“If You Only Knew” Book Summary
"If you only knew" is an incredibly captivating and powerful story that revolves around the life of an 8-year-old boy growing up in the inner city. Throughout his childhood, he witnesses the heartbreaking reality of his parents' addiction to alcohol and hard drugs. We are introduced to this story through the eyes of a young man who, at a tender age, faced the distressing prospect of being sent to a foster home due to his parents' inability to care for him and his siblings.
Raised by his devoted grandmother, the boy grapples with the possibility of being placed under the care of a government agency. However, his life takes a remarkable turn when his grandmother introduces him to the church. During a poignant prayer service, the 8-year-old boy, moved by the pastor's call for those in need of prayer, courageously raises his hand and admits his own need for divine intervention. With a childlike faith, he fervently prays for his parents' deliverance from the clutches of substance abuse, making a solemn vow to share the reality of God's existence with the world if his prayer is answered.
The book "If you only knew" delves deep into the transformative power of that heartfelt plea. It chronicles the extraordinary journey that unfolds as a result of the young boy's prayer. We witness the miraculous healing of his parents as they overcome their addictions, altering the course of their family's life forever.
Now, as a grown man, the once 8-year-old boy-turned-author remains steadfast in his commitment to fulfill his promise of spreading the message of God's love and the profound impact of prayer. "If you only knew" stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound influence that faith can have on one's life.
This extraordinary story reminds us of the incredible potency of prayer and its ability to transcend boundaries. It highlights how the heartfelt cry of an 8-year-old boy can reach the ears of God and elicit a response. "If you only knew" invites readers to acknowledge the immense power of prayer and the transformative possibilities that lie within the realm of faith. It serves as a source of inspiration, encouraging us to recognize the profound impact that prayer can have in our own lives and the lives of those around us.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
At 8 years of age, Pablo Pizarro Jr, the middle child of three, found himself under the supervision of his grandmother. His older sister Brenda and younger brother Carlos also relied on their grandmother's care, as their biological parents were unable to look after them due to severe drug and alcohol addiction.
Unfortunately, Pablo's grandmother became unable to care for them due to her own illness. She faced the heartbreaking decision of contacting family services to find a foster home for Pablo and his siblings, given their parents' ongoing struggles with substance abuse.
During this time, Pablo would attend prayer service and Sunday school. As the scheduled appointment with family services approached, Pablo went to church with the belief that it could be his final prayer service. He approached his pastor and requested a prayer that could change his life forever. He expressed, "I don't want to go to a foster home, and I need prayer. If the Lord saves my family, I will speak to everyone about God."
To his surprise, God answered Pablo's prayer the following day. Tearfully, his grandmother declared, "There is no way that I will give my grandchildren to a government agency." She promptly called family services and canceled the appointment.
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24, New International Version)
Since then, Pablo Pizarro Jr began to see God's plan unfold in his life. From his early teenage years, he dedicated himself to reaching out to families in need. Currently, he serves as the Lead Pastor of Temple Rock Community Church in Newark, NJ, one of the largest churches in the city. Additionally, he holds the position of Presbyter for the Spanish Fellowship of the Assemblies of God in NJ, overseeing numerous churches. Pablo has also served as a Newark Police Chaplain for 21 years and previously served as the pastor of Lighthouse Assembly of God. He was a former board member of My Brothers Keeper in Newark, NJ, under Mayor Ras J Baraka, and advocates for justice and mercy within the community. Currently, Pastor Pablo has taken the initiative to adopt local schools and bridge the gap between the community, teachers, and students. As Pastor Pablo emphasizes, "Schools and their staff need a chaplain too."
In addition to his pastoral work, Pastor Pablo has contributed to various organizations and initiatives:
- The City of Newark's "Civilian Complaint Review Board"
- Coordinator of The North Ward Interfaith Clergy Alliance of Newark NJ
- Regional Representative for the NJ Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers
- Member of NALEC (National Latino Evangelical Coalition)
- Current member of the Essex County Correctional Facility Task Force
- Advocate for a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families and survivors of domestic violence
Pablo is a graduate of Global University, with a concentration in Pastoral Leadership. He is also a Certified Speaker and Coach with the John Maxwell group, as well as a Certified National Parenting Coach with the National Parenting University.
Furthermore, Pablo Pizarro is the lead speaker for "The Valiente Group," an organization committed to raising awareness about the importance of nurturing healthy black and brown boys and reducing gender-based violence.
Pablo Pizarro is happily married to his wife of 25 years, Erika Pizarro, and they have two beautiful children, Savannah (25) and Zack (23).