Apostle Pierre Bennett says the first way to find the blessings God has for you is to pray. But engaging in prayer isn’t enough. You have to be able to change the atmosphere by your prayer, Apostle Pierre Bennett explains, and that can be complicated. That is the part that many believers never get.

God says we should pray fervently, Apostle Pierre Bennett tells his congregation, explaining that fervent prayer means praying with passion and fire. But fervent prayer should come from a righteous man, Apostle Pierre Bennett adds, quoting from James 5:16, “the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

What is a righteous man? According to Apostle Pierre Bennett, in order to become a righteous man, you must first walk with God. If you are walking with God, Apostle Pierre Bennett says, you will have the power you need for fervent prayer. Through your prayer, you can change what you need – and get the abundance you so desire.

God sends us battles to make us stronger, Apostle Pierre Bennett reminds us. We may have a series of battles with some periods of rest in between, but sometimes the same tribulation will continue for a long time. We may wonder why God keeps making us go through the same thing, if we’ve already learned what we were supposed to learn from it–or so we think. But Apostle Pierre Bennett believes that God sends us these trials to help strengthen our faith. This will take us where we need to go in our faith, affirms Apostle Pierre Bennett.

If you keep having the same battle over and over, God may be planning to use you to teach what you’ve learned from that battle to someone else, Apostle Pierre Bennett says. Once you’ve reached the point where you can minister to others, God will bless you so that you can be a distribution center for His kingdom, according to Apostle Pierre Bennett.

The ironic thing is, says Apostle Pierre Bennett, when you finally receive the abundance you were searching for you’ll find you had everything you needed all along. Apostle Pierre Bennett says so often we find that what really matters was there with us throughout our journey. In helping us find the abundance we thought we wanted, Apostle Pierre Bennett says God shows us that He wanted to move us along in the path of righteousness so that we could be a messenger for His kingdom.

Apostle Pierre Bennett asks, How do I walk in the fullness of power?  First you must be able to pray and change the atmosphere in your pray.  God says the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  Fervent means passionate; Righteous means in right standing with God. Then you must tap into the power of God, which comes by asking Him for more prayer power.

First you have to walk with God.  When you walk with God you have the abundance package.  You have that abundance package because you walk with God and He gives you the absolute power by faith to pray fervently to change the atmosphere continuously, states Apostle Pierre Bennett.

For more information about God’s Luv International Ministries Church, call 703-395-1430.

Dr. Pierre Bennett believes the spirit of God is progressive. As an example, Dr. Pierre Bennett recalls the story of Elisha, who was supposed to do 66 miracles. Unfortunately, Elisha only worked 65 miracles before he died.

Elisha was a prophet who became the attendant disciple of Elijah. As Dr. Pierre Bennett explains, Elijah died, leaving Elisha as his successor who was well-respected in Israel. According to Dr. Pierre Bennett, Elijah had been given 33 miracles to perform. Because Elisha asked for a double portion, he was given 66 miracles, Dr. Pierre Bennett states. Because God is progressive, He always takes it to the next level.

When Elijah died he had only performed 65 miracles,. But God always gets the glory, Dr. Pierre Bennett reminds us, and everything is within God’s plan. That is why it is so important that we’re always open and honest with Him, Dr. Pierre Bennett explains.

They buried Elisha in a tomb, according to Dr. Pierre Bennett. But later, as they were about to bury another man, they spied approaching troops. Panicking, they quickly put the man in Elisha’s tomb in order to hide the body. The plan, Dr. Pierre Bennett says, was to come back and remove him once the enemy army had departed, but the body they were burying touched Elisha’s skeletal remains. That was when something amazing happened and God worked the 66^th miracle for Elisha.

As Dr. Pierre Bennett recites, the man they were burying suddenly came to life. After touching Elisha, the man of 65 miracles, a dead man came back to life and stood up.

So while Elisha didn’t quite make it to 66 miracles while he was alive, Dr. Pierre Bennett points out that a 66^th miracle happened after his death. According to Dr. Pierre Bennett, while Elisha may have died, the spirit of God was still alive. That 66^th miracle was the work of God, who will always have his way. He will work miracles.

Dr. Pierre Bennett can be contacted through God’s Luv International Ministries Church at 703-395-1430.

God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that we might find salvation, Pastor Pierre Bennett tells his congregation. Even in the days before we found God, He was so in love with us that He gave his Son to save us. At the time, man was not on the same side as God—in fact, because of our sinful state we were His enemies, yet He still loved us, Pastor Pierre Bennett says. God wanted to give us eternal life, to rescue us.

Pastor Pierre Bennett asks one important question of his congregation. Would you give up your only child to rescue your twin sister or your mother? Maybe for some. But, as Pastor Pierre Bennett points out, most people wouldn’t do that for a perfect stranger, let alone someone who had been mean to them. Pastor Pierre Bennett poses the question, would you sacrifice your only child to save someone who had used profanity toward you or your ex? What would you do about your sworn enemy, Pastor Pierre Bennett continues.

Most of us would say no, but Pastor Pierre Bennett points out that is only because your love isn’t perfected yet. Once your love is perfected, Pastor Pierre Bennett says you would be able to love even your worst enemy. As the Word states, love is power. According to Pastor Pierre Bennett, your thinking is temporal, as are your feelings. When you operate from the power of love, Pastor Pierre Bennett says, you walk in the power of Christ, with spiritual thinking, bringing an all-new meaning to being so in love.

Pastor Pierre Bennett quotes Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We are strengthened through the power of God’s love, which is proof that He is awesome!

In the summer hiking trails beckon, but there are other activities as well, reports Inga Freise Stahle. For instance, at the Place du Rendez-Vous in Villars there is an equestrian meet, while Morgins offers such disparate activities as grass karting and a hang-gliding school. Meanwhile, summers in Champery offer spectacular white river rafting, Inga Freise Stahle adds.

Of course, the main thing that makes these three towns such jewels of the Alps is the superb skiing, affirms Inga Freise Stahle. However, Stahle cautions, if you are new to skiing, be sure to avoid the “Swiss Wall.” It’s a very steep –not pisted – mogul run. Beginners and medium skill skiers should take the lift down, Inga Freise Stahle suggests.

Another helpful thing to know about Villars, Morgins and Champery, says Inga Freise Stahle, is that the lines aren’t long on the ski runs. Meanwhile the villages themselves are charming hamlets that boast of many restaurants serving delicious fare, Inga Freise Stahle states. Swiss chalets dot the mountain, and many are available to rent. “In fact, last year we rented one with an indoor pool,” Inga Freise Stahle reminisces. Different chalets offer different amenities, but most of them do welcome children and offer DVD players to wind down after a long afternoon on the slopes, Inga Freise Stahle notes.

Inga Freise Stahle has one more piece of wisdom to offer skiers heading to the Alps. “Whatever you do, don’t eat cheese fondue for lunch and then ski!” She laughs. “Your stomach will be too heavy when you maneuver down the mountain.”

About Inga Freise Stahle

Inga Freise Stahle speaks five languages, with fluency in French, German, English and Swedish. It’s a talent that has proven to be valuable for Inga Freise Stahle, vocationally speaking. As administrative assistant to the director at Haut-Lac International School, Inga Freise Stahle is often appointed to greet new students and their parents, a responsibility that requires the ability to communicate in a variety of languages.

Born in Lausanne, Switzerland, Inga Freise Stahle has also lived in Sweden, Portugal, and Russia.

A graduate of Pully High School, Inga Freise Stahle currently lives in Switzerland with her two children, Petter and Emilie. Her hobbies include skiing, swimming, tennis, and travel.

Israel may seem like a long way from Pittsburgh, but Joe Zanotti’s work can take him all over the world. During a side trip to Jerusalem, Joe Zanotti was awed by the Old City. The walls surrounding the Walled City are more than 5,000 years old, Joe Zanotti says, and there are several large gates for entry. “This is where Jesus walked the Stations of the Cross, and you can walk the same path today,” Joe Zanotti relates. “King David’s castle is here, as are Roman temples and many other churches and shrines.”

