AuthorDino Katsiametis

#7 “Big Mike” – The story of how a drug addict became the true “fisherman of men”

“Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me” Luke 7:23 

Big Mike was born Jewish and grew up with a verbally abusive father who was an alcoholic and pushed him as a child to fullfill his own dream to be an olympic swimmer. At 9 years old Mike was swimming for 4 hours a day at a junior olympic level.

By the time he was 17 Mike was using coccaine.  He became a male model and dancer which allowed him to afford his semi-hedonistic lifestyle. His addictions quickly got worse and his life was out of control.  Somehow Mike managed to get married to the love of his life, but when she got pregnant he got really scared.  The last thing he was willing to do was be an abusive father and so in a fit of rage, he admitted defeat.

The most incredible thing happened, Mike called his father.  After laughing, his father pointed Mike in the direction of AA.  Mike went to a meeting and quickly made his way to NA and God.

Now Mike is a Personal Trainer, father of 4 and has truly become a Fisherman of Men. On a typical day, Mike will attend a meeting purposefully to find someone to help.

Recommended Book:  A Purpose Driven Life – Rick Warren

For past shows and to learn more about the God’s Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org

#6 John Parodi – A dirt poor drug addict with $17.70 left to his name to now running a very successful company only made possible through Christ.

“I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.” John 1:23

John Parodi was a very successful man with all the money he ever needed.  He was a self-admitted selfish and guarded person who was about money and women and knew nothing of the Lord.  His life changed when traveling through Indonesiaand 400 people were killed in a C4 explosion at a nightclub where he and his friend were partying.  His best frien was killed and that prompted a search for something more.

He traveled to Thailand where for a time he became a budhist, but when getting back to the states, his search turned to perscription drugs.  After the stock market crash, John’s addiction got worse.  He totaled his car in 2010 went to a meeting and met Big Mike, who changed his life.

John got sober for 2 years, but in 2012 when he lost his job he started drinking again. Why? Because it was easier than turning to God.  When his bank account dwindled to $17.70 it was sink or swim time.  He came back to God and things began to get better.

Listen to this fascinating and moving story of struggle.  Hear how John overcame his pain and started his own company called “Get Mugshot”

Recommended App: Through the Word

Recommended Book: “What They Dont Teach You At Harvard Business School”

For past shows and to learn more about the God’s Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org

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#5 Steve Renteria struggled through a very violent childhood with an abusive father to ultimately be saved

“Though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff will comfort me” Psalms 23:4

Steve Renteria is the Regional Manager of Steele Insurance Agency.  Steve grew up in a very violent household with an abusive father.  Being the eldest brother, he took it upon himnself to protect his mother from his father.  After an altercation that landed his father in the hospital by Steve’s own hand and years of bad behavior, he turned his anger into athletics, but lost that outlet after college.  Steve found the Calvary Church and knew he had to work through his anger and let God into his heart.

Now Steve has a very successful career at Steele Insurance Agency and is a devoted Man of God.

Listen to Dino’s very touching interview and get inspired.

Recommended book:  Getting Anger Under Control – Neil T Anderson & Rich Miller

Be blessed, Be joyous and Be Welcome at God’s Men of Influence

For past shows and to learn more about the God’s Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org

Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page. www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence

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#4 Corbin Bennett – USC Student struggled with baseball injury and was saved at church.

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” Isaiah 40:31 

Corbin Bennett was an average teenager, obsessed with baseball and social media.  He craved attention and popularity as we all do at one time or another, but this young man rose above his self-admitted egocentric desires.  After an injury that threatened his college baseball career, Corbin was saved at his church.  He was inspired by the pastor’s words and has dedicated himself to the Glory of God.

Corbin has since become a young leader at church and is working hard to spread the word on the USC campus where he attends school.  Currently he is the President of the USC chapter of Mosaic.  He believes that it is within us all to truly be selfless and glorify God through our work, our families, our sense of charity and our words.

Listen to Dino’s inspiring conversation with this bright and heartfelt young man.

Recommended book: A Tale of 3 Kings – Gene Edwards

For past shows and to learn more about the God’s Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org

Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page. www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence

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