I can't stop listening to David Crowder's The Glory of It All.
This song sums up what I have been experiencing from and learning about God over the past several weeks. He is so good and so faithful...and he promises to never leave us.
Check out the lyrics...I've highlighted some of my favorites:
At the start
He was there
He was there
In the end
He’ll be there
He’ll be there
And after all
Our hands have wrought
He forgives
Oh, the glory of it all
Is He came here
For the rescue of us all
That we may live
For the glory of it all
Oh, the glory of it all
All is lost
Find Him there
Find Him there
After night
Dawn is there
Dawn is there
And after all
Falls apart
He repairs
He repairs
Oh, He is here
With redemption from the fall
That we may live
For the glory of it all
Oh, the glory of it all
After night
Comes a light
Dawn is here
Dawn is here
It’s a new day, a new day
Oh, everything will change
Things will never be the same
We will never be the same
Oh, everything will change
Things will never be the same
We will never be same
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
It's been a busy month here in Flo-town. We've been doing a lot of different things here...here are a few:
iPod o Capra
This semester we have been trying some new ways to promote our name as an organization as well as meet new students. A few weeks ago we decided to do a free drawing where students could win either an ipod for themselves or choose to use the money that would buy the ipod to give 3 goats to 3 families in need in Afghanistan. I spent a LONG time making 3 ipod costumes and 3 goat masks and the next week we went out on campus with our guys wearing the costumes, playing loud, fun music, and getting students to sign up for the drawing.We got a really good response and signed up several hundred students for the drawing. We had a lot of fun being a little bit crazy but also doing something with a great humanitarian purpose. We got to involve several of our Italian friends in the
process and also met new people. And the winners both chose the goats!
[Cowboy Davide in the cutout I made]
[some of the Italian guys hanging out]
iPod o Capra
This semester we have been trying some new ways to promote our name as an organization as well as meet new students. A few weeks ago we decided to do a free drawing where students could win either an ipod for themselves or choose to use the money that would buy the ipod to give 3 goats to 3 families in need in Afghanistan. I spent a LONG time making 3 ipod costumes and 3 goat masks and the next week we went out on campus with our guys wearing the costumes, playing loud, fun music, and getting students to sign up for the drawing.We got a really good response and signed up several hundred students for the drawing. We had a lot of fun being a little bit crazy but also doing something with a great humanitarian purpose. We got to involve several of our Italian friends in the
process and also met new people. And the winners both chose the goats!
Texas Party
At the end of the ipod/goat week we had our annual Texas party - basically just a bbq with lots of country music. :) It rained so attendance was a little low...but it was a really fun night. We ate some good American food, learned to two-step and line dance, and just had a good time of fellowship together deepening relationships.
[Sarah & Matteo getting creative before the party]
At the end of the ipod/goat week we had our annual Texas party - basically just a bbq with lots of country music. :) It rained so attendance was a little low...but it was a really fun night. We ate some good American food, learned to two-step and line dance, and just had a good time of fellowship together deepening relationships.
[Sarah & Matteo getting creative before the party]
[me & antonio. my head is a little big for the hat...:)]
[Cowboy Davide in the cutout I made]
[Sarah teaching Cristiano to two-step]
[some of the Italian guys hanging out]Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday was our friend Sabrina's 21st birthday. We had a garden party for her at my teammate Marti's apartment. It was a fun evening of fellowship and also a great opportunity to meet students. One of the coolest things about the evening was watching our believing Italian friends [mostly from our church] meeting and getting to know Sabrina's friends who are not believers.
Here are some pictures from the party!
[sabrina with her cake]
[getting a pair of shoes she had admired in a store window]
[marti & sarah bringing out the cake]
[sabrina & some of the friends at the party]
[first group picture of the evening]
[second group picture. in true italian fashion people were coming & going for about 3 hours]
Here are some pictures from the party!
[sabrina with her cake]
[getting a pair of shoes she had admired in a store window]
[marti & sarah bringing out the cake]
[sabrina & some of the friends at the party]
[first group picture of the evening]
[second group picture. in true italian fashion people were coming & going for about 3 hours]
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Creating Space.
For the past several weeks our team has been meeting with a group of our national leaders who have helped us revisit some of the foundational things about ministry and why we are in Italy. Together we have studied scripture, talked through our national vision, and discussed what it looks like to do ministry effectively in this country.
One of the things our leaders talked with us about was 'creating space for ministry.' This is an idea that has been before us over the past two years, but it was great to be reminded of it.
I am really looking forward to the next couple of months. Our team has reevaluated and restructured some things and I can't wait to see what happens with the new spaces we have created for ministry to happen. This basically means we have moved our schedule around and have added a few things so that there are regularly occurring consistent blocks of time where we will be doing life with students outside of the university campus.
Pray with us that God would use these times to help Italians see Him. Pray that the image of Christ would be seen through myself and my teammates. Pray that we would have wisdom and boldness with the Gospel.
One of the things our leaders talked with us about was 'creating space for ministry.' This is an idea that has been before us over the past two years, but it was great to be reminded of it.
I am really looking forward to the next couple of months. Our team has reevaluated and restructured some things and I can't wait to see what happens with the new spaces we have created for ministry to happen. This basically means we have moved our schedule around and have added a few things so that there are regularly occurring consistent blocks of time where we will be doing life with students outside of the university campus.
Pray with us that God would use these times to help Italians see Him. Pray that the image of Christ would be seen through myself and my teammates. Pray that we would have wisdom and boldness with the Gospel.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Pancakes & Sun.
