Off we go

(Boy, those three weeks went fast)

In just a matter of hours, we'll be on our way to the airport. Thanks again for your prayers, encouragement and financial support — whether you pray, give, or go, we're all vital parts of this team.

Before we leave, here are some prayer requests. Please pray:
- For smooth travel. We leave Fort Worth on Friday morning, and most of the group returns June 21.
- For protection from sickness -- several of us are fighting off bugs -- fatigue, and crime. We're not going to be in harm's way, but we'll still be in big cities.
- For our team, that we'd have unity and humble, servant-like attitudes.
- For our leaders, Erick, Sarod, Laura and Betsy, that they'd have wisdom.
- For the Italians we'll meet. We will primarily be working with college students in Florence, with a few of us going to Bologna each weekday. We'll also help a Florentine church with what's believed to be the first Vacation Bible School ever in the city.
- For our work, that relationships will be cultivated so the local ministries, Agape Italia and Logos Evangelical Church, can better serve the community.
- For all of us, courage, perseverance, tact and compassion. Italy is a very spiritually dark place. Though its churches and cathedrals testify to its rich Christian history, to many Italians that's all Christianity is -- something from the past that's unnecessary now. Please pray that we'll show grace to everyone we meet.

Again, this ministry wouldn't be possible without you — thanks for joining us. Arrivederci!

Blessed...

We are a month a way and we are so blessed. Blessed to have the opportunity to join the Lord in His work in Italy, blessed to take Hope to the Italians, and blessed to be almost 70% of the way to our financial goal for the trip. This has been a huge burden for some of us as $2,000 is a lot of money to raise for each of us to pull our weight. God is simply amazing! It's been such a blessing to watch how He has orchestrated the funds to come in, from people we didn't expect and in ways we didn't see coming. Please continue to be praying for people who could partner with us prayerfully and financially. I can't wait to see what He does next and how He provides all we need, including the funds.
Praying expectantly,
Betsy

Prayer List

Howdy! For those of you that only know Italy for its food, high fashion, or naked statues, I'd like to take a moment to tell you about the mission field.

Most Italians identify themselves as Catholic but have fallen away from their church due to disillusionment and dissatisfaction with the way the Vatican plays a role in Italian politics. Talking to a few college students, we found that some were pro-religion, some anti-religion, but most expressed that they feel let down by the Catholic Church. That shows in the way "alternative" religions are spreading.

It makes Italy a very challenging area to spread the Gospel in. In a manner of speaking, it's already there, but may not be the focus or may be misinterpreted. What is clear is that Italians are seeking a direction. They long for spiritual fulfillment and will turn to whatever might be near.

We have several missionaries already in Italy, and they provided us with several items that they would like us keep in our prayers:

View Prayer List (pdf, 93k)
View Missionary's Prayer Calendar (pdf, 580k)

In case you lost or need a new copy of our training manual, you can download it from here as well:

Download Mission Training Manual (pdf, 1.1 mb)

"How can I be praying?"

We value your prayers more than anything. In addition to the specific ministry activities, here are some of our biggest requests for now:

Close individual walks with God. This is the most important part of our preparation; as we get closer to going, distractions and temptations are sure to ramp up for each of us.

Strengthened team unity. Jesus said people would know that we are his disciples by the love we have for one another. And with 17 of us in close quarters for eight days, it's important that we get along.

The people we'll meet. Pray that God would prepare the students' hearts so they'll be open to having spiritual conversations and receptive to the message of Christ's love and redemption.