Vicenza holds a special place in our hearts.  This is the city and church we were a part of for a year in 2009.  We spend Wednesday evening with the Ghanian brotheren holding a Bible study for them.  They have such a wonderful love for the Lord.   

I was also able to spend sometime with the youth of the church in Vicenza.  Marco was baptized at camp two years ago.  He has such a calm and searching spirit.  Caterina and Veronica are sisters and are starting to become leaders among the younger children at the church in Vicenza. 

Look for the next post where I will be sharing my thoughts and closing remarks in regards to this year's mission trip to Italy. 

Puglia

After the conference, we were invited to spend a couple of days with Franco Verardi, a preacher who works with 3 churches in the Puglia region of Italy. We were encouraged and blessed by his family's hospitality and devotion to the work for the Lord in Italy.  Franco is truly devoted and in love with Christ and is a blessing to all who meet him.  He is a true example of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

We were also invited to speak to the church in Mesagne, one of the churches Franco works with.  Mesagne was such a loving and accepting church.  There were many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ who truly are seeking the Lord and His will.   

Velletri Conference

What a great conference this year at Velletri!!  We were invited to help with this church of Christ conference in Velletri, near Rome.  The conference was held May 4th to the 6th.  There were several great speakers and we were able to visit and connect with many leaders from churches of Christ from all over Italy.

Titus was also able to have a time with the youth on Saturday afternoon.  We discussed the topic of being a disciple of Christ and what that means.  Eric Smith, an Avanti Italia worker from Taranto, Italy, helped me out with this session.  I shared with them an interesting way to study the Bible.  It's called Discovery Bible Study.  This is what you see them doing in the picture.  It's a way to study the Word to bring about the obedience we desperately need in our lives. 

Rome and Anzio

The Lord watched over me and allowed a great trip into Rome on Wednesday. We were greeted by Vittorio Vitalone, a medical doctor who dedicates part of his time to the work of the churches in Italy. That evening, Phil Jackson and I presented Bible class for the Viale Jonio church in Rome. On Thursday, we were blessed with another great Bible study with the church in Anzio. Anzio is an hour south of Rome. We are encouraged by the warmth and love that these brothers and sisters have shown us during these couple of days. The theme we keep hearing from Italian church leaders and Christians is the need for encouragement and partnership. What an exciting opportunity! Are we going to step up and help our fellow brethren? We all have this within. We were created to love and choose. Let us choose to allow the Spirit of the Lord to work in each of our lives.

Leaving on a jet plane...

It seems like that phrase is so overused, but I wanted to use it one more time. I'm waiting at the airport in Omaha getting ready to leave for the 10 day mission trip to Italy. I keep thinking of all the wonderful friends and churches who are making all this possible and I know the great responsibility I carry. This is our trip and want to make sure you check this blog regularly to see the updates obout the trip. I have already heard from many Italian Christians who are excited about what God is going to do in just 10 days. I ask for your prayers!

I'm trying...

I guess "blogging" is not my thing, but don't give up on me... I'm still amazed at how God, the Almighty, works in our lives and the blessings He gives to his children.  We are looking forward to our trip to Nebraska and then Titus' trip on to Italy.  We are excited to see our friends Ryan and Leann in Wichita, Darren and Belinda in Nelson, the church of Christ in Nelson, and Angie's family before Titus leaves for Italy.  For now, keep us in your prayers.  I know God is going to do great and mighty works.  My prayer is that we will be able to see them and recognize them.  Until next time,... remember to stay connected and never give up.

Countdown to Italy: 30 days

Well everyone, the Lord has blessed me with the funds needed for this year's trip to Italy.  First off, GRAZIE (thank you) to all my supporters who over the years have given generously to this cause.  I countinue to be amazed at how God is working in Italy.  Remember, I will use this blog to keep you posted; with information regarding the trip and updates on the latest and greatest news from the field. 

Excited...

Most of you know my love and passion for Italy and the Italian people.  I try to as much as possible visit for a couple of weeks during the year to encourage and uplift the churches there. 
This year in May, Lord willing, I will be traveling to Italy for a mission trip.  Phil Jackson, Facilitator for European Church Planting of Mission Resource Network (a ministry of the churches of Chrsit), will be traveling with me.  We will be visiting 5 churches, 1 national church conference, 100s+ Christians. 
It's an exciting time for the churches in Italy.  Last year, I was amazed at the openess and receptivety of young people looking and searching for a deeper meaning in life.  The economic crisis, dissatisfaction with the Roman Catholic Church, and free information everywhere have collited together to bring about something new and interesting!  Many young adults in Europe are looking at their lives and asking questions. 
I'm encouraged to see many missionaries rethinking Europe and wanted to go and share the Word with this generations.  We need to help them, support them, give them all the encouragement we can, because this is the time.  And we don't want to miss it!

New Start: Viva

Well, I'm entering this year with a new sense of hope, meaning, and focus.  "Viva", which in Italian means "alive" and/or "hurray", seemed appropriate to define my life right now.  I'm new to this whole blogging thing.  Any tips from you would be awesome.  I hope to be able keep you updated on what is happening and get you excited about what could become.

Immagine what Viva could mean in your life.  As this year begins, so will these adventures and I hope you will follow along with me.  Together, and by the grace of God, we will live everyday saying "Viva"!