January has witnessed history in the making at ITA. Several significant moments took place that mark a growth in the ministry since its inception almost twenty years ago.
Two men were commissioned to ministry. This was a very special ceremony that was held at our Shepherds’ conference in Messina on the 23rd through the 25th of January this new year.
Sebastian Mendez and Simone Marini, both graduates of ITA, and staff of ITA, were recently ordained by the leadership of Messina Bible Church to pastoral ministry as elders of the church. ITA then seized the opportunity to symbolically recognize them as well at the pastors’ conference.
Sebastian and Simone, two former professional soccer players, saved while playing in Sardinia, have come along way as men of God. They began taking classes at ITA years ago and later moved to Messina to attend Messina Bible church. They gave up all they had to know the Word and to know more about ministry in the local church. The Lord has matured them and matured Messina church through them and their faithful service to the body. Sebastian will fulfill the role of teaching pastor. Simone will serve alongside him teaching in addition to providing more administrative help.
ITA praises the Lord for the privilege of being brought by God’s grace to this progression in Italy; it has not only graduated students but it has participated in producing trained ministers for the pastorate of the local church.
ITA further announced its transition to Rome at its conference in Messina. This also is marvelous grace. The ministry has been able to leave the work in Messina after almost ten years there stable and strong. It has been able to secure a good partnership in Rome.
One final note of history in the making this past month of January is ITA’s last shepherds’ conference at Messina Bible Church. Tom Pennington and Carey Hardy preached with much precision and passion on the theme of elder unity in the local church. Being of one-mind and resolving conflicts biblically were some of the themes considered. Communicating and learning how to lead at different stages of leadership with only one other elder, with a few elders, and with a team of many elders were additional subjects covered from a more practical perspective.
At this year’s conference ITA was also very blessed to have worship pastor and leader at Mission Road Bible Church, KC, Aaron Johnson lead music for the conference in Italian! Our prayer is to develop Italian music in the local church so that the training done currently in preaching can be accompanied by training in music and worship.
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