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A Note from our Founder
By on October 21, 2009
I consider you part of Thrive’s extended family, so I want to share from my heart what’s going on in my life and at Thrive. It saddens me greatly to tell you that earlier this year my husband, Niel, chose to terminate our marriage. His decision came after revealing to me that he’d violated our marriage covenant. Although my desire was to move toward reconciliation, Niel felt differently. Following his decision for divorce, our Board of Directors accepted his resignation and Niel is no longer involved in the ministry.
I’ve been clinging to God’s promise to be close to the brokenhearted, and He is faithfully carrying me through the most difficult season I’ve ever endured. I know I have a long way to go on this journey of personal restoration, but I’m confident that the Lord is faithful to complete what He started.
Amy Riep, my dear friend and Board member, has been leading Thrive since I came to the States at the end of last year. God’s hand is so evident in His provision of a solid leader to keep Thrive moving forward. I plan to return to leadership at Thrive next year; for now, I’m staying in the U.S. to pursue the counseling and heart-healing that I need.
I still love Africa. My vision hasn’t wavered. More importantly, Thrive Africa’s vision has not wavered. We remain focused on training Godly leaders to impact their communities for Christ. Even during this challenging year, there has been incredible growth and fruit within the ministry. We know God is in this thing and is calling us to continue reaching the people He loves in Africa.
Your support is so important right now. Thrive’s financial position is very delicate at the moment. Please pray about how you can financially support the ministry now and in the days ahead. I’d also appreciate your increased prayers, both for me personally and for the ongoing work of the ministry.
Thank you for standing with us to see Africa thrive. We can’t do it alone.
With love,
Alece Ronzino
P.S. – As a matter of logistics, going forward, I’ll be using my maiden name. You can reach me directly at alece@thriveafrica.org.
Say Something...
16 Responses - Add yours below
Charlene(staff) says:
So honored to serve God here at Thrive, “for such a time as this and this very purpose”. Today at staff prayer we lifted you up (Alece) and the ministry as a whole. God is big!
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alece says:
so grateful to know you guys prayed for me this morning. thank you!
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Beth Wiley says:
I believe greatly in all that God is doing and will continue to do through Thrive. Alece, thanks for your love of Africa and people. May God restore you fully, redeem this and enlarge your heart even more for the things on His heart. I believe for you and this ministry…His ministry.
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joy renée says:
You are a graceful writer, Alece. Your strength shines here. Thrive Africa is blessed to have you as their founder.
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alece says:
beth — you are absolutely right: thrive is HIS ministry!
joy renee — thank you, friend.
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Nancy Milham says:
Love your blog title. So true for life. As we are faithful in the day to day “grit” God will show forth His “glory”.
You are a gifted writer and thank you for your transparency and vulnerability. It’s not easy but it keeps us walking in humility and that pleases God.
He has bigger things in store for you. That is the nature of our God’s restoration. Ps 18:19 “He brought me forth also into a broad place; because He delighted in me.” 18:36 “you enlarge my steps under me, And my feet have not slipped.” 31:8 “You have not given me over into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a large place.” 118:5-9 “From my distress I called upon the Lord; The Lord answered me and set me in a large place. The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me? It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” Our God is a big God and He has BIG plans for us!!
Think Big!
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alece says:
nancy, thank you so much for your heart-strengthening words.
and those verses are so timely for me. i appreciate all your prayers.
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Stan says:
I have been appreciating your ministry from afar, and I am sorry to hear of your heartache.
My prayer is that you will look back in good time and wonder how God has restored you from the heartbreak you must feel. May God bless each and every person involved in the ministry of Thrive.
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alece says:
thank you, stan. i am so grateful for your prayers! i know we all are.
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diane wilson says:
As we both have suffered heart break in things we thought was unbreakable, got breaks the pot and remolds us and puts us back in the fire and refines us. again.
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alece says:
He is certainly reshaping me on His potter wheel. challenging, but ultimately the best place to be…
bless you, diane.
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Neil Giacofei says:
Alece, God is just getting srarted with you, you have a great future
Phillipians 3:12-14
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Matt says:
Well I didn’t realize until just recently about your relationship with Neil n I haven to say I found it very surprising. I went to Africa only once in July of 2006 with First Baptist Church of Clayton,New Jersey. Thrive Africa and the trip to me was the most amazing thing I have ever done with my life. I love the mission of Thrive and everything it stands for. Ever since I went, not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about it and about going again. I love everything about Thrive and Africa from the animals and the beautiful landscape to the amazing people. God planted in me a love for Africa like no other place I’ve been before. When I met Neil and you I just felt you welcome n comforted even though I was thousand of miles from home. I know divorce is extremely difficult and painful but your strength through it all is truly awe-inspiring. I pray everyday that God will continue to give you the strength that you need to get you through these tough times in your life. That he’ll continue to bless you and your ministry in Thrive cuz it’s made a huge impact on my life and I know He’ll continue to use you and Thrive in the lives of people until Christs return. keep up the good work and stay strong!
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alece says:
neil — amen. this is just the (new) beginning.
matt — i love hearing how impactful your mission trip was in your life. thank you for your continued prayers for thrive.
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Dianne says:
Alece,
I have been reading your story – the hurt and pain you are going/went through.
After 35 years of marriage, 3 weeks ago I found out that my husband had an affair with a female co-worker during the month of September.
The hurt and pain is easing each day (I have forgiven him … and ‘her’).
However I can’t seem to stop the thoughts and visual images in my head … whenever I think about what took place.
How did you deal with that?
I try to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ” …
But nights are the worst ..when I am laying in bed ALONE.
Also, is it wrong for the wife to want to know the details of what/when/why/where/how long … it’s almost as if I NEED to know … before I can put this behind me … and move on (my husband and I are trying to reconcile and rebuild our marriage … each day is difficult … because he still blames me, for him having the affair)
Thinking of you and praying for God’s Blessings on you and the Thrive Ministry,
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alece says:
i will email you, dianne… i am so glad you reached out.
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