According to Joe Zanotti, more than 37,000 people live in the Old City.  Pittsburgh native Joe Zanotti estimates the streets to be 10-12 feet wide, at best, with people living above the multitude of small shops and street vendors. People live in loosely defined densely populated areas defined as quarters, Joe Zanotti says, defined as Jewish, Armenian, Arab, and Catholic Quarters. Joe Zanotti is still unsure how anyone knows where the lines are between each quarter!

It was on a late Friday afternoon that Pittsburgh resident Joe Zanotti witnessed one of the most amazing sights.  As it was nearing Friday’s sundown, the beginning of Shabbat in Israel, Joe Zanotti was standing on a plaza overlooking the Wailing Wall. He began to notice thousands of Jewish people, Children, parents, grandparents all walking toward the Wailing Wall plaza, all holding hands and singing as they walked.  The progression ended at the Wailing Wall plaza, where everyone began dancing in circles and singing. As Joe Zanotti watched, even the soldiers put down their guns and began dancing and singing along with the crowd.

Looking beyond the plaza, Joe Zanotti could see the Dome of the Rock and the Mount of Olives.  The sky was blue and darkening with the moon rising. To the right was the minaret of the Muslim Mosque. Suddenly, Joe Zanotti heard the Muslim cleric calling the Muslims to prayer and the sound echoed in the valley. In front of him were many Jewish people in celebration. Joe Zanotti felt a chill run down his spine. “These people have been doing this same thing for thousands of years and will continue doing it for thousands more,” Pittsburgh resident Joe Zanotti muses. “I realized that this is where it “all” happened. This is perhaps truly the center of the world.”

About Joe Zanotti

For Joe Zanotti, family heritage has always been important. Growing up in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Joe Zanotti was always aware of his Italian and Slovak heritage enjoying the culture, foods and curtoms. In fact, he spent many weekends and long summer weeks at his grandparents’ house in the nearby mill town of Braeburn.

Joe Zanotti has lived in Pennsylvania most of his life, mostly near Pittsburgh. After graduating from Burrell Senior High School, Joe Zanotti attended the Pennsylvania State University, where he majored in civil engineering. During college, he was an invited member of both the Chi Epsilon Honorary Society and Tau Beta Pi Honorary Society, both national engineering societies for honors students. Joe Zanotti attended graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied structural engineering.

An experienced structural engineer with more than 31 years in the field, Joe Zanotti often travels throughout the USA and overseas for work. Joe Zanotti is currently employed by Camp, Dresser, & McKee, Inc., a worldwide engineering firm based in Pittsburgh. Joe Zanotti’s work often stations him in many Asian countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and in Middle-East countries such as Israel.  He considers working overseas, such as when he helped rebuild a Catholic church in tsunami-damaged Banda Aceh, Indonesia, an experience that has been life changing.

Born in 1958, Joe Zanotti currently resides in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, where he has lived since 1988. Joe Zanotti is registered as a professional engineer in eleven states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Indiana, and the District of Columbia. He is single, with no children, has a brother, sister, nieces and a nephew and both of his parents are still alive.

There are few things, says Anatesha Dunn, that bring a family together as well as a good meal. Food is a universal language that opens up many mealtime conversations. Anatesha Dunn cooks for her family and friends with all the love of a master chef and here, she shares a favorite recipe and a few tips on Italian cuisine.

It’s important, states Anatesha Dunn, that a kitchen is well stocked for Italian cooking. A variety of spices including fresh oregano and basil, kosher salt and peppercorn grinders are essential. Anatesha Dunn also suggests a high quality extra virgin olive oil, and a diverse range of pasta and cheeses. It’s a good idea, notes Anatesha Dunn, to keep sweet peppers, fresh Roma tomatoes, and onions handy.

