John Mongelli

John came to the Lord at the age of 55 in 2002. At that time in his life, he was bankrupt in every way: physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. Poor choices had led him into drug addiction, and he knew he would not live another day on his own. Desperate for help, John
contacted Colin, a friend who he hadn’t seen in 10 years but who 10 years ago had given him a Bible that he never opened but kept. The two met for breakfast the next day, and his friend encouraged John to read Psalm 23. That night, John opened his Bible for the first time. “It was God’s providence that brought Colin into my life. God used Colin to literally save my life, and I am eternally grateful.”

John continued to read his Bible. “Every word was putting new life into me.” On 5/23/2002, at a small Church of God in Glendale, Arizona, John welcomed Christ into his heart as his personal savior and has not looked back. He joined the Gideons men’s ministry and began a life of service. John was on fire to share the Good News. He started witnessing, handing out Gideon Bibles on street corners. Later that year, he moved to Tucson. Broke, unemployed, and homeless, he started attending Calvary.

At Calvary, John soon volunteered as a greeter and photographer. With a few brothers and sisters, they started the Capture Ministry to photograph and videotape Calvary life, and Capture grew up to become the Media Department. John especially has a heart to serve our seniors over 50. In 2012, John along with Kath McKay started the Calvary Eastside 50+ Fellowship where he continues to serve as coleader. John is also an ordained IFOC Chaplain and serves as a biblical counselor in the prayer room.