My Background: I was raised in South Philadelphia in a Roman Catholic home. As I moved into adulthood religion was central to my identity; I attended Mass daily, recited all three decades of the rosary every day, and even converted a room in my home into a personal chapel complete with an altar, kneelers, and statues.
I believed that through religious devotion and keeping the sacraments, I could earn my own salvation. I want to be clear: I am not saying that our friends who call themselves Catholic cannot be saved, but I eventually learned that the "gospel" of earning salvation through works is not the Gospel of the Bible.
Professionally, I built a career in finance and started my own financial services firm. However, greed took hold, and I began embezzling client funds—ultimately stealing approximately $2.2 million. Despite this, I still viewed myself as a "good person" and maintained my daily religious rituals, completely compartmentalizing my life.
In 1994, my wife and I purchased a home from a Christian couple. At the closing table, they shared the Gospel with us. I politely dismissed them, listing my religious activities and claiming I had religion "covered". They offered to send me a Bible, which I accepted just to end the conversation. That Bible sat on a shelf, forgotten.
My Conversion: As 1994 came to an end, I became terrified that my theft was about to be discovered. Desperate, I picked up that Bible, hoping to strike a deal with God: I would read His Word if He would magically fix my financial mess. My motives were selfish and manipulative.
Throughout 1995, as I read Scripture, my situation didn't improve, but my heart began to change. The Word of God pierced my soul, revealing my true state: I was a sinner in rebellion against a holy God. On December 18, 1995, the Lord confronted me with my sinfulness, much like He did the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 6.
That morning, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, trusting in Him alone for salvation. I immediately closed my business, confessed to my wife, and turned myself into federal authorities a few days later. I served a five-year prison sentence, losing the home, cars, and wealth I once idolized.
Tragedy and Hope: Tragedy struck again in March 2006 when my wife was diagnosed with lung cancer. Though we had attended church for years she was still a professing believer, it was during this illness that she became a true believer. Her life changed remarkably, and she became a prayer warrior for our church. When she passed away in April 2008, I buried her with eight notebooks full of prayer requests she had received. It is a comfort to know she is at home with the Lord.
My Life Today: Today, my life is no longer a ritualistic exercise. I know that Christ suffered and died as my substitute so that I would be forgiven and have everlasting life. I still face trials, but I do not face them alone. He gives me the grace to endure.
I now make my home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. I am a devoted father of three daughters and a proud grandfather of seven. I faithfully attend Gospel Movement Church, where I continue to grow in my love for Jesus and my passion for Scripture.
I stand here today as a wealthy man—not in money, but in Christ. I am a new creature, His workmanship, assured of His undeserving love.
Contact Me: If you'd like to get in touch with me, you can do so by emailing michaeltropiano@gmail.com.