Giving Jesus a Chance: Alec Zacaroli’s Faith Journey

Alec Zacaroli, Pastor of Outward Ministries at Burke Community Church, shares his incredible journey from skepticism to surrender. Raised in a non-religious household in South Africa, Alec spent years chasing success as a journalist and later as a big firm attorney, until life’s challenges led him to cry out to God and seek something more. Then, one day, on his porch with his wife, in a moment of clarity and gratitude, Alec fully surrendered to Jesus. In this powerful episode, hear how God’s extravagant grace and love met Alec in his brokenness, and how faith stories from a prison inmate and spirit-filled moments in South Africa have influenced his life. Whether you're skeptical or seeking, his message is clear: suspend disbelief and give Jesus a chance to change your life.

Bible Verses

Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Luke 15:20 – So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John.

Check out BCC Outward Ministries and God's work all around the world: Beyond Our Walls videos

Do you want a relationship with God too?

If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus' offer – a gift, not by works – to be restored to the original design for your life, which is a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica's Engage Faith Column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Visit https://www.jessicacabrera.org/column/what-is-the-message-of-the-gospel to read "What is the Message of the Gospel?" and hear God's good news for mankind along with a sample prayer that you can pray today. 

The importance of a Biblical faith community:

All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church and anyone seeking an online church service can find one here. We are not designed to be alone; we’re designed for a community of faith. 

To stay connected: Follow the show on Instagram @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica's Engage Faith communications https://www.jessicacabrera.org/sign-up for updates and inspiration.