In a jail cell for Jesus

By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
BROOKFIELD -- "I'm a knucklehead for Jesus," the Rev. Dan Cesene proudly pronounced as he stood in his makeshift jail cell atop the township administration building.
As the township police chaplain waited for donations to finance his missionary work in Africa and Mexico, truck drivers sounded their booming horns as they drove along state Route 82.
"I serve a God who does strange and innovative things," the Rev. Mr. Cesene said.
Mr. Cesene, pastor of Faith Assembly of God Church of Brookfield, made his way onto the roof Thursday morning and will remain until Sunday morning, unless he can raise $10,000 before then.
He's on a bread and water diet during the 72 hours.
As the 46-year-old minister, dressed in black and white stripes, explained his goal, he waived and yelled at truckers hearing of his mission on country music radio station 95.1, The Cat.
Mr. Cesene started the day with $200 in donations. Since then, he's been receiving $5 and $20 donations -- even some change. He got a $500 donation from an area business.
Missions
If Mr. Cesene makes it to Mexico, it will be the third time. He travels with a team of missionaries headed by the Rev. Carol Missik, pastor of Living Word Church in Brookfield.
The team works with other clergy and government officials to help the impoverished, he said.
Money isn't just sent to Mexico. "We have to make sure it gets to the right people," he noted.
He hasn't traveled to Africa, but he and other clergy will attempt to establish relationships with churches and the poor, if he gets there.
Why travel to Mexico and Africa when poor people live in this country?
"We have all the resources in this country to survive. The U.S. is a blessed nation, and we sometimes overlook that," Mr. Cesene said.
The minister said that financially he's in the upper lower class, lives in a house that lacks air conditioning and drives a car.
"The people in Mexico think I'm rich," he said. "The key to Christianity is to establish relationships. We have a mandate to reach out to others."
Fund-raiser
So why the public fund-raiser?
"Desperate needs call for drastic measures," Mr. Cesene responded. "And I'm crazy enough to do it."
While housed in his cell made of plastic piping and orange tarpaulin, he makes calls on his cell phone to solicit donations. His phone number is (330) 503-8894.
His cell is filled with some comforts, such as a portable toilet, sleeping bag, night light, reading material and a list of names to call asking for financial backing.