Serving Others

Hope in the Midst of Suffering (Peter Scalzo – 2/22/19 – NCS New Canaan)

February 22, 2019 by NCS New Canaan 1 Comment

Peter Scalzo shares, with great vulnerability, how his 14-year cancer journey (which has included 15 surgeries, being told 6 times he has cancer, being told twice that he should make “end of life” preparations, and being told by the world’s top oncologists that he should not be alive) has been used by God as a tool of transformation and how it has been more of a spiritual and emotional trial than a physical one. Scalzo reveals that it was the reflections of a cancer widow that led him to consider the legacy he was leaving his children–she told him that her husband “didn’t leave enough of himself behind”.

After considering his legacy, Scalzo wanted to leave his six children with the two key ingredients that have allowed him to find hope in his suffering–“surrender and trust”. In explaining what “surrender” and “trust” have come to mean to him, Scalzo reveals his conclusions that we are unable to control anything other than how we respond to our circumstances and that pain is an invitation to change.

Scalzo also shares, with incredible transparency, a “dark night of the soul” experience in 2015 when he spent four days in an ICU. He tells about the depths of his depression, fear, anger and sadness and, more importantly, how God showed up to reveal 23 truths that brought back hope and continue to allow him to face extraordinary circumstances with unimaginable peace.

Now What Do I Do? (John Rowland – 2/8/18 – NCS New Canaan)

February 8, 2019 by NCS New Canaan Leave a Comment

With the humility of a man who has been broken, the authenticity and faith of a man who has been re-made, and the charm and wit of a man who was the first Connecticut governor to be elected to three terms since 1784, John Rowland shares the journey that led him to work for Prison Fellowship Ministries.

Rowland explains how life’s crises, including his two experiences with incarceration and the loss of a child to an opioid overdose, led him to consider the words of Chuck Colson, “God has to break us to re-make us.” Rowland found himself reflecting on what he had done with the hardships and what God’s purpose and plan was for him–asking, “Now what do I do?”. Rowland also shares the moment when, facing the prospect of returning to prison, he felt hopeless and how one simple sentence from his daughters made all the difference.

Finally, Rowland tells about his realization in prison that he had many blessings waiting for him when he returned home–a family, finances, friends, a home–and that many of his fellow inmates had none of these. Rowland shares about his commitment to do something about their situation and how he trusted God to steer him in the right direction after he was released. God steered him to Prison Fellowship.

Christianity Matters (David Maloof – 11/16/18 – NCS New Canaan)

November 16, 2018 by NCS New Canaan Leave a Comment

After describing the fascinating way that he came to be a part of the New Canaan Society, international transportation attorney David Maloof shares the journey that led to writing the book Christianity Matters: How Over Two Millennia the Meek and the Merciful Revolutionized Civilization — and Why It Needs to Happen Again.

While acknowledging that many injustices were committed in the name of Christianity, Maloof talks about the significant ways that the world has benefitted from the efforts of Christians living out the Beatitudes. He explains that they are things we often take for granted today, such as hospitals and the Red Cross, animal rights and the ASPCA, the YMCA, formal education for the masses, democracy, care for the poor, protection of religious freedom, the abolition of slavery, and the Civil Rights movement. He also shares why the morality and ideals of Christianity are desperately needed in the world today.

Maloof ends his talk by addressing various audience questions.

NCS New England Regional Retreat 2018 – Doug Goulding – Keepin’ It Real 2 (Intro by Paul Michalski)

November 3, 2018 by NCS New Canaan Leave a Comment

The 2018 New Canaan Society New England Regional Retreat was held November 2-3 at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, MA. The theme was “Community Changes Everything”. This is Doug Goulding’s “Keepin’ It Real” testimony shared on Saturday morning. Doug was introduced by his brudder Paul Michalski.

Humility: A Noble Disposition (John Guest – 10/5/18 – NCS New Canaan)

October 8, 2018 by NCS New Canaan Leave a Comment

With his signature wit and charm, John Guest helps us understand why the Bible tells us to clothe ourselves in humility. After briefly sharing his own faith background, Guest explains why “every man’s battle is pride” and then explores the genuine humility modeled by Jesus (as compared to the false humility we often see displayed by people). Guest, who has been married for 51 years, also shares the “humility” advice he gives to young couples about how to have a “great” marriage. He then extends this advice beyond marriage to parenting, leadership and life itself.

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