As we navigate this journey together, we are filled with gratitude for the ways God continues to work in our lives, even amidst challenges. Here are some updates from our family and church ministries that we hope will inspire and encourage you.

The Mustard Seed Concept

This month, we’ve been reflecting on the powerful imagery of the mustard seed. God’s Kingdom often advances in ways we cannot see or measure. It’s not about the numbers; it’s about perseverance, endurance, and obedience.  Even in the smallest acts of faith, we can trust that God is at work. We hope this encourages you to continue to sow seeds of hope in your spheres of influence as it has encouraged us.

Remembering a Dear Friend

Last month, we said goodbye to our dear friend Vito.  His passing was quite sudden and unexpected.  Just two days before we had been chatting about heaven while sitting at a bar.  He was a great neighbor who acted as a grandpa to our kids. We have been praying for His salvation for years and we shared the gospel of Jesus with him many times.  We know that this was light in his life, and we find comfort in the hope that he is in heaven with Jesus. This loss reminds us of  how fragile life is and how we must trust God’s plan, even when it’s hard to understand. It reminds us to cherish every moment and share the love of Christ with those around us.  Thanks to all of you who prayed for Vito.

Celebrating Love at a Wedding

We recently had the joy of participating in the wedding ceremony of our friends, Stefano and Valentina. It was a beautiful occasion where we were able to share the love of Jesus with over 60 guests. We emphasized that Christ is at the center of marriage, and it was heartening to witness many people hear this message for the first time.

Updates on Our Children

Adrien is in his last year of middle school and is at a crossroads, choosing a high school that aligns with his passion for sports yet has a very large work load in science and math. In Italy not all high schools are alike and the decision to choose a direction of study comes at an early age. It can be a stressful time for kids and even for parents.  He’s been doing well in soccer, but is currently sidelined due to an injury. We’re hopeful that his recovery with be quick and smooth and it will enable him to return to the field even stronger. Rinat has started middle school and is doing pretty well.  He’s willing to do his homework more than we thought, but we are thinking it would be good for him to have some after school tutoring. Ruzanna is blossoming as she finishes elementary school, she’s helping in Sunday school, and showing a tender heart for younger children. Our youngest, Sitora, continues to impress us with her intelligence and leadership skills; her teachers adore her! Rinat, Ruzanna & Sitora all struggle with trust and honesty issues. We are asking God for wisdom on how to confront those issues in a loving way while helping them to understand that lying is wrong. We would love your prayers for that.

Conferences and Connections

We’ve attended several encouraging conferences recently, connecting with new friends and finding inspiration. It’s refreshing to see how God is moving among us and to share ideas for ministry.

Practice painting for new commission 

Creative Worship Conference

Art and Worship Initiatives

McKenzie has been commissioned for new paintings, and we’re thrilled to see how the pieces she’s created for different churches are inspiring spiritual conversations. Additionally, we’re working with, Robert, our worship leader to develop Italian worship songs along with a group of Christian musicians in Italy.  The desire is to foster a deeper connection to faith through music written in Italian instead of being translated from English.

Soccer as Ministry

We’re excited about our plans to use soccer as a means of ministry. Andrea is taking steps to receive training for the development of technical skills in soccer.  In the future we will be working on training that will equip us to teach young athletes important life values while developing their skills.  We feel it could be a unique way to reach the next generation, instilling not only a moral foundation, but also providing opportunities to share our faith.

Church Growth and Future Plans

Our church is slowly but surely growing, and we’re encouraged by a few new faces. We feel a pressing need for a youth group and are praying for the right people to help us with this.  The Persson family plans to join us in January of 2025 and their two daughters will be part of the youth, so we are excited to have them.  They are in the support raising phase so please keep them in your prayers.

Our Pioneer’s teams in Italy are continuing to find a rhythm in meeting together and continuing their language and culture acquisition.  Our newest member arrived a month or so ago and she is getting set up in her new home and language school. We are walking alongside everyone as they integrate and develop, and we’re excited about what the future holds.  McKenzie will be making a trip to visit two of the women in Florence in November.

God’s Provision Through Your Giving

In our previous newsletter we shared that we were in need of some extra financial support.  As some of you were prompted to meet that need by your giving we were filled with gratitude for how God moves and works in His people. We are humbled and thankful for your love and care and your willingness to partner with us.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for being part of our journey. Your support means the world to us. We can continue to lift one another up in prayer and trust that God is working behind the scenes, even in ways we cannot see.  Please send us a message for how we can be praying for you.

With love and blessings,

Andrea, McKenzie, Adrien, Rinat, Ruzanna and Sitora

PLEASE PRAY WITH US:

  • For seeds to continue to be planted and for them to take root

  • For Stefano and Valentina to come together to church on a regular basis and for their salvation

  • For Adrien’s next steps for choosing a high school, his full recovery and reentry into his team and in the game

  • For Rinat’s desire and progress at school and he and his sister’s trust and honesty struggles

  • For direction and wisdom in the arts, soccer and worship ministries

  • For McKenzie’s trip to Florence to visit PI members, Hollie and Charlotte

  • For continued growth for il Granaio and for the Persson family’s support raising plus our need for a youth group and leaders

Thank you so much for your partnership. It is so valuable to us and the ministry here in Italy!

YOUR PRAYER AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT KEEP US GOING HERE IN ITALY AND WE ARE SO GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR IT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU HAVE BLESSED US.

CHOOSE ONE OPTION BELOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY!

Comment

Privacy Policy