Chicken Cacciatore

A simple and hearty one pot Italian meal, says Anatesha Dunn, is chicken Cacciatore. Cacciatore is an old fashioned “hunt and gather” meal. Anatesha Dunn notes that it is one of the most easily customizable dishes available. For a basic recipe Anatesha Dunn suggest:

• Tomatoes
• Sautéed onions
• Shredded chicken
• Sweet peppers
• Mushrooms
• Red wine
• Choice of al dente pasta

Anatesha Dunn recommends cooking the chicken and vegetables in the same pot, simmering all ingredients together on low for an hour or so, and adding some red wine and fresh spices for flavor near the end. Salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy what Anatesha Dunn calls the perfect “no fuss” dinner. Serve in a large bowl over pasta al dente tossed with olive oil, says Anatesha Dunn.

Families looking to dine out may benefit from a crash course in Italian food terms, cites Anatesha Dunn.  Italian a Romance languages, derived from Latin, so many people are already unknowingly familiar with some words. Here are a few that will make ordering much easier:

• Bistecca – Steak
• Bistecca di Vitello – Veal steak
• Formaggio duro – Hard cheese
• Biscotti – Biscuits
• Al Denta – Firm cooked pasta

Anatesha Dunn suggests that Italian food’s universal appeal is due to its origins using seasonally available, fresh vegetables. Using what God has provided naturally, says Anatesha Dunn, always makes for a better dining experience than canned or heavily processed foods, and she also points out that it better nourishes our bodies.

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About Anatesha Dunn

Anatesha Dunn believes in Joyce Meyer’s positive, uplifting messages. A fan of Meyer’s book, Battlefield of the Mind, Anatesha Dunn takes spiritual guidance from Meyer’s advice to gain control over one’s own mind and refuse to let negative thoughts intrude. It is an attitude that has served Anatesha Dunn throughout her life.

Anatesha Dunn has worked most recently for Financial Freedom in Longwood, Florida. At Financial Freedom, Anatesha Dunn assisted with taking inquiries from potential clients looking for financial advice. During her time assisting customers with their financial needs, Anatesha Dunn no doubt relied heavily on Meyer’s advice on dealing with different temperaments.

“Learn different personalities and how to live with them,” Anatesha Dunn paraphrases from Meyer’s advice. “Once you know what triggers a certain personality, you can learn how to move through certain situations to get the end results you’re looking for.”

A devout Christian, Anatesha Dunn also follows the wisdom of Bishop T.D. Jakes. Once the subject of a Time Magazine cover story titled, Is This Man the Next Billy Graham?, T.D. Jakes is highly respected among Christians, thanks to his positive, uplifting messages. Anatesha Dunn especially appreciates Jakes’ take on change.

“Jakes accepts the inevitability of change, teaching how to embrace and accept it rather than fear it,” Anatesha Dunn says. “Mixing both sacred and secular insights, he shares a unique mix of practical and pragmatic steps, coupled with the sage wisdom of scripture for which he is noted.”

Anatesha Dunn believes in giving back, having headed up and assisted with fundraisers as well as participating in volunteer work over the years. She is certified in both CPR and First Aid and, in the course of her career, Anatesha Dunn has often been trusted with matters that are confidential and of a sensitive nature.

Anatesha Dunn currently lives on the East Coast, where she is actively involved with her church. She believes in Meyer’s advice to arm yourself with God every day.

“Begin your day with prayer to get your day started,” is the advice Anatesha Dunn takes from Joyce Meyer. “End your day with prayer and reflection of what you did that day.”

Anatesha Dunn believes in following Meyer’s Battlefield of the Mind in positive thinking as well. Using the power of positive thinking, Anatesha Dunn finds specific ways to impact every aspect of her life. Anatesha Dunn has learned to count her blessings, thanks to a couple of great role models.

Anatesha Dunn also believes in balance. Anatesha Dunn tries to approach every day with a cool, calm, level and objective mind.

“Life is an experience of both good and bad,” Anatesha Dunn says, taking from Meyer’s advice. “In order to really enjoy life, try to find the positive in everything.”

Question: Nancy Alcorn, what kind of eating disorders have you encountered with the young women in your care?

Nancy Alcorn: I have seen anything from anorexia nervosa and bulimia to binge-eating disorder. It really varies from woman to woman.

