Happy New Year from All the King’s Horses Ministry

Dear friend of All the King’s Horses Ministry,

Just months before Bryson became blind in his left eye (necessitating cornea replacement surgery), and learning that he will battle for the rest of his life against the insidious disease that is threatening both eyes, I wrote the following in the Epilogue of my soon to be published book, All the King’s Horses – Finding Purpose and Hope in Brokenness and Impossibility:

“There’s hardly a chapter in this long family story in which I didn’t find myself in desperate circumstances of one sort or another. At long last, though I couldn’t have planned it this way (nor would I ever have wanted to), I must conclude this book facing one of the most difficult seasons of my life, battling financial insolvency even as I battle for my life and health, devoid of the resources I need to adequately care for my physically and mentally impaired son. That is this author’s version of hopelessness and impossibility. What is yours?” 

I must tell you it is a bit disheartening after decades of watching him suffer, that my son still struggles so mightily. Honestly, I had hoped and dreamed of higher things for my boy. I will also tell you that it remains discouraging for me to be housebound much of the time as my son’s caregiver, even as I suffer the ravages of what some doctors believe to be a debilitating case of post-concussion syndrome. This affliction (described in my book) reduces my mind to mush from day to day (or hour to hour) without notice. On frequent days, my personal version of hell on earth is to be struggling for mental clarity, as my easily agitated, mentally and visually impaired son begins to melt down emotionally. He has nowhere to go with his distress and anger on many days, so he “shares” these with me. 

But why have I shared this with you? Shouldn’t I be telling you that following Jesus leads to a life fraught with blessings, devoid of pain? You know better from your own life, don’t you? You also know it from the words of Jesus:

“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

But indeed, it is tempting for those of us in “ministry” to pretend we do not bleed when we are cut, or struggle when we get knocked down. I must honestly tell you that I am struggling even as I write this newsletter. Yet in this struggle, I am reminded why this Ministry exists.

We at All the King’s Horses Ministry know that every person is tempted to give up and give in to pain and despair at some point in life. For most of us, this temptation arises many times. Even John the Baptist equivocated in his faith when his chips were down. As he languished in Herod’s dungeon, he sent word to Jesus asking if He was the Expected One, or if he should look for someone else. Jesus responded this way:

“Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” Matthew 11:4-6 

In light of Jesus’ words, we do not consider it happenstance that our ministry has its roots in a story about a “permanently” crippled child learning to walk at 10 years old after countless thousands of hours of anguished repetition. Nor do we consider it a coincidence that we are still battling the “impossible” today. Those not familiar with our story can view a 5 minute summary on You Tube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENSm4pDQu6g&t=5s

Jesus taught that the truth that will make us free (Jn. 8:32). Through this Ministry I will continue to remind disheartened believers, and those in need of salvation, that Jesus never guaranteed a “victorious” ending for any of His followers as the world defines “victory.” Even so, by the authority of God’s Word, I can guarantee that the grace of Christ will prove sufficient for every thorn of weakness that remains in their lives, and in mine.

“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I am in awe of God’s ways and wisdom, and grateful that the Lord wastes nothing, particularly our pain. He even stores our tears in His bottle (Psalm 56:8). Clearly, He is using our circumstances here at All the King’s Horses Ministry to cause others to be drawn to Christ, even as He used Paul’s thwarting imprisonment to bear fruit through his ministry:

“… my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole Praetorian Guard and to everyone else” Philippians 1:12-13

Through this Ministry, many struggling Christians have been inspired to persevere in faith, and look to Jesus Christ as their only Answer. A number of unsaved people have received forgiveness from their sins and eternal salvation.

Through your support, the Lord is enabling us to accomplish these things, and we are very grateful to you. Rest assured that the afflictions mentioned in this newsletter have not impeded the mission entrusted to us by our Lord. In fact, our weaknesses have empowered us, through His grace. As we face this New Year praising God for all He has done, our focus is squarely on the future as we press ahead for Him:

“Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth … I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert” Is. 43:18-19 

“… one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Four Things You Can Do to Help This Ministry

1)  Buy the Book – Pass it on to unbelievers needing salvation and Christians needing hope:

Although we sell it at a financial loss, it would be a great encouragement to this ministry if every person reading this newsletter right now would buy (at least) one copy of All the King’s Horses to give to those in your circle who are in need of hope. My book tells a gripping, powerful story, and points to Jesus Christ alone as the Source of hope. You can buy it here: 

https://www.amazon.com/All-Kings-Horses-Brokenness-Impossibility/dp/1629984191 

2) Support us financially: 

Our bylaws have been established for the dual purpose of proclaiming the good news of Christ, and to provide support for the housing, living and medical expenses of Bryson as a brain-injured individual. Our current medical expenses are high. We have two surgeons engaged in the effort to save his eyes, and several other medical doctors. Much of this care is beyond our insurance, and out of pocket (experimental or newly approved by the FDA).

Bryson and I cannot stay in our rented home much longer. We are praying a very big (Ephesians 3:20) prayer for funds to purchase a modest townhouse to reduce our high monthly expenses and provide a suitable, safe bathroom for Bryson (who still falls and injures himself due to his Cerebral palsy). If you can contribute toward our housing drive, or if you know someone who might consider the tax deductible gift of a house for us, please let them know about our need.

If you are able to give, please send checks made payable to “All The Kings Horses Ministry Inc.” c/o Barry Milazzo, 39-09 Brookside Ave, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. If you prefer to give online, please visit our website and find the “Donate” button at: www.AllTheKingsHorsesMinistry.com

All The King’s Horses Ministry Inc., is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt corporation. All support is treated as a fully tax-exempt charitable donation by the IRS.

3) Your Prayers are vital: 

Paul reminds us of just how vital our prayers for one another are: 

“… for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers  

and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:19 

4) Invite us to your church or group:

Spread the word that we are available to come to your church or group (Christian or Secular) to present the Gospel through our story. Please forward this email to your pastor, group leader or others you believe will benefit through this ministry.

Thank you and God bless you. Happy New Year!

A brother in the battle for Jesus Christ,

Barry Milazzo

President and Founder – All the King’s Horses Ministry