One of the most encouraging aspects of heading to Bologna was hearing about the partnership of evangelicals who were here. It was this group (two churches and Youth for Christ) who first contacted Campus Crusade, asking for some full-time staff to please be sent to Bologna. Since we've arrived, we have been blown away by the unity amongst this group. Especially compared the great divisions that exist among the Protestant churches in Italy (this is another long, sad story for another time).
Last night we had dinner with a couple from England who arrived in Bologna a month before we did. They are about our age with no kids. He was born in Italy but raised in London, where he most recently served as a pastor. About two years ago God began to call them to pastor a church in Bologna and help teach at one of the two Institutes in Italy for evangelical Christians (there are no seminaries). It was great to hear about how God had worked to bring them here. He said at one point, "The best way I can describe it is to say I would have been a Jonah if I hadn't come."
In a couple of hours together, we dreamed some big dreams! It was incredible to hear others talking with the same passion about the same goal of seeing Italians come to a true biblical understanding of Jesus. The more we talked, the more we saw how God is moving some major pieces together to bring the gospel to this city. We are so humbled to think about being a part of it! And filled with so much anticipation of what He has in store. Please join with us in praying for God's will to be accomplished here. Pray for this little body of believers to have great wisdom and discernment in how the Lord would have us proceed.
In closing, I'll share our little "ah, Italy" moment of the day. In looking over Hannah's homework tonight, we saw that in science this week they studied the bottling process of wine. First the grapes are grown, then they are stomped, put into barrels and bottled. In first grade! Hilarious! Only in Italy. . .
We leave tomorrow for a staff conference with all the Campus Crusade staff in Italy. We are so looking forward to being with others in the same place we are in. And the kids are dying to play with other english-speaking kids! Gavin is genuinely starting to get lonely. He needs some friends outside of his siblings. So if nothing else, for him to play with other kids will be worth the trip. Today he finally said, "Mom, I miss Houston. I want to go back there." So, we are looking forward to the refreshment and encouragement.
We'll post another update soon!
1 comment:
How exciting to hear of the unity and collaboration!
We'll be praying for you guys and the kids as you gather with your . I pray your relationships would quickly deepen and they would become a true staff family to you!
Post a Comment