Question: How do you define the different types of eating disorders?

Nancy Alcorn: Anorexia nervosa is identified by a severely distorted perception of one’s physical appearance.  This mind-set leads to actions, including self-starvation and excessive exercise rooted in an intense fear of gaining weight.  Bulimia is compulsive overeating leading to self-induced vomiting.  The abuse of laxatives and diuretics is common in an attempt to purge the body of food.  Binge-Eating Disorder is consuming large quantities of food in an uncontrolled manner.

Question: So you’re saying overeating can be considered an eating disorder?  Everyone at one time or another overeats.

Nancy Alcorn: True, but when someone overeats to manage unpleasant emotions like stress, depression, or anxiety it can become a real problem.  When overeating occurs, many times it is to fulfill an unspoken need.

Question: You mentioned an unspoken need.  What kind of unspoken need?

Nancy Alcorn: All eating disorders are used to express emotions through unhealthy behaviors.  As you understand the connection between your outside behaviors and how you feel inside, you can begin to get to the root of the eating disorder.  And I have learned that no matter what the problem, Jesus is the answer.   That is why I believe God called me, Nancy Alcorn, to start Mercy Ministries; so that hurting young women would know that they can be free from life-controlling issues like eating disorders.

Question: How many girls and women actually have these various eating disorders?

Nancy Alcorn: Up to ten million teens and young women develop eating disorders and abnormal attitudes towards food.

Question: Are these eating disorders truly dangerous?

Nancy Alcorn: Regardless of the specific eating disorder, severe and sometimes permanent damage can result, even leading to death.  For young women between the ages of 15-24, the mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is more than 12 times the death rate of all other causes of death.

Question: With an eating disorder as severe as Anorexia Nervosa, how do Nancy Alcorn and the staff go about treating the residents of Mercy Ministries?

Nancy Alcorn: I believe a holistic approach is necessary. We try to address the physical, emotional, behavioral and spiritual needs of each girl. This is done through Biblical counseling, nutrition education, fitness instruction, life-skills training, and educational opportunities.

Question: What is the success rate that you have seen with residents of Mercy Ministries?

Nancy Alcorn: In a recent survey of former Mercy Ministries of America residents, 93% of respondents said Mercy Ministries “transformed their lives and restored their hope.”

Question: That’s quite a successful track record for Nancy Alcorn.

Nancy Alcorn: Yes, especially in comparison to other secular programs and treatment centers.  But it isn’t Nancy Alcorn’s success; it is the unconditional love of God that brings true healing and transformation.  Nancy Alcorn just responded in obedience to God’s calling.

Question: Where can girls with eating disorders find out more information?

Nancy Alcorn: They can visit our website at www.mercyministries.com. Or they can go to the site’s online web store where my book Starved, part of the “Mercy For” series, is available to purchase as well as other Nancy Alcorn writings.

Nancy Alcorn found her calling in 1983 when she started an organization whose sole purpose was to change lives. Nancy Alcorn saw a need and founded Mercy Ministries of America. Nancy Alcorn felt that God had prepared a path for her as she spent 8 years working for the state of Tennessee at a correctional facility for juvenile delinquent girls and investigating child abuse cases. Though Nancy Alcorn saw many girls pass through the system and end up in prison, Nancy Alcorn felt these girls never got the real help they needed. Native Tennessean Nancy Alcorn also worked as Director of Women for the Nashville Teen Challenge Program. Through these experiences, Nancy Alcorn realized that a real transformation could occur only through Jesus. As Founder and President of Mercy Ministries, Nancy Alcorn has seen this ministry grow to include several international locations. To contact Nancy Alcorn or Mercy Ministries, visit http://www.mercyministries.com

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About Nancy Alcorn

During her five years working for the state of Tennessee, at a correctional facility for juvenile delinquent girls, Nancy Alcorn developed a passion to impact the lives of hurting young women.  Time and time again, Nancy Alcorn watched as the young women she worked with at the juvenile facility passed the age of eighteen and ended up in the women’s prison system because they never got the real help they needed.

