A few years ago, we were visiting Joe and Virginia at Margaritaville and started reminiscing about our time together in Acapulco, and celebrating New Year's Eve together. During our conversation, we discovered that in 2017, Joe had provided funding to relight the cross at the Chapel of Peace in Acapulco, Mexico. This chapel, built in 1967 by the Trouyet family (of Las Brisas) as an ecumenical symbol of hope & peace, was dedicated to their two sons who tragically died in a plane crash.
The chapel, with its impressive 138-foot-tall (12 stories!) cross, was first lit in 1971 and could be seen from anywhere in Acapulco. However, around 2013, the cross went dark for reasons unknown. Thanks to Joe Palumbo's involvement, on March 18, 2017, at 7:30 pm, the cross was illuminated once more, casting its light over the city again.
The people of Acapulco now have their symbol of peace, God’s provision, and a family's love restored. Joe’s contribution might be largely unknown, but now you know the 'rest of the story'. Remember, heaven cannot be earned by good works, but our lives should shine with good works as a natural result of our faith.