Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Mistretta.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Toronto, Canada, and from a young age felt a strong desire to make my life count for something bigger than myself. At 11 years old, during a church youth conference, I sensed a clear call to dedicate my life to God and to serving others. As a teenager, I traveled internationally on mission trips, which opened my eyes to the pain and needs of the world.
Back home, financial pressure led me to start an online advertising company at 16. While it was successful and gave me financial freedom at a young age, I felt deeply unfulfilled. I realized I had drifted away from the purpose I had committed my life to. During a season of prayer and searching, a pivotal encounter led me to begin studying the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, which ultimately resulted in a clear calling to Israel.
With no connections and little certainty beyond faith, I traveled to Israel for the first time, and quickly knew Jerusalem would one day be home. I sold my business, packed everything I owned, and moved to Israel on a one-way ticket. Over time, God opened doors, relationships formed, and together with local leaders, my wife Vanessa and I helped found FIRM: Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries, to serve and strengthen gospel-centered work across Israel. Today, we live in Jerusalem with our two sons and continue leading FIRM’s mission.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. While the journey has been deeply meaningful, it has also been marked by seasons of uncertainty, sacrifice, and challenge. From the beginning, stepping away from financial security, selling my business, and moving to Israel without long-term stability required a deep level of faith. Building a ministry in a new country, navigating cultural differences, and establishing trust and partnerships took time and perseverance.
More recently, the events of October 7th and the war that followed introduced an entirely new level of fear and uncertainty. Like so many families in Israel, we suddenly found ourselves living with the constant reality of sirens, rocket fire, and time spent in bomb shelters, often with little warning. Everyday routines were disrupted, schools closed, travel was restricted, and the emotional weight of trying to protect our family while continuing to serve others was immense.
Leading a ministry in the midst of national trauma meant carrying not only our own fears, but also the grief, anxiety, and questions of the people we serve. There were moments of exhaustion and heartbreak, yet also moments where the purpose of our calling felt clearer than ever. In the face of war, FIRM responded quickly, supporting local ministries on the front lines of care and relief, serving meals and providing shelter to those who lost their homes, and remaining a steady presence during a time when the ground felt anything but stable. Since then, we have also rebuilt 25 homes for people whose homes were destroyed during the war.
Through it all, the road has required resilience, faith, and a willingness to keep moving forward even when the future felt uncertain, trusting that God’s faithfulness remains, even in the hardest seasons.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
FIRM (The Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries) exists to transform lives in Israel through the love of Jesus by empowering and strengthening local ministries. Our focus is on connecting believers around the world with gospel-centered work happening on the ground in Israel, especially among the Jewish believing community, which makes up less than 1% of the population.
What sets FIRM apart is our commitment to the local body of believers. Instead of bypassing Israeli ministries, we partner directly with them because they understand the culture, the language, and the real questions people are asking.
In addition to our work in Israel, FIRM has a Dallas-based office located in Grapevine, Texas. The purpose of this office is to connect directly with local churches across the United States and serve as a hub for education and relationship-building. Through this team, we help churches better understand Israel’s role in the gospel story, share the heart and mission of FIRM, and provide educational resources that equip believers to engage with Israel in a thoughtful, gospel-centered way.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the trust, transparency, and unity we’ve built. Through mission trips, partnerships, and initiatives like The Tribe, we’ve seen believers from all over the world sacrificially give and engage. Since the tragedy on October 7th, FIRM helped raise over $40 million to distribute to gospel centered ministries. Our goal is not just awareness of Israel, but meaningful transformation.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was driven, curious, and deeply motivated by purpose. Even as a kid, I wanted my life to matter and to be part of something bigger than myself. I was entrepreneurial by nature, willing to take risks, and eager to explore the world beyond my own environment. At the same time, I was spiritually sensitive, always asking big questions about meaning, calling, and how faith should be lived out practically.
In many ways, I’m still that same kid who stood up at a conference at 11 years old, wanting to make a difference. The setting has changed, but the heart hasn’t: a desire to serve God faithfully, to bring people together, and to see lives transformed through love, faith, and obedience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://firmisrael.org/
- Instagram: firmisrael
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firmisrael
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firmisrael/
- Twitter: @FIRMisrael
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FIRMisrael