During the next three years, as Nancy Alcorn investigated child abuse cases for the state of Tennessee, she saw firsthand why so many of these young women were angry and hurting.  Working with juvenile delinquent girls and investigating alleged cases of child abuse gave Nancy Alcorn the opportunity to interact directly with secular rehabilitation programs and the girls impacted by those programs. It was during this time that Nancy Alcorn realized that these programs were not producing permanent results that exemplified changed lives.

Following her tenure with the state, Nancy Alcorn accepted an appointment as Director of Women for the Nashville Teen Challenge.  Through all of these experiences, Nancy Alcorn began to realize that true transformation would never come as the result of any government system.  Nancy Alcorn understood that only Jesus could bring restoration into the lives of girls who were desperately hurting and searching for something to fill the void they felt in their hearts.

Nancy Alcorn began to sense that God was unfolding a plan prompting her to step out in faith.  God called Nancy Alcorn to help hurting young women find freedom and have their lives transformed.  With her experience to assist her and God to guide her, Nancy Alcorn would prayerfully make a giant step of faith to help hurting young women.

In January of 1983, Nancy Alcorn relocated to Monroe, Louisiana and established Mercy Ministries of America.  Nancy Alcorn was determined that the Mercy Ministries program would bring about true-life change in the lives of young women.  With that in mind, Nancy Alcorn knew there were three guiding principles to which she must always remain faithful.  First, Nancy Alcorn committed that Mercy Ministries would accept girls free of charge.  Second, Nancy Alcorn committed that Mercy Ministries would donate ten percent of all donations to other organizations and ministries.  Third, Nancy Alcorn made the decision that Mercy Ministries would never accept any state or federal funding.  In no way did Nancy Alcorn want any money that might interfere with the freedom to share Christ.

Since 1983, Mercy Ministries, under the leadership of Nancy Alcorn, has seen exponential growth and impact.  Establishing locations in Louisiana, Tennessee, Missouri and California, Nancy Alcorn has seen her God-sized dream impact numerous women ages 13 to 28.  Nancy Alcorn has seen Mercy Ministries grow beyond the borders of the United States with home in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada.

Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries help young women seeking freedom from physical and sexual abuse (including sex trafficking), eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addiction, depression and unplanned pregnancy.  Mercy Ministries, with Nancy Alcorn serving as Founder and President, assists young women through a non-conventional approach to healing that allows them to stop and break destructive cycles of behavior.  Nancy Alcorn continues her commitment to helping young women recognize their self-worth and reach their full potential.

For more information about the services offered by Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries, visit the Mercy website online at http://www.mercyministries.com.

Colts Neck’s Mario Romano points to a recent program on television that diagrammed the science behind dangerous hits in football. The impact between two players, Mario Romano of Colts Neck notes, is similar to that of two cars meeting head on. Just as the speed of the two colliding vehicles is added to demonstrate their speed of impact, the speed of two Colts Neck players can be added, Mario Romano suggests. “The trouble comes in when you have two extremely fast, large men running at one another, head first,” Colts Neck’s Mario Romano explains. The fastest players in the National Football League, according to Mario Romano of Colts Neck, can run at speeds approaching 20mph and weigh in at over 200 pounds. As the two bodies collide, Mario Romano of Colts Neck says the impact is similar to each player running 40mph into a brick wall.

Scaling this type of violent hit back to high school or even junior high players in Colts Neck, Mario Romano says the results are a bit less troubling. “In junior high, most Colts Neck players aren’t yet fully mature,” Mario Romano acknowledges. Logically, it would appear that the risk factors are reduced. However, Colts Neck’s Mario Romano knows that the key to safety is to teach proper hitting techniques. Another big problem at the younger age levels is a lack of knowledge as to the proper way to hit. “Players unwittingly lunge with their helmet first, which seriously exposes them to a head/neck injury,” Mario Romano of Colts Neck states.

