Grace That Works Podcast Ep2 – Transcript
Host: Giancarlo
Guest: Pastor Lawrence Ihekweme
Giancarlo
Hello everyone. Welcome back. Finally, welcome back.
We just want to say sorry for taking a break.
I know that we paused for a long time, but we needed some time to recharge, refocus, and come back with new ideas and new conversations.
So, welcome back to Grace That Works.
Before we dive in, I just want to thank International Christian Church, ICCR, for providing us this building and this wonderful studio, making this podcast possible.
So we want to thank International Christian Church Rome.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Grace That Works YouTube channel, and please also follow ICCR on all social media platforms.
After this long intro, I’m really honored to present today’s guest — someone who doesn’t really need an introduction if you already follow International Christian Church Rome on YouTube.
I can proudly say this person is my pastor, someone who is guiding me spiritually.
Let me introduce to you Pastor Lawrence Ihekweme. I hope I pronounced your surname correctly, and I hope this was a great introduction for a great man of God.
So, hi Pastor Lawrence. How are you doing?
Lawrence
Well, Giancarlo, thank you for that introduction.
Hi everyone. As Minister Giancarlo said, my name is Lawrence.
I’m the lead pastor of International Christian Church — the best church in the world.
Amen.
If you’re looking for a spirit-filled, Bible-believing, Holy Ghost-moving church with miracles and deliverance, come to ICCR in Garbatella. There you’ll see Jesus in action.
Thank you for the introduction. It’s wonderful to be here today.
My wife and I are truly thrilled and blessed to be leading one of the best churches in the world.
Giancarlo
You already introduced yourself, but I’d like people listening to know more about your story and how you ended up here in Rome.
You came to Rome in 2001 — 23 years ago — and here you met the love of your life, Pastor Asangi, who is now your wife. You got married in 2007.
I see you’re surprised — yes, I did my research.
Together, in 2015, you decided to found this ministry, International Christian Church Rome.
Lawrence
Actually, the original document says International Christian Church Italy, because the vision God gave us was to establish a vibrant, Holy Ghost-moving church in every major city in Italy.
Giancarlo
Wow — you were already prophesying.
Lawrence
Yes, we already see it. There will be many ICC churches across Italy.
Giancarlo
That’s wonderful. I know you’re a man of vision.
Can you tell us the mission statement of ICCR?
Lawrence
Our mission is simple:
To reach the lost, disciple them, empower them, and send them to the nations.
Many people come with deep life issues. We bring the healing power of God, we disciple them, empower them, and send them out to impact the world.
Giancarlo
That’s powerful. And recently we celebrated our 10-year anniversary. Congratulations, Pastor, and congratulations ICCR.
You’ve seen many miracles — but what is the greatest miracle you’ve witnessed?
Lawrence
The greatest miracle is not healing, restoration, or deliverance — though we see those often.
The greatest miracle is seeing a lost soul come to Christ.
Healing is easy. Deliverance is easy. But salvation cost God the highest price.
When someone is saved, the weight of sin is lifted, transformation begins, and they belong to God.
That is the greatest miracle.
We’ve seen tumors disappear, families restored, and sickness healed — but seeing a soul saved is the greatest miracle of all.
Giancarlo
I agree. I can testify to that myself.
Speaking of vision — this podcast, Grace That Works, is your idea.
Why did you choose this name?
Lawrence
During the 2020 lockdown, God spoke to me clearly.
First: keep the church open.
Second: feed the people.
Italy was in strict lockdown. We started recording services with a phone. We had no idea what we were doing — but we trusted God.
Then God told us to feed the people. We had little money, but we obeyed. We bought food, posted online, and people started coming.
One day it was 50 families. Then 100. Then 200. Then 600. Then 800.
Every day, food appeared. People came. We prayed, shared the Gospel, and gave Bibles.
That’s when the phrase came to me: Grace That Works.
God’s grace gives supernatural ability to do what we cannot do ourselves.
Giancarlo
That’s incredible. And now more than 800 families receive food here.
If you’re in Rome and need food, ICCR’s Hopebag Ministry is here at Via Leopoldo Traversi 29, Garbatella — offering both physical and spiritual nourishment.
Lawrence
During COVID, the church never closed — not for one week.
We saw healing, salvation, restoration, and transformation.
Later, God told us to buy this building — without bank help.
We obeyed, even when the church had almost no money.
God provided everything.
We don’t brag about buildings — we brag about God.
Testimonies build faith. If God did it for us, He can do it for you.
Giancarlo
This building is nearly 1,000 square meters, in a central area of Rome. Buying property here is extremely difficult — financially and legally.
This is truly a testimony.
Lawrence
Exactly. We are here to testify, not to boast.
God told Israel to pass testimonies to future generations.
We brag about God because He is real.
If you don’t know Jesus, life is misery. Knowing Him is a privilege.
Giancarlo
Pastor, do you have a final message or prayer?
Lawrence
The Bible says we are saved by grace through faith — not by works.
Grace is Jesus Christ.
Why suffer in fear, anxiety, or depression when grace is available?
I was once lost. But when grace came, I heard God say, “I love you.”
That peace changed my life forever.
If you believe and confess Jesus, you will be saved.
I pray right now that the Holy Spirit meets you where you are — that you experience salvation, healing, peace, and transformation.
Be healed. Be free. Receive the grace of God.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Giancarlo
Wow. That was powerful.
If this podcast touched you, please subscribe, like, and comment.
Let us know what topics you’d like next.
Thank you for watching.
Thank you for being part of Grace That Works.
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