Mark and Naida Mirza have dedicated their lives to the service of others through their secular work and Christian ministry. Mark, originally from Turlock, California (go Bulldogs!), met Naida, at a conference over two decades ago, and their lives were changed forever. Together, they have built a life centered around spiritual growth, community support and excellence in the corporate world.

While Mark has been working to build up others and their prayer lives through founding ‘Common Thread Ministries,’ Naida has been in the corporate world, and retires as a VP and Principal of a National Architecture & Interior Design Firm. Since, 2007, Mark has been holding workshops and meetings, teaching effective prayer strategies in conferences and churches, and Naida has always been that “helper who is just right for him” (Genesis 2:18 NLT).

After years of impactful service, they have decided to embark on a new chapter, a “New-Adventure,” by moving to Italy. This decision aligns with their desire to retire in a serene setting, explore new cultures, and remain in service to the Lord, uplifting and praying with Christian missionaries and pastors across Europe (although, a little less intensly, than he does in the USA).

For many months, Naida and I have known a “change” was in the air, but in all honesty, we had no idea where and how much the Lord would require of us. A friend of mine I pray with calls it a “Courageous faith decision,” and while he’s right, another descriptive term is equally accurate, “Liberating.” Following the Lord’s leading is liberating. Naida said the other day, “Making the decision to pull the trigger to move to Italy isn’t a big challenge, since it is clearly where the Lord is leading us. The challenge now are the details we are trusting the Lord to accomplish.”

I can tell you that we are BOTH very excited about what the Lord is doing. We have had Italy (particularly the Abruzzo Region) placed on our hearts as a place where we feel God has called us; To retire to; To travel from; And to make disciples in. The interesting thing is that we have never been to Italy!  We have been to Greece a number of times, but not to Italy. And yet, we have no doubt the Lord has opened the doors for this move.

Follow our exciting journey, OUR ADVENTURE, by checking out our blog. I release a SHORT new post every Monday morning. (MarkMirza.com/Posts)

Mark (May 8, 2024)

For many months, Naida and I have known a “change” was in the air, but in all honesty, we had no idea where and how much the Lord would require of us. A friend of mine I pray with calls it a “Courageous faith decision,” and while he’s right, another descriptive term is equally accurate, “Liberating.” Following the Lord’s leading is liberating. Naida said the other day, “Making the decision to move to Italy isn’t a big challenge, since it is clearly where the Lord is leading us.”

I can tell you that we are BOTH very excited about what the Lord is doing. We have had Italy (particularly the Abruzzo Region) placed on our hearts as a place where we feel God has called us to retire, to travel from and make disciples in. The interesting thing is that we have never been to Italy!  We have been to Greece a number of times, but not to Italy. And yet, we have no doubt the Lord has opened the doors for this move.

After meeting with some of our trusted advisors, on April 8th, Naida “pulled the trigger” and has elected to retire at the end of September 2024. Then, we are heading to Italy in October to look for a home.  We have already put our condo on the market and are now listening to – and following – the calling that has been put on our hearts.

Please join us in our exciting journey.

Mark (May 8, 2024)