Good morning from Milano!
It has already been a busy few days for our team! We arrived on Friday, a little later than scheduled due to delays at the airport. Thankfully, all our luggage made it, and so did we!
As often happens with international travel, we are still feeling the effects of jet lag and would appreciate your prayers for rest and recovery. We have a very full week of English Clubs ahead of us, and a few team members are already feeling a bit under the weather.
On Saturday, we joined a mission team from Ohio and several students for an excursion to Bellinzona, Switzerland. What a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the Ohio team and begin building relationships with the students!
Many of us had meaningful conversations throughout the day, while others simply spent time getting to know the students and building friendships. Those of us who have served in Italy in past years were also able to reconnect with students we had previously met. Some of these friendships have continued throughout the year, so it was a joy to see them again in person and catch up face-to-face.
We spent the day exploring Bellinzona, including a beautiful castle dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. We walked among old trees, vineyards, expansive walls, and tunnels, enjoying views of the other two castles nearby.
Some stopped for snacks and had conversations about Christianity and the Gospel. Others explored the town with students, shared lunch, and continued getting to know one another. It was a wonderful way to begin building relationships before our week of English Clubs together.
After our day in Bellinzona, we hopped back on the bus, said goodbye to a few members of the Ohio team who were heading home, and enjoyed the drive back to Milano.
On Sunday, we worshiped with our brothers and sisters at Il Rifugio, our sister church here in Italy. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, reconnecting with friends, and meeting other members of the church.
Afterward, our team enjoyed lunch with Abigail Pelegrin, who had arrived ahead of us to serve alongside Justin and Amanda and help prepare for the October mission teams coming to facilitate English Clubs. It was encouraging to reconnect with her and hear about the preparations already underway.
Following lunch, our team enjoyed some much-needed Sabbath rest in preparation for the busy week ahead. We are excited to see what the Lord has planned as we spend time with students, build friendships, and look for opportunities to share the hope of Jesus Christ.
Praises
- Praise God for bringing our entire team safely to Italy, with no lost luggage!
- Praise God for the many connections and meaningful conversations made during Saturday’s excursion.
- Praise God that Pam has been able to eat soft, solid foods! We are hopeful that she will be able to have the feeding tube in her stomach removed within the next few weeks.
Prayer Requests
- Health and rest: A few team members are not feeling well. Please pray for healing, strength, and recovery as we prepare for a full week of ministry.
- Gospel conversations: Pray for our conversations with students during English Clubs. Ask the Lord to prepare soft, eager hearts to hear and receive the Gospel.
- Team unity: Pray that our team would continue growing in unity as we serve alongside our sister church here in Italy.
- The love of Christ: Pray that the love of Jesus would become even more real to us and to the students we meet.
- Our hosts: Please pray for Justin, Amanda, and Pam as they so graciously host our team of 13.
Finally, praise God, from whom all blessings flow! We know He has brought us here for a purpose. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. What a privilege it is to be part of His work here in Italy!
Thank you for praying for us. We look forward to sharing more about what God is doing throughout the week!
The Italy Mission Team
Posted in Missions