Thankfully, in youth leagues such as Pop Warner Football in Colts Neck, Mario Romano says that many safety factors work in the players’ favor. For one, every division is divided according to a Colts Neck player’s age and weight. Mario Romano points out that a higher level of safety is provided from this simple size-classification method. Another important fact to consider is the relatively low level of speed and strength that even the largest of youth football players possesses. Colts Neck’s Mario Romano says that sometimes even the fastest collisions look almost comical in nature. “They are running their hearts out,” Mario Romano of Colts Neck explains, “but the impact is so weak they rarely blink.” All Pop Warner Football coaches in Colts Neck are trained to be able to instruct players in proper hitting techniques. These factors, plus improved helmet technology, keep Mario Romano confident that head injuries in Colts Neck Pop Warner Football will remain a nearly nonexistent occurrence in the years to come.

Colts Neck resident Mario Romano began his career on Wall Street in 1982. Studying under some of the most prestigious financial professionals of our time before moving to Colts Neck, New Jersey, Mario Romano graduated from St. John’s University well ahead of his class. Relocating to Colts Neck, Mario Romano continued serving as an executive with a select group of Wall Street institutions. With the extensive experience he gained, Colts Neck’s Mario Romano co-founded Wealth Engineering in 2005. Mario Romano brings over twenty-five years of Wall Street experience to his mission of providing financial education to the masses worldwide. Mario Romano resides in Colts Neck, New Jersey with his wife Gina and their three children. In his local community of Colts Neck, Mario Romano is known as a key proponent of youth sports and education for the instrumental role he played in bringing Pop Warner Football to Colts Neck.

Mario Romano and his firm were in a dire situation in the worst economy of record. The question loomed for Mario Romano and his partners: What options existed? Mario Romano knew that in the midst of every great crisis there is an opportunity for those who have clear vision. Mario Romano and his team dedicated every moment of their time and all their efforts towards the goal, but they could not manufacture “cash.”

At this moment of decision, Mario Romano and his partner agreed to sell 20% of their company. Not an easy decision when so much of their own capital and time was invested to reach what Mario Romano believed was the last furlong. Nonetheless, Mario Romano hired a third party consultant to provide an independent valuation and quickly gained partners through the sale of 15% of the company equity. This brought Mario Romano the resources needed to secure Wealth Engineering’s largest contract to date, which included sales in nearly twelve territories in Asia.

Initially Mario Romano felt they could stop here. However, Mario Romano and his partners uncovered additional opportunities that will significantly benefit Mario Romano, Wealth Engineering and the new partners. Instead of keeping additional equity, Mario Romano and the company’s other stake holders continue to seek additional partners to further expand and stabilize Wealth Engineering.

Mario Romano’s resolve remains firm. He states, “I will not stop until we reach our objectives and this commitment knows no boundaries.”

Mario Romano began his Wall Street career at Lehman Brothers in 1982. From then until the beginning of the new millennium, Mario Romano held several executive positions with a select group of Wall Street institutions. Mario Romano also served as CEO of Romano Enterprises LLC from May 2000 through December 2004. In 2005, Mario Romano co-founded Wealth Engineering & Development and through their combined efforts, Mario Romano contributed to securing the largest contractual agreements for the InvestView platform of Global Investor Services Inc. Mario Romano has fine-tuned motivational skills that have allowed him to establish, grow and manage a group of over 100 retail stockbrokers. With over twenty-five years of Wall Street experience, Mario Romano believes the time has come for individuals to learn how to manage and grow their wealth. Mario Romano dedicates his professional life to these objectives and strives to solidify Wealth Engineering as a leader in providing financial education to the masses worldwide.

John Michael Hughes wonders, “Why stop at electricity?” Human science and engineering, points out John Michael Hughes, sends vessels to outer space and back. There is no doubt, says John Michael Hughes, that humankind can dream up an even better form of renewable propulsion. According to John Michael Hughes, there are currently experiments to explore the potential of hydrogen cells for automotive engine power. John Michael Hughes notes that these cells, once developed, would be the cleanest batteries ever invented.

