“I started going to other witches, other warlocks. And it was like an everyday thing. I was told by these witches and warlocks that I was supposed to be one. That this is what I was called to do.” Richard Lorenzo thought he had finally found his purpose in life, something he’d been searching for since he was a young boy. He recalls, “What's the purpose of this life? Why, why do we live to die? That was always in my mind. And it used to torment me a lot.”

Initially, making money was Richard’s goal. What it could buy and who it could influence. Soon he was chasing the life he saw on TV and in the movies. Richard says, “Wanting to have the girls, wanting to be popular, wanting to get the car and...and see the things. And, you know, have the things that I see in music videos.”

He rarely did drugs yet started selling marijuana in high school. Richard saw it as the easiest way to make money so he could invest in legitimate companies. He recalls, “I had this drive again, to always get money in every situation, legal or illegally try to get on top, try to make it to where I could start a business or something, make the millions of dollars or whatever it was. And make it. I wanted to do something with it and not just be another one of those statistics locked up in jail or killed.”

After two years of college, Richard dropped out and joined the Navy, looking for some stability. What he found was a new market to sell marijuana. Before long he was buying weed in bulk and shipping it across the country. He says, “So, in my mind, I thought success or money, or, you know, having the financial, like freedom would bring that fulfillment.”

Then, in 2018, a drug package worth $20,000 went missing. Although it was a small fraction of what he was making, Richard flew into a rage. He recalls, “For some reason, I wouldn't let go of it. I felt rejected. Like how I used to feel when I was younger. When I had a friend that stole from me or when I was bullied. Like, it was that feeling of rejection that fueled that drive to figure it out.” Seeing Richard’s obsession with finding the thief, his girlfriend, Carline, suggested they visit her uncle, a Haitian voodoo priest.

After Richard’s discharge from the Navy in early 2019, the two flew to Haiti to meet the priest. He recalls, “When I met the guy, I felt it, you could feel like a presence. It felt eerie. You just, you could feel like it was, it was off. He had to drink alcohol and do a whole ritual dance and all that stuff to summon an ancestral spirit. And then the spirit will possess him and begin to speak. And then, the spirit started speaking about my past and the spirit only spoke in Creole. So, then the girl I was with had to translate. And then she would tell me things like, he said this, he said this. And it was some spot-on stuff about my past.”

Richard never got an answer about the missing drugs, but his curiosity was piqued. So, when he returned home to California, Richard dove into witchcraft and forgot all about his missing drugs. He says, “I would see different rituals they would do. It was weird. I felt uncomfortable. It didn't feel comfortable at all. It was exciting and it was, again, it was like a satisfaction to the flesh. I thought that this was the purpose to life. I thought that this might be my calling. This is what God wants me to do, you know, whoever God was.”

A couple months later Carline got pregnant and the two moved to Florida to be closer to family. That’s when Richard noticed something odd: Christians started showing up in his life. He says, “I met a barber, his name is Paul. I was telling him...him about my, the voodoo I was doing. He was like, 'I don't do that. I'm a Christian.' He stood firm on the gospel. He didn't waiver.” Richard also met another man who invited him to church. After several weeks, Richard finally relented and went. He recalls, “And as I was walking in the church. I felt an overwhelming feeling of peace. The atmosphere was light, which is the complete opposite of how it was in those witchcraft stores. I looked to the stage, they were practicing for worship. And I see my barber on the stage, it was like, this is too coincidental. I started feeling like, this might be real, this might be real. When they opened up for service, they started playing “Reckless Love,” how he leaves the 99 for...for the one. That was the first time I felt the presence of God. I began to cry, to weep. The pastors laid hands on me, prayed for me at that service. And I still didn't believe.”

Despite his doubts, Richard bought a Bible and started reading it in search of that peace he had felt. Then, a month later, alone in his apartment, something clicked. He says, “I put down the Bible and it was this real realization that hit me in my mind. I just was like, it’s Jesus. It has to be. And then it, like, it hit my mind and my heart, like, I felt like this faith, I felt faith, belief. I was like God, Jesus, He really is the answer. He’s the way. I fell to the ground crying profusely and I just felt like everything shifted. Everything shifted. I just knew that it was Jesus Christ. When I encountered that light, that love, that peace, everything shifted, like the desires of my heart literally changed.”

Richard threw away all his witchcraft paraphernalia and surrendered his life to God. He started going to church and sharing his testimony with everyone around him, including Carline. He recalls, “She broke down crying, gave her life to Christ too. And then eventually we both got baptized together. And we went and we got married at the courthouse alone on her lunch break.”

Today Richard is a pastor and street evangelist who wants everyone to find their purpose in a loving relationship with God. He says, “The whole meaning to life is to love and serve because we're here temporarily. Nothing that we attain in this world. Traveling, women, cars, clothes, success means anything because we're gonna all die and we can't take it with us. Don't get caught up in culture and the world and, and the things that don't matter. Really embrace that question. What's the purpose of life? And it'll lead you to start seeking and you will find that is Christ.”

