though everyone was praying for Christine and I. We both prayed on our future. Christine invited me to Disney World with her family, and it was there we announced our engagement. She's been by my side ever since.
She has worked with me through all our trials and tribulations; we were tested before we were blessed. We've been strong in our faith and God has blessed us. The new book was released and has been embraced by various multi-media outlets and ministries." He said.
I asked how soon to their release time should men begin making plans for the life on the outside.
"The transition should begin while they're on the inside. At least two years before their release date, they should begin preparing mentally, physically and spiritually. They should get their home plans in order and start planning for their home life. We offer Marriage Seminars for both the husbands and the wives, which help couples deal with the crisis of incarceration and keeping the family together. We also help them gain a better understanding of each others needs. We apply principles from the Bible into our Marriage Seminars. These seminars take place inside the prison over a three day weekend, which include the wives. This is another successful aspect of our Ministry.
Statistics show that when an inmate is released, they need to be assigned 1-3 mentors from a local church who will continue to work with them for a minimum of one year.
At times when I look back on my life, I feel as though I'm an inadequate man and God has taken me from the gutter and delivered me to a place where I'm in the position to assist others in knowing Him. I thank God for keeping me strong. I thank Him for keeping me to do His work.
We must remember to always keep it real with God, He knows who we are. He'll provide all our needs. I use my book as an evangelistic tool in the ministry. I travel speaking in Prisons, Churches, Schools, and Community Outreach Events. I share my testimony where ever I go. I believe in giving, in sharing the blessings He has given me. There are givers and takers, but I know Christ and through Him I've become a giver." He said.
Mr. Rocco Morelli is available to share his testimony. His Ministry's works with churches, conferences, schools, youth detention centers, prisons, community organizations, TV, radio and other multi-media venues.
For contact information and/or you'd like to become part of this work by helping Rocco and others, you may contact him at Rocco Morelli Ministries International www.roccomorelli.org.
His book "Forgetta bout It From Mafia to Ministry" is available on www.amazon.com, www.walmart.com, the Cutting Edge Bookstore at www.cuttingedge.org/detail.cfm?ID=1509, Christian Book Stores, and also www.roccomorelli.org.