The challenge resides, continues John Michael Hughes, in developing these technologies for reliable, cost-effective consumer use. Creating a hydrogen cell that can power a car is an extremely expensive process, although it is environmentally sound, says John Michael Hughes. It is interesting to note, points out John Michael Hughes, that discussing the electric car connects directly to deeper questions of cultural values. When environmental responsibility can be accounted for profitably, says John Michael Hughes, larger strides can be made. This is evidenced, concludes John Michael Hughes, by the proliferation of electric and hybrid electric cars in the past decade.

About  John Michael Hughes

Dedicating a professional career to a single purpose is recognized as admirable in today’s economic environment. For John Michael Hughes it was a focus and interest that began as he exited college. Graduating from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree, John Michael Hughes set his vocational target on the insurance industry early on.

From 1992 until 1995, John Michael Hughes served as an Insurance Adjuster for Pilot Catastrophe Services, Inc. In this position he handled commercial and residential property insurance claims for wind, flood, ice, and earthquake losses. As an early training ground his responsibilities and claim ranges allowed him to develop a strategic understanding of the complexities of insurance claims.

Leveraging this experience in claims, John Michael Hughes has invested the last fourteen years of his professional life in executive management with an all lines public insurance adjusting firm. From 1996 until 2000 John Michael Hughes served as the owner and Chief Executive Officer of JMH and Associates. John Michael Hughes gained further Acts Of God claims experience as well as first hand exposure to the complexities of business ownership. The years of experience tied to natural disasters allowed John Michael Hughes to quantify and qualify claims filed quickly. This skill set was sought after and led to yet another opportunity for John Michael Hughes.

Since 2007, John Michael Hughes has devoted his time and energy to Leeco Consulting Company, LLC, again acting as Chief Executive Officer for the company. With claims services focused mainly in Florida, John Michael Hughes has continued to handle both commercial and residential property claims. His services have also been utilized throughout the Caribbean for both wind and flood losses. John Michael Hughes has further refined his focus and now has a concentration in hurricane claims. With this expansion and professional focus has come larger cases and expanded claims responsibilities. John Michael Hughes currently provides claims settlements that exceed five million dollars.

A natural byproduct of extensive claims settlement work also created opportunities within the area of historical property restoration. With activities generally focused in Alabama, John Michael Hughes acted as a Director for AD, LLC from 1998-2009. John Michael Hughes provided property management and development for this firm. Additionally, from 1996 until 2005 John Michael Hughes managed and consulted on a 26-acre island land development in Florida through Perdido Gardens, LLC. As a partner, John Michael Hughes benefited when the partnership was sold to a public NYSE property development company.

John Michael Hughes continues to blend his knowledge of claims settlements management and restoration complexities in a deep, diversified professional direction that allows him to step outside of most traditional professional vocational paths. It has also allowed him the opportunity to pursue other passions.

John Michael Hughes is currently working toward a Masters in Theology and aspires to complete this training in the fall 2012. John Michael Hughes has reached a point in his life where he will be able to apply decades of experience to a profession and blend this time commitment with a deeper calling that speaks to a different opportunity for his future.

John Michael Hughes has several professional affiliations, including the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. He continues to participate in industry functions throughout the southeastern United States and is a highly respected veteran within his profession. John Michael Hughes has committed the last eighteen years pursuing a career that combines business, management and involving himself in the lives of people during their most critical times of need.

The need for seasoned claims adjusters has never been greater. The combination of record flooding in areas that traditionally have seen major damage and the increasing seismic activity throughout North America now requires that John Michael Hughes be more mobile. Natural disasters never isolate their occurrences and the demand for claims evaluations can pull many resources together within a very short period of time.

John Michael Hughes also continues his passion for the oceans. From 1989 until 1992 John Michael Hughes was a PADI open water SCUBA instructor. At that time, he organized, taught and led groups on diving excursions and vacations. He continues to have a passion for scuba diving as well as enjoying golf, fishing, kayaking, water-skiing, snow skiing, racquetball, photography, reading and hanging out with his son.

John Michael Hughes currently resides in Florida and can be reached at johnmichaelhughes.com.