August is here! It's hard to believe
that July flew by so quickly. We had a really lovely trip to England
visiting our family and meeting our new nephew Theo! On our flight to
England a man from the local print shop, Carlo, and his family were on
our flight and it was so nice to be able to chat with them a little bit
and hopefully begin developing that relationship. The fact that someone
from our town was on the same flight amazed me- the Lord always seems to
know exactly where we need to be. While we were in England we were very
encouraged through those at Calvary Oxford and had an opportunity to
share with them what has been happening here in Italy. Other than that
we were spoiled with family time and British weather :)
When we arrived home there was a
team in from Calvary Chapel Canyon Hills, California to do some local
outreach. On Thursday nights in July the main street of Montebelluna
turns into a hub of activity. Most, if not all, of the Piazzas have
different bands playing or other types of shows, art exhibits, or hand
crafted goods for sale. We were so very blessed to have this team in to
play worship music and share the gospel for two of those weeks. The
second Thursday we had a different and more central piazza so it was
more accessible for people to come by to listen. We also set up a
station to do free face painting and balloons for the kids. We saw a lot
of people we knew and it was a great opportunity to share about the
church. Pray that those who heard the gospel or received a track would
come to know the Lord. While the team was in we also got a lot of
practical cleaning and organizing done at the church and the Bible
College dorms! It was definitely a blessing to have them.Sunday the church had a baptism at the river! Many people who were not even apart of the church stood and watched as about seven believers took another step in proclaiming their faith. We are so glad that we get to experience and see how the Lord is working in the lives of those in the church.
The Lord has provided for us to go to Austria for the next two weeks. We will be attending first the Italian conference and then the Missions conference. We will be serving for the Italian conference doing the kids ministry during the teaching sessions and also helping with some of the worship. Pray for that time that we will build better relationships with those in the church and also that we would be able to bless the kids.
Prayer
- Any seeds that were planted during the outreach last Thursday would take root
- For those who were baptized on Sunday that they would continue to grow in their faith
- Our time in Austria- that it would be a blessing to those we serve and a refreshing time during the Missions conference
- Relationships with people in town that they would grow
- Our language learning and our marriage
- In preparation for next semester:
- James as he prepares for his class
- Financial support for the students coming and that their hearts would be ready to receive what the Lord will do.
- Continued unity within the staff
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” -1 Peter 1:13-16-
