Lured by Life is a culmination of years of thought on a way to share the profound impact that Christ has on my life and that of the church in an uplifting, informative, and encouraging way. The church needs many avenues to teach, disciple, encourage, and provide an apologetic to its members and those interested in knowing more. I hope this site provides you more encouragement, growth, and love found in Christ.
There will be a blend of experiences that will weave through these pages as I have been blessed to have different kinds of professional education, jobs, and parental roles. In addition, I have experienced living in two cultures across two continents. Once, I thought my changing roles and diverse training were a detriment to my goals and dreams, but now I can see it as the wisdom of the Lord, who works his wonderful tapestry not only in my live, but in the life of those in the church. I was fortunate enough to attend Phoenix Seminary, a wonderful pastoral focused education, obtaining a masters in leadership. I was called to work as a special needs missionary in Romania from 2006 through early 2009 with Greater Europe Mission and as an affiliate with Joni and Friends.
Although foreign missions has always been my dream, I felt compelled to get a traditional degree in occupational therapy from Creighton University, which I did not know at the time was going to be the bulk of my life’s vocation. God’s blessing was also on this from the start. I was born premature and have cerebral palsy affecting my right side. I am called to use both my personal experience and my professional training to help those afflicted with sudden loss of function, not only on the foreign mission field, but among our neighbors. We are commanded to fulfill an essential pillar of the Christian mission, to love others and serve them. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians to use their freedom in Christ to love and serve others.
Galatians 5:13-14 “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Beyond my vocation, my wife and I have been blessed to adopt three boys. Our oldest was from a private adoption, but our final two came through foster care, and made us lifelong supporters of the foster care system. Now, we are in another life adventure as adult developmental home providers.
May you find encouragement inside these pages and posts. I hope that you feel emboldened to love and serve others, and thus fulfill the wonderful work of Christ in your life. If you have need for prayer, advice, or questions about Christ, and what he means to your life or your loved ones, feel free to contact me via the CONTACT page.
Stephen Carnazzo OTR/L, MDIV
Bible References:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (Ga 5:13–14). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.