Joe Scifo
How did God lead you to MCA?
Growing up, I knew I wanted to make the "big bucks". My family and I had plans for me to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology and become a mechanical engineer - but God had other plans. He revealed to me that he had bigger plans for me - which was hard to swallow at first. I attended Northeastern Illinois University, and graduated with a double major and two minors, in an attempt to make myself more "marketable". God still wasn't done with me. A coaching opportunity arose at MCA, and I accepted the position. As I was coaching, the PE teacher at the time told me her intentions of leaving MCA, and her position would be open. I had many other options (all of which I could have made a bunch more money), but I could feel God pulling me to MCA. He wanted my skills and talents for His glory - not mine. I accepted the position, and it's been fantasic ever since.
Why did you chose to work at MCA?
I had quite a story getting to MCA, but there are many reasons why I still choose to work at MCA? First, working at MCA is a ministry. God has given me numerous opportunities to positively influence the children at MCA, even though they have influenced me in so many great ways as well. I also love overseeing the athletics of the school. Athletics is a great vessel for reaching students through numerous teachable moments. I love watching students mature, develop teamwork, experience success, conducting team devotionals, praying together, and at the same time learn about a sport is probably one of the greatest joys of my life. Another great reason for working at MCA are my colleagues. The teachers and staff are such wonderful people to work with, especially because we are all like-minded in our desire to reach and develop the students' relationships with Christ. It is amazing to me how many staff at MCA have past connections with the school. Most of us are either former students, parents of current students, or parents of former students. I realize MCA is not perfect, but there must be something special about this place - because so many stick around!
Personal
As the years have flown by at MCA, I think of all the great blessings God has granted me in my life. I met my wife at MCA, my children attend MCA, MCA has helped me to complete my Master's, and so on. MCA is like "home" to me, and I pray that God will continue to allow MCA to prosper!