|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
My name is Marc Cosentino,
and this is my story
The middle of three sons, we spent our days outside playing ball and on cold rainy days, we wreaked havoc on the family home. We were each other's biggest fans, got along great and rarely argued. Our mother created a great atmosphere in which to grow up and Dad worked hard. If money was ever a problem, we did not know it. We attended church on weekends, but it was never a major part of our lives. Life was good.
While in college, I became an 'Easter and Christmas Christian'. Church had just about been eliminated as a factor in my life. Following graduation, I started a career, got married and had a son. Career and friendships grew. My son was healthy, but my marriage was not. Several years and many bad decisions later, we divorced. Life was no longer good.
I may have failed as a husband, but I wanted to succeed as a dad. A friend mentioned Orchard Hill Church and said it was a great place for kids. A short time later, I walked into what is now the Chapel at the foot of this hill, sat in the back and listened. The message Modern Day Dads seemed written just for me. Soon, I brought my son as well. After a few months, I inquired about and was invited to a home group. Not sure what to expect, I sat quietly and listened. And they let me just listen. I saw not only how they studied the Bible, but applied it to their daily lives and how they cared for each other. God had changed their lives and what they modeled began to make a difference in mine.
At that time, I married my wife Donna. She became pregnant with twins and spent weeks off of her feet allowing them to grow and strengthen. In that season, I could not walk through the church without someone telling me that they, their home group or someone else was praying for my wife and boys. When my then 7 year old son would leave KidsQuest and I asked, "What happened in church today," he would reply, "We prayed for Donna and the twins." I did not know these people who were praying for us. It was a powerful example for my son and made a lasting impact on me. Our home group also sprung into action visiting, praying, and even calling us at Magee Women's Hospital on New Year's Eve 2000 to usher in the new millennium. A few weeks later, the boys were born small, but healthy.
Although life was clearly getting better, there was still work to be done. A good friend asked that I join him and ten other men to participate in a two year Bible study. After much thought and prayer, I decided to commit to the study. Once a week for two years, we discussed our roles in the church, as businessmen, as husbands and as fathers. What we studied together and what I learned by listening to these men, has helped me better understand the man the Lord wants me to be.
Though that first home group no longer meets, we are blessed to count them as close friends and we are now part of another home group. These people have become close friends the people we socialize with, celebrate with, commiserate with, serve with and even vacation with. Most importantly, we study the Bible together and help each other deepen our relationship with Christ.
As I reflect on my journey, I truly believe that people have been continuously and strategically placed in my life to guide me along. From the initial invitation to Orchard Hill Church, to joining a home group, to participating in a men's group, to modeling the way our lives should be conducted, God has done his best work through others. To Him and them, I am forever grateful.
Today, I am happily married to my wife, Donna, and the proud father of three boys who wreak havoc on our home. I am in a second men's group, continuing to study the roles the Lord has for us with some of the same men from my first home group long ago. I am secure in the knowledge that the Lord will continue to faithfully put people in my path to direct and guide me. Once again, life is good. My name is Marc Cosentino and this is my story.
|
|
|
|
     |
 |
|
|
|
