Yankees, Nets Chaplain To Speak At Chester Church Sunday

CHESTER, N.J. – Whether it’s homeless inner city youth or affluent suburban residents, the story stays the same: put your trust in God and watch the impossible become possible.

That’s Willie Alfonso’s take on the message he likes to deliver. The Brooklyn native went from a homeless drug user as a teen to chaplain for the New York Nets, Chapel Leader for the Staten Island Yankees and Hispanic players of the New York Yankees.

Alfonso, a pastor currently living in Staten Island, will speak to both services at Mendham Hills Community Church this Sunday, Feb. 14 at 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. in Chester Township.

“The story of faith and trust in God is just as necessary in New York City as it is in Mendham,” Alfonso told Patch. “But people need to know that just because you have Jesus doesn’t mean you won’t have some rough times. I want to give a word of encouragement to (Mendham Hills Community Church). My message won’t change for the audience before me. They have problems too. Sometimes the better off you are the more problems you have.”

Alfonso’s message dovetails sermons given by Mendham’s Pastor John Isemann in recent weeks, titled “Lost” and focusing on the need for the Bible and trusting in God’s word.

“I grew up learning to trust in myself, to only rely on me,” Alfonso said. “I decided to trust in God and His ways, not mine, and it opened up doors that I would have never imagined. I went from being homeless to the chaplain of the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets.

“Your walk with God is all about choices,” he continued. “I don’t put myself in a position of temptation. The choices you make determine how you go.”

Alfonso outlined his life’s story in a recent book titled “It’s A New Beginning: How To Turn Setbacks Into Comebacks,” which can be found on Amazon.com or on his website williealfonso.com.

Mendham Hills Community Church is located at 480 Route 24 in Chester Township.

Photo Courtesy Willie Alfonso