I've been in Italy for over a year now and cannot put into
words everything that has happened and what I have experienced. I don't think I totally understood or grasped
what Jesus meant when He talked about His strength and our weakness. For some
reason that whole concept did not hit me until I came here. I have been slapped
in the face with all my flaws and things that I need to work on and
change. I see how much power God can
have in my life, because I am so weak. Apart from Him I cannot do anything. I
love the fact that where I am weak, He is strong.
Before I get into an update from this summer and such, the
most exciting thing that has happened recently is that one of our students has
been baptized! His name is Paolo and has
been coming to the school for English lessons for a few years. Last year he
went to Kabul and attended a church there and said he truly experienced God for
the first time. One thing Ryan, Paolo's English teacher, pointed out was that
the church he attended in Kabul was in English, which Paolo learned by coming
to lessons at the Bible School. I know what we all have here, and I know so
many other people have experienced the frustration of not seeing immediate
"fruit." There are days that we ask ourselves, "Why are we here?
Are we really making a difference?" But in Paolo's case, it took years,
and God worked through a lot of different people to get him to where he is
now. Paolo is such an encouragement to
me. He is so much on fire for God and always serving others. His story helps me
keep going and doing things that may sometimes be frustrating or seem
meaningless. You never know how God is using it and what your part is in the
greater plan.
So an update about everything that has been going on this
summer...
We had two Vacation Bible Schools, one here in Florence and
also at one of the Churches in Sicily. The theme was "Miracles of Jesus"
and which turned out really well. VBS is a newer thing here so it's fun to see
how much the kids and especially the parents enjoy it. I never realized how
much work goes into a VBS and how impactful it is. So I want to say "thanks"
to everyone who helps with VBS in any way. I appreciate so much the time and
effort it takes to do it.
This past month we have been doing a lot of work on the
building here. We have been updating a lot of things such as a new septic tank,
new concrete around the whole building, retiling, repainting, and pretty much
anything else you can think of when you redo a living room/dining room. :) It's
a lot of work but it definitely needed. We have three Italian boys from one of
the churches in Rome staying here to help with the work.
August is an interesting month here in Italy. It is basically
vacation month. Most stores are closed and most people are at the beach or in
the mountains. Pretty much all my students have been away traveling.
My family came for a visit so we traveled around a bit, which was so
great and definitely needed.
While I was traveling with my family, the Bible School
hosted a youth retreat for the churches in Italy. The theme was "I Am
Second " and was all about service. Then the Florence church hosted a
treat for all the members of the churches in Italy. I have heard nothing but
good things about all these events. There is definitely something happening
with the people here. God is moving.
The boys from Rome that were here to help with the work on
the building this summer are now living with us. After living here and experiencing the retreats,
they decided they wanted to stay here, get jobs, go to school, and help us and
the church in Florence. They are so passionate about God and have such a
genuine faith. I know they are an encouragement to me and all the members of
the church in Florence. They bring energy to the Church, which it definitely
needs. It's also great for our students
that come here. They can see that there are people their own age who do care
about God and the Bible.
Several of the Avanti Italia workers are leaving soon to go back to the states.
Some have already left. It will definitely be different here without them but
they have started such a good work here and all have taught me so much. Every
time I step back and look at the people God has put in my life it almost over
whelms me to realize how blessed I have been. To know, work, and live with the people I have this
past year has been, for lack of a better word, awesome. They have taught me so
much about myself, about other people and about God. I see God in all of them
and I am truly thankful for that.
I had a few visitors this summer from the States! It was so good and such an encouragement to see them.
We start lessons with our students soon. I am really looking
forward to this year. I don't know what it is, but there is just a good feeling
here. Good things are happening and I feel like God is stirring hearts.
At the risk of being repetitive in my update, I want to
again thank each of you for your prayers and to all of you who are supporting
me. Lives are being impacted. 