On the first ever WOW! Weekend (this Saturday and Sunday), the attendees of South Bay Bible Church, East Moriches, won’t hear from their regular pastor. Instead, former mob boss Michael Franzese, who generated more money for organized crime than anyone since Al Capone, will share his decision to quit the mob and follow Jesus with the local congregation.rnFranzese was previously highlighted as number 18 on Fortune magazine’s list of “The Fifty Biggest Mafia Bosses,” just five behind John Gotti. The former “Prince of the Mafia” faced dozens of grand jury appearances, three major racketeering indictments, five criminal trials, seven years in prison, and a Mafia death sentence. After converting to Christianity, the former Mob Captain of the Colombo crime family, a faction of La Cosa Nostra, is living a free and productive life, which includes activities with a youth outreach program.rn“There’s a real fascination with gangsters in Long Island’s history. Whether it’s true or not, it seems like everyone you know claims to be related to a ‘made man’ somewhere,” said Martin Hawley, Senior Pastor of South Bay Bible Church. But a real-life gangster in church? WOW! Weekends are designed to showcase the affect God has in transforming a life, and Mr. Franzese’s story is a powerful one–putting on display what happens when you go from “Goodfella” to “God-fella.” “That’s what we’ll be talking about at South Bay this weekend,” said Hawley.rn“It’s extremely rare to meet a former mob associate that lives to tell about it. Michael’s story is living proof no one is beyond hope. God’s loves transforming people. He delights in taking people with dark, terrible pasts and completely overhauling their lives,” said Hawley.rnThis first WOW! Weekend featuring former mob boss Michael Franzese will be held rain or shine this Saturday, October 12, at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 13, at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. at South Bay Bible Church, 578 Montauk Highway, East Moriches. There’s no charge for this event, and no tickets are necessary. It’s suggested to arrive early for seats.rnAs a non-denominational Christian church, South Bay Bible Church was started in 2006 with the mission to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. The church is dedicated to creating environments where people are encouraged to pursue intimacy with God, community with insiders, and influence with outsiders. To find out more about South Bay Bible Church and their upcoming events, please visit southbaychurchli.org.rnAbout South Bay Bible Church: South Bay Bible Church is a non-denominational Christian church known for Biblical messages applicable to everyday life. The church meets at 578 Montauk Highway in East Moriches, NY. The church’s mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Our service schedule includes three convenient times: Saturday night at 5:00 and Sunday morning at 9:00 and 11:00, and online anytime. A nursery and children’s church are available. For more information, go to southbaychurchli.org, call (631) 909-8241, Facebook, or Twitter @sbbcli.rn
