As we write this, Florence is in the middle of another summer heatwave. Many afternoons the city seems to slow to a crawl as everyone looks for a little relief from the heat. Living in Italy has taught us what it is like to live without air conditioning.

We’ve become surprisingly skilled at staying cool. We strategically position fans throughout the apartment, close the shutters and shades before the sun reaches the windows, and whenever possible cook outside to keep the kitchen from heating the house. Like everyone around us, we have learned to adapt and to appreciate every cool breeze that comes our way.

As we’ve experienced these hot summer days, Jeremiah 31:25 comes to mind:

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

The heat has reminded us that what is true physically is also true spiritually.

Just as people long for relief from the hot summer sun, people all around us are weary in ways that have nothing to do with the weather. Many are carrying burdens of loneliness, uncertainty, disappointment, or searching for purpose. They are looking for something that will truly satisfy. The world offers many temporary ways to cope, but only Jesus offers lasting refreshment for the soul.

It is a joy to help people find true satisfaction in Jesus. Whether through worship, conversations over coffee, Bible studies, hospitality in our home, or simply walking alongside our neighbors, our prayer is that people would discover the One who says, “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” We cannot manufacture that kind of refreshment, but we have the privilege of pointing people to the One who can.

Your prayers have strengthened us during difficult moments. Your encouragement has reminded us that we are not serving alone. Your financial support has made it possible for us to continue investing in the people and ministries God has entrusted to us here in Florence.

You are an important part of what God is doing in Italy, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership.

Please continue praying that during these hot summer weeks, God would create opportunities for meaningful conversations and open hearts. Pray that many who are spiritually weary would discover the true refreshment that can only be found in Jesus.