“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6–7
Seventeen of us recently returned from a 10-day short-term mission trip to the Winter Olympics in Arco and Milan, Italy. Throughout our time there, we saw God show up in incredible ways. Whether at our TRM concerts or through street busking evangelism, many on our team had meaningful Gospel conversations. I am still processing all the ways we saw and experienced God’s provision, goodness, and sovereign plan.
An Unforgettable House Show
One particular highlight for me was a house show that we hosted at the home where our team stayed. We lived with one of the pastors of Il Rifugio—our sister church, with whom we have partnered for years. This pastor, Justin, had an awesome idea. We threw a party and invited their circle of influence to come listen to music and share a meal together.
While I certainly enjoyed playing music, meeting those who attended was definitely even more enjoyable. Their church regularly hosts English clubs, where many of these friendships began. Our church sends short-term mission teams every October to support them.
As people arrived, we heard from several of them that they knew some of our friends in Utah; they had just been in Milan last October. They mentioned families like the Pelegrins and the Langes. Honestly, seven days into our trip, it was such a comfort to hear about our dear brothers and sisters back home. God also gave us a sweet picture of how He uses the body of Christ to plant and water seeds in different times and seasons.
I spoke with several people who had such kind things to say about our church family. The dear saints from Utah, as well as the believers in Italy, clearly showed them the love of Christ. It obviously impacted them deeply.
It blessed my heart to continue partnering with the Holy Spirit. Along with my sweet friends and family—who have faithfully poured into those individuals.
Just Be Faithful To Share
When you go on a mission trip, you can sometimes feel an unnecessary—yet very real—expectation. You want to see someone hear the Gospel and place their trust in Jesus all in one interaction. And while that certainly can happen, many times our role is simply to plant an initial seed of the Gospel. Or to perhaps water a seed that someone has already planted.
God is ultimately in charge of the growth. He alone knows someone’s heart. Yet He calls us to be faithful. We’re to open our mouths with the truth of the Gospel, reflect His love to a watching world, and trust Him with the fruit.
I will always remember that night fondly. Without a doubt, I’ll pray for those people I met who are clearly seeking Jesus and whom He is drawing to Himself. Equally important, I will pray that they continue interacting with Christians who come through and live in Milan. That they experience the aroma of Christ through His body of believers.
Thank you for praying for our trip. Also, thank you for supporting and encouraging us. Praise God for His glorious Kingdom work that will continue in Italy and around the world because of this trip.
Grace and peace,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor