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PRAYER UPDATES
Posted: August 30, 2010
Dear prayer partners of the Lord's work in Perugia, Italy,
Much time has passed since you last heard from us, and much work has been done. Rachel spent a few weeks in the U.S. with Daniel and Elizabeth after the birth of Elisa on May 15th. Cristina (age 2½) had no problem letting "nonna" do things for her, which gave Elizabeth time to recuperate and adjust to having another daughter. The commissioning service for Daniel and Elizabeth at their sending church (and our supporting church), Summit Baptist Bible of Clarks Summit, was an emotional moment as we remembered our own service in 1972. Pray for Daniel, Elizabeth, Cristina, and Elisa as they fly to Italy on September 8th. Pray for Daniel and the girls who will need to resolve their visa needs after their arrival in Perugia.
In the middle of June Rachel returned to Italy with her nephew, Ryan, and met up in Rome with a team from Jonathan and Melodee's sending church, Calvary Baptist of Grand Rapids. During their 10 day visit the group from Calvary was involved in teaching ministries, as well as a "never-ending" painting project at the radio building! They also assembled the 1500 Bible calendars that will be given out for 2011.
At that time Jonathan was recovering from a second surgery, after his tongue surgery done in May had indeed revealed a malignant tumor. We praise the Lord that the second surgery, which involved removal of more tongue tissue and his left lymph node, showed no cancer. He is recovering well, although the shoulder nerve that was disturbed during the second surgery is giving him a lot of pain and discomfort. He will repeat a CT scan in the end of September to monitor his condition. We appreciate prayer for his complete recovery. Melodee's pregnancy is going well, and they recently found out she is carrying a boy, who will be born in the San Sisto hospital at the end of December.
Ryan (Rachel's nephew) was with us for the entire summer on an internship to complete his course requirements for Word of Life. In preparation for a possible ministry with us in Italy, he will be finishing his degree at Baptist Bible College, and trusting the Lord for direction in his life. He was a relentless worker, completing all the projects that were given him, with a sweet servant's spirit. With the help of his Aunt and several people from the church, he was able to see the completion of the painting project before his departure. Ryan spent a lot of time with the teens and after teaching the youth meeting for several weeks he told us: "You have wonderful youth who really know the Word. They know things that I had to learn at Bible College!" We are thankful to Jonathan for his faithful training and discipleship of our youth. (In Italy, "youth" includes anyone that is not married yet, from age 14 and up!)
The church has greatly benefited from a Bible conference that is held every October just an hour from Perugia. Last year we took 25 adults from our church, and this year we are taking 40. Pray for this ministry as they, like many American organizations, are feeling the financial crunch. This conference is offered at practically no cost to the participants, so that they can then train and encourage Italian believers in their growth. It is a fantastic teaching tool!
We have been offering a course in our church on Biblical parenting, with an average of 35 people coming out for an additional evening each week to learn how to disciple the heart of the child. We have encouraged our future parents (youth group), as well as all those who are involved in the ministry of teaching children or discipling others, to participate. Italy is a country where there is little understanding of a Biblical method of discipline. A number of unchurched folks are attending this study as well.
Josh, Sara, Rebecca, and Samuel are in the States on furlough right now and we know that they would appreciate your prayer during these strenuous months of travel. They recently announced that Sara is carrying their third child (grandchild number 6 for us)!
We trust that your summer has been an exciting one of service for the Lord. So many believers seem to go on vacation from the Lord and from their financial commitments. Thank you for not being one of those.
Dear prayer partners of the Lord's work in Perugia, Italy,
In the middle of June Rachel returned to Italy with her nephew, Ryan, and met up in Rome with a team from Jonathan and Melodee's sending church, Calvary Baptist of Grand Rapids. During their 10 day visit the group from Calvary was involved in teaching ministries, as well as a "never-ending" painting project at the radio building! They also assembled the 1500 Bible calendars that will be given out for 2011.
Ryan (Rachel's nephew) was with us for the entire summer on an internship to complete his course requirements for Word of Life. In preparation for a possible ministry with us in Italy, he will be finishing his degree at Baptist Bible College, and trusting the Lord for direction in his life. He was a relentless worker, completing all the projects that were given him, with a sweet servant's spirit. With the help of his Aunt and several people from the church, he was able to see the completion of the painting project before his departure. Ryan spent a lot of time with the teens and after teaching the youth meeting for several weeks he told us: "You have wonderful youth who really know the Word. They know things that I had to learn at Bible College!" We are thankful to Jonathan for his faithful training and discipleship of our youth. (In Italy, "youth" includes anyone that is not married yet, from age 14 and up!)