Discover more about Richard Lorenzo and his ministry by visiting his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@RichardLorenzoJr-RROC

22-year-old, Josephat, regularly visits the children at Our Home Child Care Center, a ministry supported by Orphan’s Promise. This is a safe harbor for orphans and vulnerable children to grow up in and thrive. Before Josephat graduated, this was his home too.

Josephat said, “Our Home has been my family. Myself and the children are like brothers and sisters, because we know each other's stories. They know me more than any other person knows me. I love them so much.” 

Before he called this home, Josephat’s life was filled with instability.

Josephat explained, “So, my grandfather had eleven children. I was the first grandson. After I was born, I think my mom just left. I don't know what happened. So, my grandfather took me as his son. You get to that point where you become lonely and hopeless, because I don’t have any memories of my biological father. So, I'm the one who used to take care of the cows and the goats. So, during the day, you have to be in the fields all day. So, there's no time for coming back to take lunch or maybe to get some water. You have to go to the forest, and there are all types of trees and thorns and bushes. It was very tough. I really wouldn't want anyone to go through such a life.”

Education was never a priority. “I didn't go to school every day,” said Josephat. “Most of the time, I'm taking care of my grandfather's cattle. I loved school. So, whenever I wouldn't go to school, I was like, ‘I wish I was in school with my friends.’”

When Josephat was nine, post-election violence broke out where he lived. Surrounded by violence and destruction, it was no longer safe for him to stay with his grandfather. He went to live in Nairobi with his aunt, but she eventually left him at an orphanage. 

Josephat explained, “What my aunt told me is, ‘I'm taking you to boarding school,’ only to realize later it was actually a children's home. This is not a school. She lied to me. Adjusting then was very hard, because I've never been called an orphan.”

The orphanage was run by a corrupt group of people who pocketed donated money instead of providing for the children, so he still didn’t go to school regularly. This went on for years. Then, one day, God intervened, allowing Our Home to step in and take over. For the first time, Josephat was able to go to school consistently and have a safe, loving home where he could thrive.

“My life changed now completely. You have provided for my education, for my food, for everything that I needed when I needed it,” said Josephat as he walked around the orphanage. “This used to be my bed, this is where I used to sleep. And my very first impression when I came to this house, I had never lived in such a house, such a beautiful room, never seen a duvet before then. This was my dream bed, my dream room as a child.”

During this time, Josephat learned about God. Josephat said, “My turning point in life came when I gave my life to Jesus. That's when I experienced the love of God for the first time, like the true love of God, and a lot of joy. The main attribute I will give to God is He's my real father. He's always been there for me.”

With the help of Orphan’s Promise, Josephat recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Now he’s working at a startup as a project manager.  

“Orphan’s Promise gave me the opportunity to dream big. I'm so grateful to God,” said Josephat. “Since I moved out, I actually make sure that I see the children every week. I share a lot of my experiences with them. So, they have that confidence that they can come to me, and I do my best to encourage them. And I believe God is the one who has given me that capacity to be a safe harbor for someone. I really treasure them so much. To every Orphan’s Promise donor, ‘I'm so thankful, because you've given me a family. You’ve also given me a home for so many years. May God really, really bless you and increase you. And the love that you’ve been sending, I’m so thankful for that.’”

Rockville, VA

Mike and Martha Bryan have always enjoyed helping people. Both grew up in the church where they learned about tithing yet for most of their lives, it was more of an obligation than a joy.

Mike recalls, “I was giving because I felt that you were supposed to do this. It wasn't really very heartful. And there was quite a number of years there where I was fearful to really give as much as, you know, I knew inside myself that I should.” When they got married the couple had a change of heart about giving.

They wanted more of their money to help people in need, so they started giving to CBN’s Operation Blessing. Mike says, “We wanted our money to be going out into the world and helping people that really need help.

Of course, we would like to be out in the field ourselves, but our money sent to Operation Blessing accomplishes much more than we ever could.” Martha agrees, “It is a great feeling to know that we have had an impact.

Even though we're physically not able to be there, we certainly know that that we've given resources to help those out there.”

Mike and Martha are self-employed home inspectors and Martha also does their accounting books. She’s seen firsthand how God has provided for their business over the years.

She says, “It hadn't been easy for me sometimes. When I look out a week and see it a little lean, I start thinking, ‘Should we give this much?’ However, just as soon as I look at that lean calendar, God opens the doors and the phone starts ringing off the wall.”

Their business has grown since their change of heart and the couple has increased their giving along the way.

Martha says, “Since we have started giving more to CBN we've seen so many blessings. Business has grown probably at least 150%.”

And Mike thinks, “It seems like the more we give, the more we've been blessed.”

They also love making CBN a part of their daily lives. Martha likes to start her day with devotions on CBN’s Family app.

She says, “It's very calming and it sets the tone for the day.” While Mike says, “I like being able to turn on The 700 Club and get Pat Robertson's and a Christian view of what's going on in the world and the nation and know that I can trust what I'm hearing.”

Mike and Martha say that trust has been key. As they have been faithful and made giving their top priority, they have seen God move on their behalf, even through turbulent times, like the pandemic.

