We were walking past the market and saw some beautiful ripe fruit. It reminded us of what Jesus said in Matthew 9:37, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Jesus felt compassion when he saw the brokenness around him. This describes the spiritual landscape throughout much of Europe. The history of Christianity is very evident in the buildings and the museums, yet so many people are craving the hope of Jesus in their lives. We are thankful to be among the workers here, along with our Italian partners, who are striving to make a Kingdom difference. Additionally, we are grateful for your partnership and support that makes it possible for us to be part of Christ’s work in Italy.

This week was our first week of official language school. Speaking in the local language is an important part of our missiology. We want to communicate the message of Jesus as effectively as possible. Everyday, we walk to class while practicing our vocabulary, and often stop for a coffee along the way. We are enjoying our teacher and classmates. Surprisingly, we can already communicate and have brief conversations with the people in our neighborhood. We know this is God’s grace and your prayers. Thank you for praying for us. 

Thank you, especially, for your prayers for Andrew and his new school. The Lord has led us to an Italian-speaking school with a Christian environment and small class size. At the school, he will have the opportunity to focus his studies in science and math. School begins on September 16th; we are continuing to pray for Christian peers for him.

We’ve enjoyed a warm welcome from the church family, including a few meals in homes and some Sunday dinners. During our three Sundays, we’ve seen the small congregation welcome back members from vacation, celebrate the birth of babies, embrace tourists visiting for the day, and look after incoming college students. There is special care given to displaced people and people fleeing Christian persecution. They are excited and ready to see how the Holy Spirit will lead. We are, too! Please keep praying with expectation for the ministry that the Lord has prepared.