Zacchio Family Update
We're moving!
The Puritan Thomas Boston declared over his life that he was a “child of providence.” I resonate deeply with that sentiment. As life progresses, you reflect and conclude that all you are becoming results from God’s providential, sanctifying care. To show you a bit of this, here’s a 2025 Zacchio family update.
A New Call
After much prayer and seeking counsel both in the Word of God and from other trusted mentors, I took a call to pastor Cornerstone Bible Church in Ridgecrest, California. A move to the High Desert was never something I foresaw, but I hope to faithfully serve a church that needs a shepherd in light of the previous pastor’s retirement. It’ll be a new position since, for the last 15 years or so, I’ve normally shepherded the church through leading music and congregational singing. Now, I’ll be serving as a lead teaching/preaching pastor.
My 5 years at Faith Community Church in Carlsbad were just incredible. The Lord grew me in ways I did not expect, and he grew the ministry in ways that left me amazed at His wondrous works. If you would like, you can read my farewell letter here.
I got to serve alongside shepherd-hearted elders, and our Lead Pastor, Justin Windham, became a trusted mentor and friend. The Lord used him to shape my character, preaching, and shepherding. I’m eternally grateful. We appreciate your prayers, as this is one of the biggest life decisions my wife, Faith, and I have ever had to make.
God has always been faithful to guide us in the past, and we know His faithfulness will continue into an unknown future. He always gives us grace for the season we’re not yet in, and God has been preparing us to step into this new ministry. An old mentor used to tell me, “God has placed you where He’s placed you, and He’s graced you how He’s graced you to be where He’s placed you.” We’re looking forward to seeing this played out.
Family Life
Life as a family of 5 has been both wild and fun! Our son Owen John Zacchio was born on July 31 of last year. His cuteness is overwhelming, and he never ceases to be a blessing. And now, he’s gone from crawling to walking!
My daughter Maeve (4) has started TK and has loved learning alongside her brother! These days, she loves building forts, cuddling with her family with a good book, and eating chocolate ice cream. My personal favorite is that she loves to have dance parties at home with her daddy (A real heart-melter).
My oldest son, Josiah (6), finished kindergarten and is halfway through first grade! That went fast. But he is one of the smartest, articulate (talkative), and creative boys I know. Each morning, he wakes up with a new invention he wants to draw and change the world with. I’m excited for this new season of homeschooling with him.
My wife and I celebrated 9 years of marriage on May 28. Our journey has been enriching, sanctifying, and I couldn’t be more thankful for her. She’s a woman of godly character, and truly the funnest person to be around; my love for her has only grown over the years! She’s the one ministry partner I know will always stay true to God’s Word and always point me to Christ. There’s no one else I’d rather do life with.
Book Manuscript: Done!
I finally finished my forthcoming book on the doctrine of free will and submitted it to the publisher back in October! I’m thankful for the opportunity afforded me by Savoring the Savior Books.
I’ve sent the manuscript to quite a few brothers in Christ, some of whom are theologians and pastors, for feedback. I hope to bring biblical clarity to such a misunderstood doctrine. Look out for the release in early 2026!
Doctoral Studies
A surreal moment came as I submitted my very first assignment as a doctoral student! My program is customized to help me know the life and theology of the Puritan, Thomas Boston. I hope to become a scholar in the area of historical theology while reading through his works.
If you've made it this far, thank you for reading. I appreciate how some of you have already been praying for us, and I look forward to rejoicing in God’s providence as He continues to lead and care for His children.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”
Philippians 1:21–30
CURRENT ZACCHIO FAVORITES:
We’ve been loving the candy Joyride. It’s a healthy (healthier...) kind of candy without all the dyes and copious amounts of sugar, but still has an outstanding taste!
Faith has recently learned the art of sourdough. The kids (and I) say it’s the best bread ever. A family favorite has been sourdough English Muffins. Here’s the English Muffin recipe!
Our kids have loved using the Yoto Player for their audiobooks. It’s a screen-free audio player that uses cards to play countless books, stories, and even books of the Bible. Right now, we’re enjoying the story of The Book of Exodus retold in a way that is truly faithful to the text of Scripture!
We’ve also been loving the newly released Sing! Hymnal from Getty Music. Our favorite hymn for family worship is “Whate’er My God Ordains is Right.”