Busy, Busy, Busy

We have had a busy week, so far.

Saturday night Aaron & Amanda helped lead a youth event at the church. The building was packed with 35 Giovani. Amanda's games were a hit! Aaron talked about what students in America have in common with them, sin and Christ. Then they prayed together.



Sunday morning I spoke on Jonah chapter one after Marcia and Amanda sang. I updated my powerpoint from our church into Italian. That was a new experience.

Sunday evening we celbrated the "un anno anniversario di chiesa nuova vita!" I read a letter from Pastor Nathan. Amanda and Marcia sang again. I also showed them the DVD we showed in our church. I shared with them some of our vision for starting churches and fielded their questions about what we are doing. Then I was delighted to share with them the baby clothes gift. The ladies of the church were SO excited. I also told them about the gifts from our kids to theirs. They are going to use the $280 or so dollars for scholarships to camp. Way to go kids! And, finally, I handed out Brian Janssen's CD's, "He is Lord of All" and pointed out that Marcia sings on it. What a blessed evening.



Yesterday we did something new. We exchanged formal Italian lessons for English lessons. Both met with limited success, but deepened our appreciation for one another. The highlight of the day was telling Michele and Anna about our gift for their apartment remodel. She broke into tears of joy at the news that New Life Church gave more than $24,000. They know better than I do that this gift will keep them in ministry for the rest of their lives. Dan and Alice were overjoyed to share this with such godly and faithful colaborers.

This morning Aaron and I went to visit Massimo, the young man who had a kidney replacement and got married within twenty days! He had such a sweet testimony about coming to faith after reading First Peter 2:25 & 3:18. The Spirit opened his eyes to see that Jesus died for his sins, and he believed. Tonight will be Bible study. Aaron will share with the 'young marrieds' and I will teach the rest of the church.

Thank you again for your prayers. We need them so much. It seems that our weakness is much more evident here. We pray that His strength will be, too.