Martha says, “There's some home inspectors out there that are struggling. We haven't skipped a beat. COVID did not impact our business. It's probably increased. It's God.”

They encourage others to take that step of faith to start giving from the heart and see how God will use it.

Martha encourages people, “Give, give something. And just see what God will do with that one gift.”

Mike says, “I fell in that category of being reluctant and really not trusting in God for probably two-thirds of my life. Life changed when I started giving. I would say, you know, take the step, you just got to take the leap and you won't regret it.”  

WHO ARE THE PASTORS’ WIVES?

To understand their passion, podcast, book, mission, and goals, it’s helpful to know a little more about the three, remarkable millennials. Here are some quick facts about Jessica, Stephanie and Jenna:

•    Have matching tattoos.
•    Occasionally do “Instagram” and TikTok dance parties.
•    Take road trips, eat junk food, and laugh a lot.
•    Would like an occasional Sunday off.
•    Their children can change from cherubs to monsters, creating abject pandemonium.
•    They are from different denominations, and all three have suffered at least one, deep “church hurt.”

Their deep friendship was forged and as much as they cherish their unique friendship, they say ministry and mission will always be their top priority. Their mission is to encourage every pastors’ wife to take off her mask and be her authentic self. They want to dispel stereotypes and myths and help pastors' wives live in their "glass" houses that are sometimes messy and chaotic.

These remarkable women desire to see pastors' wives and women in general, walk with confidence in their gifts and callings. Their broader mission is to educate church members about the needs of their pastors’ wife; her struggles, her stresses, her loneliness, and her sorrows and joys. They see a church under construction without spot or blemish as we become authentic communities of loving, compassionate believers, a place where people find peace, comfort, and salvation in Jesus Christ.  

THE PODCAST: THEY BUILT IT, THEY CAME.

Despite hard evidence that pastors’ wives needed help, the wise trio had “a gut feeling that there was a great need among pastors’ wives and ministry staff.” Wanting to address those needs, they launched a podcast called, “Pastors’ Wives Tell All.” The podcast took off immediately and their social media presence grew quickly. Before long, they had thousands of followers on all platforms. They concluded their "gut feeling" about the need and their ability to help was from God. Individually, but with complete synergy, they have different goals for the podcast that align with their giftings. The Pastors' Wives want to help pastors' wives and women recognize their great worth in Christ and use their gifts to further the Great Commission.

Jessica is the founder of two nonprofit groups that help the people of Rwanda. Jenna wants to use her internet skills and business expertise to communicate clear messages of truth. Stephanie has made it her mission to find and communicate joy amid “the junk of everyday life.” Their most popular podcasts are “Tattoos and Nose Rings, When Church Hurts,” forging authentic friendships, and how to confront other believers or even the pastor (gasp) in love.

Their new book, Pastors' Wives Tell All, includes similar topics and complex new problems these knowledgeable “Pastors’ Wives” have already experienced. They can offer their experience and ideas for solutions and address the questions about a pastors’ wife’s appearance and presence. They say, “toss the prim and proper” unless it’s genuinely you. "Get a tattoo if you want if it is genuinely you.” They add a cautionary note; “Check your motives and ask yourself if your attire is to draw attention to yourself and your appearance, or to shock or disturb other church members? Make sure it’s just an expression of who you are with moderation your goal.”

PASTORS’ WIVES CAN HAVE FRIENDS

A common misconception in the church is that pastors' wives cannot develop close friendships in the church. The "Pastors' Wives” say this is not true. They encourage building relationships in the church because strong relationships build a stronger community. A pastor's wife should look for several people to form deep, intimate friendships. The wrong “friend” can wreak havoc in the church. “Use discernment. The person might be captivating, but are they petty, judgmental, or gossipy? Find out if they are trustworthy and mature. Don’t rule out people who are younger or older, or who come from different backgrounds or cultures. Also, choose friends who might become part of a broader, less intimate circle. The church needs healthy friendships to form healthier communities.”

MORE ADVICE AND “CLOSING THE BOOK.”

The book’s target audience is pastors’ wives, yet everyone in the church, from the ministerial staff to members of the congregation could profit from reading it. “The goal of the church is to create a healthy, vibrant place to meet that is loving and authentic; where people can meet Jesus Christ and receive salvation. Leaders and church members are working toward a common goal. We all want healthy churches that draw unbelievers.” 

They caution church members not to place anyone on a pedestal, especially the pastor and his wife. “We are just people who make mistakes too. We need to learn to confront, make amends, and ask for forgiveness and forgive others.” They add, "If you do want to affirm us, praise our honesty, authenticity, or uniqueness.”

A few closing words specifically to pastor’s wives: “Don’t stop serving. Don’t stop caring and loving. Don’t stop doing the work God called you to do. Don’t overserve. Don’t take on more than God is asking you to do. Don’t let the expectations of others drive you. Make time for rest and fun with your family or you will burn out or break down. Be free to laugh, dance, worship, and forgive. Be free to enjoy life and, if you want, even get a tattoo."

Discover everything you need to know about The Pastors' Wives at their website: www.PastorsWivesTellAll.com.