A Man With A Past Has Hope For The Future. Just a few years ago, Michael Franzese was one of the biggest money earners the mob had seen since Al Capone, and the youngest individual on Fortune magazine's survey of the 'The Fifty Biggest Mafia Bosses," (Vanity Fair magazine), ranking #18, just 5 behind John Gotti. His autobiography, Blood Covenant, tells his story from the early days in the mob and rise to power through his Damascus road experience that changed his life forever and led him to do the unthinkable, the unexpected, and by some, the unbelievable - quit the mob and follow Jesus.
The Born Again Don (Vanity Fair Magazine) Today, Michael is a follower of Jesus Christ, dubbed "The Born Again Don" in a January 1991 feature article in Vanity Fair Magazine. He found his own Damascus Road that began with beautiful woman, Cammy. The story of his conversion is a testament of God's willingness to reach into the heart of any man regardless of their past or the present condition of their lives. Law enforcement officials and mobsters say that the only way to leave the mob is in a coffin. However, God's Word has a different insight - It is said in Proverbs 16:7 that, "when a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, even his enemies are at peace with him." Michael is a living testament to the latter. Over ten years ago, Camille led Michael to accept the Lord and it was at that time that he renounced his life in the mob. His conversion experience to Christian faith completed the transition for Michael from a kingdom of darkness into a kingdom of light. One covenant bound him to the mob, the other, the covenant in Christ, set him free. Cammy's role in the transformation of Michael cannot be overstated, leading media to call her "the woman who changed the face of organized crime." Her role is a story of inspiration for women everywhere. That God used the power of love to penetrate the heart of a mafia captain, and be instrumental in Michael leaving the mafia and coming to Christ is nothing short of inspiring.
Man on a Mission With a Message
Franzese is now a man on a mission. Determined to use the compelling experiences of his former life for the benefit of at-risk youth, professional and student athletes, corporate executives and for anyone seeking the inspiration to beat the odds and make positive change sin their lives, he has become a highly regarded motivator and a source of invaluable information. Franzese candidly describes how he survived dozens of grand jury appearances, 3 major racketeering indictments, 5 criminal trials, 7 years in prison and a Mafia death sentence. He tells how he engaged bankers, corporate executives, union officials and professional and student athletes in a wide variety of financial scams. His open and honest presentations are fresh and unique. Audiences are captivated by stories of his personal experiences in organized crime and genuinely affected by his powerful anti-crime messages and eye opening revelations, particularly Church and faith-based events who hear his testimony of faith. Whether on tour with Sonic Flood, speaking at a Church, or through his ministry partnership with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Michael tells how there are two truths –You can’t escape the long arm of the law – and you sure can’t escape the longer arm of the Lord.
Telling the World
Michael's compelling story of transformation has been featured through both Christian and general high profile media. Most recently, he was featured on the 700 Club *100 Huntley Street * Billy Graham's Decision Today Radio * Family Network” Open House" * Daystar Network * LeSea Broadcasting” Harvest" * TBN Praise the Lord & Damascus Road * Life Today with James Roberson. He has also been featured in Life Magazine * Fortune Magazine *Vanity Fair * Sports Illustrated * GQ * L.A * Times * 48 Hours * The Today Show* Nightline * ABC Primetime * NBC Nightly News * ESPN * HBO Real Sports * Jim Rome Show * PBS "All Things Considered" * The prestigious "The Eleventh Hour" for PBS, with guests Dennis Weaver and Jeb Magruder.
"As a sworn member of La Cosa Nostra, I knowingly took an oath, a blood covenant, that obligated me to live my life in conflict with both the laws of God and of man. Although the Lord Jesus was known to me, at the time, I chose to give authority over my life to the boss of the Colombo crime family. Today, there is no doubt in my mind that I was doomed to spend an eternity in hell had continued to reject the authority and live outside of the grace of my true boss, Jesus Christ. Mark 14:24 tells me that the blood of the covenant of Jesus set me free from the covenant with the mob."
Speaking/Book Endorsements
Michael Franzese meets my definition of a great man. For me, great men or women are folks who put their lives on the line for causes more important than their own self-interests. Michael does that every day. Many young lives are changed and likely saved because of Michael's amazing courage. We would all do well to memorize his latest book!
Bill Curry
Head Coach, Georgia State University Football
Testimonial books have little meaning and minor impact unless the life of the writer truly represents the content. I can tell you that my dear friend Michael Franzese is living a life of dedication to God and fulfilling His purpose in sharing his faith. Michael didn't write this book for those sitting on the sidelines but rather to equip you to get into the game and share your faith. Read it for personal inspiration and share it with someone to impact a life.
Grant Teaff
Executive Director, AFCA
Michael Franzese is the real deal and I mean that in every sense of the term. His testimony was genuine. We were a little concerned that maybe this guy fixed a few little league baseball games and was now parading around the country telling a mafia story. Not the case at all. Michael Franzese was truly a made member of organized crime. He is also now a "made" member of the family of God. It is so inspiring to see a man to skip such great height sand embody such Christ-like humility. Michael had the heart of a servant and level of honor for my wishes and concerns as a pastor that are very rare in a guest speaker. The day Michael spoke we had our highest attendance to date at Elevation Church and the response was phenomenal. Many people gave their lives to Christ and we are still hearing great feedback about the "mafia man." I highly recommend Michael: his ministry is unique and refreshing.
Pastor Steven Furtick
Lead Pastor, Elevation Church
Michael, this year you helped ensure that 54 NBA rookies were provided with valuable information and resources that will enable them to proactively make quality decisions and successfully adapt to the lifestyle and challenges of the NBA. Thank you for your valuable contribution to Rookie transition program, and I look forward to working with you again next year.
Rory Sparrow
Senior Director, NBA Player Program
Michael Franzese is a trophy of God's grace. His testimony is riveting. He has congregation on the edge of their seats. If you haven't heard his story, you get 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
Michael's personal testimony of his own changed life leaves audiences inspired to face their own personal challenges. I would highly recommend having Michael Franzese be a part of your church service or special event.
Miles McPherson
Senior Pastor, Rock Church
This is a phenomenal book! Michael Franzese - a mobster raking in millions for the crime syndicate - seemed an unlikely candidate for God's grace. But in this captivating account you'll discover how God has radically revolutionized his life - and how He is available to transform your future as well. Lee Strobel Author of The Case for Christ and The Case for the Real Jesus 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 waiting 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 still is extraordinarily changing lives! Gene Appel , Lead Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
