Getting to know the Kingdom Man of the Month for November: Hani Faragalla
I was born and grew up in THE Alexandria, Egypt in a Christian home. My dad was a banker and mom was a high school teacher. During 10th grade, my parents left their career, and founded the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ in Egypt. While in high school, I knew what it meant to be saved, but did not want to as it meant letting go of friends who I knew were bad influence, but when I was attending a high school camp one year, the Lord captured my heart through the speaker's reference to Hebrews 12:15-17.
I graduated from Alexandria University with a degree in accounting, and had another degree from the American university in Cairo few years later, where I met Lilian Aziz, who became my wife. I worked in the Financial Management Office at the US Embassy in Cairo for over 6 years. During this time I was heavily involved in the US Departments of Defense financial affairs during the first Gulf war (Desert storm), as the US embassy in Egypt was the main control center in the Middle East during this war. At the same time I was the bass guitar player for a Christian band, we toured in several Middle East counters.
Lilian and I got married in 1992 and then moved to the US in 1993. I finished my Maters of science in Accounting in 1998 in Northern Virginia while working for a government contractor in the Washington DC area as the financial controller/Officer. During our stay in the DC area, God gifted us with our two great children; Danny who was born in 93 and Nancy in 96.
Before Lilian and I got married, we knew that we would be serving the Lord in full time vocational ministry someday. In 2003 the Lord allowed us to take this step, and join staff at Campus Crusade for Christ. I always had the heart for serving in the leadership and operational capacity, as I served as the treasurer and board member of our Church in Northern Virginia (the DC area) for many years. We moved to Orlando to join the International financial management office for CCCI at our world headquarters to serve the many financial leaders in the 190 countries. Throughout my 20+ years career, this current role has been the most satisfying one. I love using the gifts the Lord gave me through the years, in a way that will help expand His kingdom.
Lilian and I grew up with the attitude that being part of our local church is rolling up our sleeves and getting involved; this is part of who we are. UPC was not an exception. Back in 2004 when I was asked to lead the mission team; I accepted the challenge since that was where the need was. I also knew in my heart, that UPC had the people resources that could allow us to have a great missions impact on the world. I was praying that the Lord would help me build a team who would make this ministry a real blessing to the church and our missionaries. The Lord has allowed me to see this first hand with our current, great missions' leadership team. When I was asked to serve as an elder here at UPC four years ago, I was humbled by the thought and blessed by the opportunity that would later help our missions program to grow. Being and elder at UPC made me see how Godly men can interact and serve in a way that is glorifying and honoring to the Lord. The Lord is blessing me beyond what I deserve through UPC, my Lilian, and my wonderful Children.
#1 If you had any superpower, what would it be? Why?
The ability to repair and do all handy man work without actually doing it, whether it be fix the car, paint the house, fix the broken sink, etc. I am not a handy man, though I love everything to be in good condition.
#2 If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
Mediterranean Cruise, go all over Europe, especially Greece where we spent our honeymoon.
#3: If forced to, would you rather jump out of a moving train or a 2-story building? Why?
Jump from a train, since I can still survive if I fell on my side, and it would still be thrilling, but landing on my leg would sure hurt more and would not be fun. Also being on crutches for some time after would not be too enjoyable.