Ministry on Several Fronts
May in the Ministry Review, now nearing the close of the month, has experienced a variety of ministry emphases.
Our training program at ITA has progressed forward with students online from several locations throughout Italy meeting regularly to study in our survey of the Bible (1st year) and Foundations (Fundamentals of the Faith and Church Life) (2nd year). We, at ITA, have witnessed endurance on behalf of the students and teachers.
Preparations are now being made to meet in-person in June for our final weekend-intensive classes for this year. This, in and of itself, is a great feat, that is to say reaching the point of meeting in-person.
Looking back on an academic year that has endured turbulent global circumstances, God’s grace continues to be that one and all sufficient thread that through it all has propelled the training of local churches in Italy forward.
Much gratitude is offered to God in praise for the faithful team of missionary professors, one graduate, now pastor professor, Sebastian Mendez (pastor of the Bible Church of Messina), and, the newest member, who has taught from a distance throughout the year but now soon to arrive to the field, Cesare Albanesi.
These men have given of their time, above and beyond their own specific works, to invest in leading those churches the Lord has providentially drawn to us to further depth in the knowledge of God, His Word, and His Church.
There is nothing of greater priority in Italy than this godly ambition (if we may choose to express ourselves in such bold manner). It is about the churches, the men leading them, and the Word of God that sounds forth from their pulpits week in and week out.
Though the seasons will bring winds of change, even those twisters that appear too daunting to overcome, the mandate and the mission at ITA, until Christ returns, remains the same: we train men of God in Italy to preach the word in season and out of season.
On another front, speaking of ministry emphases, our classroom in Rome presses forward as well. April and May have witnessed repeated gatherings on Sunday evenings in person at the local theater venue provided for by an unbelieving friend of the ministry.
The aim, here as well, is to sound forth the Gospel through the preaching of God’s counsel (truth) in Rome and beyond.
This unique setting continues to draw both believers from surrounding churches and unbelievers curiously open to knowing God. It is simply an exceptional atmosphere, thrilling to observe the Word impact those present each time.
We are resolute in following through on this open door of God’s providence in such a central location.
Please pray for more wisdom particularly on this unique and sensitive front of the ministry. Each new gathering at the theater leads to the gradual conviction that the need is more than a classroom but a church.