Going Back to Rome with Good News

"But the angel said to them [shepherds], 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10, NASB). Beloved, when you think of "great joy," what comes to mind? My prayer is that your great joy is in Christ alone. This advent season, Husband and I rejoice as we reflect back and look forward to visiting Rome on January 9-23, with the privilege of sharing this precious gift with others in Italy. We need your faithful prayers more than ever, as this could potentially be the location where God is calling us to serve long-term (to be confirmed). As such, this month we will share on: 1) past events, 2) our upcoming trip, 3) the need in Italy and 4) ways we are at looking to the Lord for practical provision (for the formal approved support letter, click here).

1) past events: when Rick and I began courting in May 2014, there were no discussions or desires to be missionaries - where we are today is a testament to His sovereignty alone. In January 2018, our family began serving in a youth evangelism ministry at our former church, and a heart for the gospel and lost was born. In 2019, Husband began looking into a short-term mission’s trip; we started attending Cornerstone Fellowship Bible Church; and He and I began ongoing counseling from the mission's pastor in December. In January 2020, Husband and I went on a discovery trip to Madrid (Spain) and Turin (Italy) with ABWE. I cannot believe it will be 2 years since then!!! 

2) our upcoming trip: in March 2020, we connected with a GMI missionary, Johnny Gravino. He serves as the director of the Italian Theological Academy (ITA), a biblical training center in Rome, Italy. The ITA hosts an annual biblical conference for (male) leaders in Western Europe. We have been invited to attend the one in 2022, January 20-22, and our church's pastor-elder board has supported our going. Husband plans to attend. There is one workshop for women - I am looking forward to that. And there is an opportunity for us to serve with hospitality. Also, we will finally be able to meet the ITA team in person, their families and others serving the Lord in the region. 

3) the need in Italy: 1.46% profess to be evangelical, 3.5% are unreached and 91.7% are superficially reached with the gospel (Joshua Project). While it grieves me to consider so many do not even know their need for the "good news," it spurs us on to pray for and do what we can, as the Lord continues directing. One need in Italy is for seasoned lay people that model a Christian life, disciple young believers in the faith and support the pastors - think of us being like "Aquila and Priscilla" (church strengthening). 

4) ways we are looking to the Lord for practical provision: 

1. Prayer before, during and after (some ideas are noted below)
2. Financial - electronic giving can be made through CFBC to “Missions – Team Italy” by clicking here, or personal checks can be made payable to CFBC, with “Missions Vision Fund – Italy” on the memo line *please note, for a contribution to be tax-deductible, CFBC has complete discretion and control over the use of all funds donated
3. Transportation to and from the Los Angeles Airport (January 9 @ 8PM; January 23 @ 4:20PM)

Our greatest need is prayer. And we estimate the trip will cost between $4,000 and $5,000. Our mission’s pastor has requested $2,000 from our church's mission's vision budget and okayed us to raise $2,000. 

As the Lord continues opening our own eyes and heart to this good news, He is giving us an eagerness to continue walking forward by faith to share it with others. He is keeping our minds on Him for peace, wisdom and boldness, confident in His leading and enabling. We are humbled to be a part of His plans and excited to see them unfold in real time here and in Rome - che grazia (what grace)! 

Praise Reports:

1. I interviewed for a part-time position with the CBU Athletic Office on 12/1, and it went well (I am waiting to hear back)
2. Husband and I were able to engage family members with the gospel on Thanksgiving and go out with one other brother to the Mission Inn on 12/4 to evangelize - the Lord paved the way for a handful of engaging eternal conversations
3. Jacob and Zachary were able to attend a gospel-centered play put on by our church, and they enjoyed it - Zachary is considering participating next year
4. Jacob had a delightful Christmas concert at CBU - Husband and I were able to attend 12/5-6
5. Husband completed his first semester at TC 12/13 (he takes his final 12/16)
6. We look forward to opportunities to love on and share the Christmas story with others during interactions and upcoming gatherings 

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

1. Continued direction/balance with ministry (+ faith, patience, wisdom & obedience), especially as Husband continues bible training 
2. Faithfulness in our current season
3. Unity in marriage & family 
4. Physical healing for me (ongoing fatigue, sleep & COVID residuals) & our ability to conceive
5. Continued provision &/or direction for me with work 
6. Jacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation

Prayer Requests (specific to our trip to Rome January 9-23):

1. To seek God’s glory & submit to His will, above all else
2. To walk in the gospel & bear fruits of the Spirit
3. Direction & discernment
4. Physical health, peace & strength – especially on fly days & with time difference 
5. Travel logistics 
6. Language/cultural barriers
7. Financial provision
8. Unity & protection from spiritual attack
9. To build honest & strong relationships with missionaries & locals
10. Adjusting the custody schedule & ability to maintain communication with Zachary