The Rock Church

Winter Olympics Mission Trip – Finding Purpose

Last night I believe I had one of the best meals of my entire life. It was one of those experiences where you’re kind of sad it happened because you know nothing will even come remotely close to it ever again. The food was great and the service was phenomenal (hello, we’re in Italy after all). However the real reason it was so special was because as we sat around the tables, story after story was retold of God blessing our little local church in Utah.

Funny stories, sad stories, informative stories were bouncing around the room for nearly four hours. I couldn’t help but stop and marvel at how God has so evidently protected and sustained The Rock Church over the past 25 years. And allowing us to be in Italy once again co-laboring with long-time ministry partners. What a privilege and an honor to now have been a small part of the rich history of what God is doing here in Europe. Furthermore, what God is doing in Utah through our little church.

Posted in Missions by The Rock Church

Winter Olympics Mission Trip – Arco to Milano Update

Hey everyone, we made it to Milan! I wanted to give you a quick update on what’s been happening the last few days since our last update.

We finished up our time in Arco with the Testas. It was an amazing time. The final day there we went out to this beautiful lake in Arco. We busked and played some music in a town square and got into conversations with people as they walked by. We had some great interactions. A few people had some wonderful conversations, pointing people to Jesus and sharing the truth of God’s love. 

Posted in Missions by Caleb Yetton

Winter Olympics Mission Trip – The First Couple of Days

We woke up in a beautiful place to start our mission trip. Those of us who hadn’t been to Arco, Italy were surprised by the captivating mountain views and landscape around us. It was dark when we arrived, so we didn’t realize the beauty awaiting us.

Day One

Our first mission event was a concert at a local church. The local church band sang a few songs in Italian, then The Rock Music brought it home with favorites you hear week in and week out, plus original songs like Your Beauty and Over and Over. The event was beautiful, and the fellowship afterward was amazing. There was a beautiful moment when you could hear melodies being sung in both Italian and English. It inspired me to think that someday we will truly be standing before the throne of God worshiping Him in every language and tongue. I am sure we will be singing a new song (maybe even written by Steele himself). That moment will be more beautiful than my heart can possibly imagine.

Posted in Missions by The Rock Church

Winter Olympics Mission Trip – Travel Day Update

Our Italy mission trip is officially underway! After two long days of travel, our team has safely arrived in northern Italy, and we’re grateful to share how the journey went.

A Rough Start and God’s Provision

We arrived at the airport early with a solid plan for checking all of our luggage and musical instruments. However, once we reached the counter, we were told that our instruments were too heavy for one leg of our Air France flight and couldn’t be checked as planned. This meant a quick pivot and a lot of problem-solving.

Posted in Missions by Brent Kendall

Why We’re Going on a 2026 Winter Olympics Mission Trip

In three days, a team of 18 people will embark on an 11-day 2026 Winter Olympics mission trip to Italy.

During this trip, we’ll spend half our time in Northern Italy, in a small town called Arco. While we’re there, we’ll be staying with our dear friends, the Testa family. Our goal is to help them build connections, form new partnerships with other ministries, and share the gospel with anyone we come in contact with.

Posted in Missions by Brent Kendall

Making a Way: God’s Work Through Conversations in Milano

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” — Isaiah 43:19

Our second day of English clubs went very well! We had both fun and meaningful conversations around the topic of music.

Several students shared that they had never been asked about their favorite song or type of music before. Many expressed genuine gratitude simply for being asked a question and for being listened to with interest. One student in particular, Vlad, was especially thankful that we took time to hear his thoughts. That moment opened the door to deeper conversations about belonging and community.

Conversations and Connection

Elijah had the opportunity to share with Vlad and his older brother about our church—how it’s a family, why it’s called The Rock, and that Jesus is our foundation and everlasting rock.

The skit we performed for the students was a huge hit—so much so that they wanted to take a photo with “George Washington” (a.k.a. Ryan)!

Later that evening, we took five students out to dinner, where even more meaningful conversations unfolded. Abbi, Ava, and Kaylee spent time with Vittoria (who came last year and stayed in touch with Andrea and Abbi throughout the year) and a new student, Ilaria. They’ve been able to share their faith multiple times, and both girls have shown genuine curiosity and asked wonderful questions.

We are so thankful that God has gone before us and prepared the way for these conversations.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) brings more opportunities for connection—through a cooking class, games, and continued conversations.

Please pray that our words will be led by the Holy Spirit, that we would continue to speak with boldness, gentleness, and truth, and that God would be glorified in everything we do.

In Christ,
The Italy Mission Team

Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church

God’s Delight and Our First Day of English Club

“As for the saints who are on the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.” — Psalm 16:3

The night before our first English club meeting, Frank Apiza encouraged our team with these words. What a beautiful reminder that God’s delight in each one of us—even before our mission work begins.

Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church

Hope in Milano: The Start of Our Mission Journey

Hello Church Family!

We arrived safely in Milano! Although a little bleary-eyed from travel, everyone is in great spirits.

At the airport, we were greeted by Amanda and her two kids, Hannah and John. What a joy it was to see their familiar faces again! After some quick reunions and introductions for our new team members, we headed to their home.

Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church

Sharing Love in Hard Places: A Mission to the Landfill Community

Before our visit, I tried to imagine what life is like for the Roma families living in the landfill. A place surrounded by trash. A place where hunger and struggle are daily realities. My heart ached knowing we were about to witness conditions so different from our own.

To prepare, we made over 100 sandwiches and assembled essential kits for the children. Our mission was to share the love of Christ. We led a Vacation Bible School centered on Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church

None of This is Random: Trusting God’s Plan on This Mission Trip

At 3 a.m., I was awakened by three taps on my shoulder and saw a hand pointing to the window. I looked out and saw one of the most beautiful, star-filled skies I have ever witnessed. None of this is here by accident. It felt like God was trying to show me something.

Days later, during my quiet time, I read Isaiah 40:26, “Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of His might and because He is strong in power, not one is missing.” This verse hit me.

Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church