IMS

Italian Ministry Lunch

Originally uploaded by Pastor Rob.

After laboring these many years in Italy, we were able to reach a milestone today (I began writing this on April 9th, 2006). Some might say “milestone” and others might say “starting line” depending on your point of view.

For the first time, we were able to host our full Italian Missions Sunday. It was beautiful. We held it with our folks, in our own place, in Italian, & permeated with Italian culture. It has taken us a number of years to arrive at this point and it was a real highlight of the year for us thus far.

One of our LifeTeams (small groups) led by the Tua family helped out brother Roberto & his wife to host a beautiful day.

We counted 13 different nationalities with us on this day and the worship center was full of folks. There was a lively buzz in the air. When you entered, you knew something special was taking place.

We sang almost all of our songs in Italian (with a mixed congregation), we prayed for issues in Italy (it was election day), and we had a number of testimonials translated back and forth. That completed our praise segment.

Roberto then led the healthy group of guests (a few remained behind who understood English and were brave enough to endure me) to the room you see pictured here where he shared a message from Isaiah 1. The Italians plainly heard the Gospel brought to them in their every-day lives.

Afterward, the men that had been cooking downstairs brought up the hot, fresh pasta to be served with a dash of olio piccante and formaggio. There, we fellowshipped and shared the good grace of Jesus Christ with others for the next three hours.

The tables were beautifully decorated with candles and fresh flowers. It was a family gathering. In fact, the Italians remarked, “This was so much like the times when we were growing up.”

I cant wait until the 21st of May when our next Italian Outreach time comes around. This time, we will invite over 100 guests and some more of them will be out of excuses and have to come. I think they will be pleasantly surprised at the joy and family of the Biblical Church.

1 Comment »

1. Sounds like a wonderful outreach program.

   Comment by Ann Rees — 5/10/2006 @ 3:09 pm

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