The Rock Church

Tag Archive: europe

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

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    “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

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  2. God’s Delight and Our First Day of English Club

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    The Italy Mission team with the first English club in Milano, Italy.

    “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.

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  3. Hope in Milano: The Start of Our Mission Journey

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    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.

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

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    Missionaries from The Rock Church handing out sack lunches to children in need at a landfill in Romania.

    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.”

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

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    Short-term missionaries from Utah play music with some of the native kids in Romania. None of this is random.

    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.

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  6. Peace, Joy, and a Deep Sense of Purpose

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    The Romania mission team sharing a meal together.

    As the sun rose over the rolling hills of Cluj-Napoca, we were reminded of God’s beautiful creation all around us. Despite the long hours of travel and little sleep, our first day in Romania was marked not by exhaustion or nerves, but by peace, joy, and a deep sense of purpose.

    From the warm welcome at the airport by Liz and Bogdan to the incredible hospitality at Casa Speranței, we felt like we had come home to a place we’d never been before. Sharing this mission with our family and church team from The Rock has already made this journey unforgettable.

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  7. Bringing the Gospel to Romania: Our Mission and Prayer Needs

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    The Rock Church is sending a mission team to Romania this summer.

    As our Romania Mission Team prepares to depart, our hearts are filled with anticipation and faith. With just two days remaining before we board our flight, we’re reaching out to our church family with a heartfelt request.

    Will you stand with us in prayer and covering?

    We believe that your prayers will make a difference as we go to serve, minister, and share the love of Christ. Here are specific ways you can pray for us:

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  8. Discovering God’s Presence in Missionary Life

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    Yesterday and today have been spent fine-tuning our plans for the mission trip. Our mission isn’t what Wednesday was — our first full day of the official mission. We met as a large group to map out the agenda, worship, and pray together. After that, kids 10 and under began the day with swimming. 

    The teenagers went out on a city trek to visit the Cathedral of St. Martin. We also took them to the top of the bell tower. Once there, you could see all of downtown Vrsar, as well as the many islands out in the Adriatic Sea. It was beautiful. Following that, Steele gave these missionary teens a quick teaching on Psalm 90. They listened with enthusiasm as Steele related this Psalm of Moses to their own lives.

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  9. Childcare for European Missionaries’ Children

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    Yesterday and today have been spent fine-tuning our plans for the mission trip. Our mission isn’t what most people picture when they hear “mission trip.” It isn’t directly evangelistic in nature, nor is it building houses, or providing medical care. Instead, we are providing childcare for European missionaries’ children while they enjoy a conference.

    It is an annual event that most of these “third culture” kids look forward to. It is the only time they have to spend with kids in a similar situation to theirs. Not to mention, with just a larger group of English-speaking Christian kids. 

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