August was busy to say the least! And part of it was vacation! My parents arrived around August 15th. Part of their decision to come visit me this summer was because my father had a conference to attend in Spain. We decided to make the attendance to the conference a family affair. I even attended part of it. One of the things at this conference that was of real interest to me was the seminar on group story telling and the many ways story telling can be used, even for bible study. It was very exciting. After Spain we returned to Italy and had some time together as a family here in Southern Italy. It was a really great time as a family, the only people missing were my sister and her family. All the same it was a good time together. When we returned back to my house my parents were around for another week while things were getting started up again here. We had some time to spend with a few of the believers from Civita and Monterosi. Having mom and dad here was also really good for my connection with others in the community. It is a really odd thing in Italy to be a single and not have family nearby. So it is a really great thing when they get to put me together with my family, see where I come from, see we have good relationships with each other. It was surprising to me that even the lady at the pizzeria remembered them visiting almost 2 years ago! My neighbors made more of an effort this time to interact with them as well! All very exciting.
After mom and dad left things have started steadily falling into full swing. Last weekend we had a youth evangelism. The kids from the Civita church worked hard on this evangelism. The first night they performed music and and a skit in the town many of them live in, Corchiano, and the following night in Civita Castellana. The first night there weren’t many people present, but 3 were very curious and engaged us in conversation. The second night there were tons of teens all over the piazza the event was held in. Many bent a listening ear, even though they tried to look like they weren’t. As I looked around it was interesting to see that a group of late 20′s early 30′s seemed to all be listening pretty intently.
Just to highlight a prayer below. It is time for me to renew my visa again. Please be praying for this process. Pray that the authorities would be favorable towards me. Pray for a smooth, unhindered process. Please also pray they will renew the visa for 2 years or longer and that I will receive it quickly (Feb. or March).
August was a really good month and I am looking forward to the rest of September. Here are some praises and prayers for you to bring before the Lord.
Praises:
- The opportunity to do evangelism in Corchiano and Civita with overall smooth running.
- everyone back from vacation safe and refreshed.
- good time with parents and safe travel
Prayer:
- smooth adjustment to new ministry roles and getting back in the swing of things after the summer
- Application for my visa renewal
- youth in Monterosi and Civita to grow in the Lord this year.
- wisdom and discernment for me in all areas of my life and ministry.
Thanks so much for all your love and prayers. This ministry can’t happen with out you. I am so grateful that the Lord has brought you in to be a part of it.
Amanda
Hey there:
I hope and pray that God blesses you in all that you put your hands to.
i will be praying for you and that the Lord helps you in areas that you are in need. God is in control and loves to help those that faithfully serve Him in the sacrificial realm of life for the growth and the movement of His kingdom.
you rock and you are always in my prayers.
God Bless and see you soon..:)