Life-Changing Lessons From the Incredible Journey of Evangelist Francis Anfuso
He’s back!
Like a phoenix on the landscape of beloved and prominent Christian personalities, Francis Anfuso has once again emerged. At 71, he reassures us that he never faded but has repeatedly been fashioned afresh by God for different seasons and stages of God-given assignments.
Amidst today’s uncertain times and shifting sands, Anfuso is on a mission to encourage all of us to anticipate new opportunities and times of reset as we look to the future. In the four brief podcasts he did with me, I promise you’ll derive strong encouragement, hope and direction to help you no matter where you’re at in these turbulent times.
During these days of cataclysmic change and unsettledness, it’s imperative that amidst feelings of fragility we trust in God, even though we don’t understand circumstances. Confident that the best is yet to come, we’ll be blessed as we listen attentively for His guidance in the new normal that “constant change is here to stay!”
Join Anfuso on a Journey
You may recall Anfuso’s name from the Jesus Movement. He was converted out of a socialist communal living situation to serve the God his atheism had vehemently rejected.
His father had been a U.S. Congressman who appeared on the cover of The New York Times, interacted with Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson and was the first person to stand up in Congress and declare that Fidel Castro, then the commander of rebel forces in Cuba, was a communist.
When his father died prematurely, Anfuso catapulted into rebellion, drugs and Eastern religions. His immoral lifestyle with his hippie “soulmate” resulted in his advocating her two abortions before Roe v. Wade legalized the dismemberment of unborn babies in the womb.
Lean in and listen as Anfuso shares how he ministers healing from the stain of abortion’s guilt and sin. For 17 years he’s ministered monthly to teen girls to steer them away from paths of similar devastation.
Anfuso searched for purpose in life to no avail and during one tragic period, attempted suicide.
Providentially he encountered Christians in a church in California and was impacted by what he observed. He bowed his head and said, “Jesus, I don’t know if You are who that man says you are, but if you are, come into my life and do for me what You’ve done for him.”
Suddenly he felt unable to breathe and unable to lift his arms to stop being choked by a demonic spirit. He ripped off a beaded necklace used to worship the Hindu god Krishna and was able to breathe again, later discovering that he had been delivered of a demon spirit, set free to serve the living God!
Taking Action and Living Adventurously
For nearly 50 years, Anfuso has believed God has a script for his life, and he’s determined to fulfill it. He’s also passionate about serving others so they might find a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ and discover their destiny as well. He’s radically committed to helping us in the process, which he’s done wearing different kinds of hats yet remaining focused in whatever position God placed him.
—As an equipping evangelist he founded Christian Equippers International and the Glad Tidings School of Evangelism, which significantly impacted hundreds of thousands of lives. For 20 years Anfuso crisscrossed America and 10 nations, identifying evangelists and equipping multitudes in lifestyle evangelism. Remember the “Two Question Quiz,” which was just one of many creative resources he designed to help us be effective in our outreach initiatives?
How God brought closure to this career is an amazing story, as you’ll hear Anfuso share.
—Later God transitioned him to become the senior leader of the Rock of Roseville in the Sacramento, California, metro area. His work with other leaders throughout the city produced a model of relational unity and a testimony that reverberated throughout the United States. For 21 years he and his lovely wife, Suzie, shepherded the flock into a vibrant, life-transforming community.
—Recently he entrusted the oversight and care of the local church to a nucleus of mature leaders to embrace a unique calling in what might be the fourth quarter of his ongoing adventure. Anfuso, at the age of 71, along with Suzie, is now a certified health coach committed to helping people not just with their spirit and soul but with their body, which Scripture calls a “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 6:19).
In his travels, Anfuso noticed how many wonderful Christians he met died prematurely due to neglect of the body. He mentored his son-in-law back to health after he ballooned up to over 300 pounds. His friend, an influential Black bishop and chaplain of the Sacramento Kings basketball team, dropped dead at 54, overweight and out of shape. A divine reset became obvious to Anfuso and his wife so they could help others at this pivotal time.
Recognizing Defining Moments
Are you currently trying to discern the will of God concerning potential shifts in your life and ministry?
Have you been feeling God has you in a round of musical chairs with all that’s been happening in 2020 as you wonder when it’s going to stop?
Are you struggling to find peace in the midst of all today’s chaos?
Do you feel at times we seem to be living in a Disney “Neverland”—a scary freefall with seemingly little stability in sight?
Here’s the Deal: The Bible records a challenge: “And who knows if you may have attained royal position for such a time as this?” (Esth. 4:14b).
The question applies to Anfuso and you and me as we reach heavenward for answers to persistent questions at this unique time. May our brother’s journey and insights help us find fulfillment and greater peace along the way. {eoa}
