10/21/2012

     One of the great blessings of travel is the exposure one gets to other cultures and people. I was reminded of this valuable benefit by the Corazza family in Italy.

    Arrigo (A-re-go) Corazza preaches at the church in Pisa. His father, Alessandro was the first convert out of Catholicism to the Lord’s church in modern Italy. Alessandro’s father was a millionaire and at an early age Alessandro’s superior intelligence marked him as a prime prospect for the Catholic priesthood.

    A young Alessandro was sent to a monastery for training, but he was abused by priests resulting in the permanent closure of that particular monastery. His experience had an eye-opening impact that eventually led to Alessandro’s conversion.

    His renunciation of Catholicism was viewed by his family as religious treason and he was disinherited by his father. The Alessandro Corazzo family has been laboring for the cause of Christ in Italy for over 60 years now, often with limited resources and as the object of intense prejudice. They have not wavered.

    Alessandro is now 86 and still labors to get as much material as he can translated from English to Italian. His mind is as sharp as ever. His love for the Lord and his fellow countrymen has led to their now being several solid churches in Italy (Rome, Latina, Aprilla, Pisa, Alessandria, Udine, and Trieste). The elder Corazza son, Stephano, preaches at the church in Rome.

    Arrigo said they have teased their dad about giving up a fortune to preach for “peanuts”, but they all know that no price is too high to be able to be a child of the king. Their sacrifice is not as great as others. Many have given their lives for the Lord, but whatever the cost, the reward of heaven overshadows it.

    What God requires of all men is clearly defined for us in the scripture. Oh yes, not everyone will have to severe family ties. Few will be faced with the decision of turning their backs on a family fortune. But the bottom line is this: the Lord wants us. He wants all of our heart, mind, and soul.

    Paul commended the Philippians for first giving “themselves” to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5). They, like Moses, knew the right choice to make (Heb. 11:25). Satan wants us to think we can give less; give God the “leftovers”, but we all know better. Let us never  hold back. Others have given all; we can too. We must!   KD