Saturday was a beautiful day in Florence.
Probably the nicest one we have had so far this Spring. We were so thankful for the warm temperatures and sunny skies - especially since we had planned a pancake extravaganza for that day. :)
We invited a bunch of our Italian friends over to my teammates Ross & Lindsay's apartment and made about 12 batches of pancakes. We spent the afternoon eating delicious pancakes, talking, and playing games out in the backyard.
It was really great to get to spend time together and deepen friendships. It was also fun to get to share an American breakfast tradition with the Italians. Many of them had never had pancakes before and most of the students wanted a copy of the recipe to take home with them. :)
Please continue to pray for more opportunities to deepen our current relationships as well as begin new ones. Pray that Christ would be put on display and that we would be bold with the gospel. Pray that Italian students would come to faith this Spring.
Probably the nicest one we have had so far this Spring. We were so thankful for the warm temperatures and sunny skies - especially since we had planned a pancake extravaganza for that day. :)
We invited a bunch of our Italian friends over to my teammates Ross & Lindsay's apartment and made about 12 batches of pancakes. We spent the afternoon eating delicious pancakes, talking, and playing games out in the backyard.
It was really great to get to spend time together and deepen friendships. It was also fun to get to share an American breakfast tradition with the Italians. Many of them had never had pancakes before and most of the students wanted a copy of the recipe to take home with them. :)
Please continue to pray for more opportunities to deepen our current relationships as well as begin new ones. Pray that Christ would be put on display and that we would be bold with the gospel. Pray that Italian students would come to faith this Spring.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
i've been pouring over this chapter from Isaiah today.
it really puts the crucifixion back into perspective for me.
it was ME. me that despised and rejected him. me that turned my back on him.
me that he was pierced, beaten, and whipped for.
and me that has been given new life and restored to right-standing with the Father.
there is definitely reason to celebrate!
1 Who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
2 My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,
like a root in dry ground.
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
nothing to attract us to him.
3 He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
it really puts the crucifixion back into perspective for me.
it was ME. me that despised and rejected him. me that turned my back on him.
me that he was pierced, beaten, and whipped for.
and me that has been given new life and restored to right-standing with the Father.
there is definitely reason to celebrate!
1 Who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
2 My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,
like a root in dry ground.
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
nothing to attract us to him.
3 He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrowsa]">[a] that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.
7 He was oppressed and treated harshly,
yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
8 Unjustly condemned,
he was led away.b]">[b]
No one cared that he died without descendants,
that his life was cut short in midstream.c]">[c]
But he was struck down
for the rebellion of my people.
9 He had done no wrong
and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal;
he was put in a rich man’s grave.
10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him
and cause him grief.
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
he will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for he will bear all their sins.
12 I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,
because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
Isaiah 53 [New Living Translation]
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Praise the One, Risen Son of God.
Today is Palm Sunday.
I think of the original followers of Jesus who, having no idea their King was about to be crucified, worshiped Him as he entered Jerusalem shouting:
"Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the king of Israel!"
But Jesus knew. He knew what was before him. As he rode through the streets watching the people waving palm branches and worshiping him [and probably others laughing at him or even cursing him] He knew. He knew that in just a short amount of time he would endure terrible mocking, criticism, and beating and then die a very brutal death for all of them - those who believed and followed him, and those by whom he was scorned. As they beat him up to the point of death, somehow he still loved them. He still loved me. He still loved you. And he chose to die - so that we may have life with him eternally.
Join me as I spend time this week reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Let's allow Him to remind us of the price He paid for us, the beauty of salvation, and the power demonstrated when He defeated death.
And as we do this let's pray for Italians. Pray that this Easter wouldn't pass by as just another holiday in a nation that is culturally religious. Pray that their hearts would be softened and that they would hear the story of Jesus' death and resurrection as if for the first time. Pray that the power that raised Jesus for the dead would pierce the hearts of the people in this nation and cause them to turn to Him.
Check Out:
Colossians 2:13-15
John 12:23-33
2 Corinthians 5:19-21
Romans 5:8-11
Acts 2:24
John 3:16
Before the Throne of God Above
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!
Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!
One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
I think of the original followers of Jesus who, having no idea their King was about to be crucified, worshiped Him as he entered Jerusalem shouting:
"Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the king of Israel!"
But Jesus knew. He knew what was before him. As he rode through the streets watching the people waving palm branches and worshiping him [and probably others laughing at him or even cursing him] He knew. He knew that in just a short amount of time he would endure terrible mocking, criticism, and beating and then die a very brutal death for all of them - those who believed and followed him, and those by whom he was scorned. As they beat him up to the point of death, somehow he still loved them. He still loved me. He still loved you. And he chose to die - so that we may have life with him eternally.
Join me as I spend time this week reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Let's allow Him to remind us of the price He paid for us, the beauty of salvation, and the power demonstrated when He defeated death.
And as we do this let's pray for Italians. Pray that this Easter wouldn't pass by as just another holiday in a nation that is culturally religious. Pray that their hearts would be softened and that they would hear the story of Jesus' death and resurrection as if for the first time. Pray that the power that raised Jesus for the dead would pierce the hearts of the people in this nation and cause them to turn to Him.
Check Out:
Colossians 2:13-15
John 12:23-33
2 Corinthians 5:19-21
Romans 5:8-11
Acts 2:24
John 3:16
Before the Throne of God Above
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!
Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!
One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
An Excerpt From My Journal.
January 14, 2010
I've listened to this sermon called The One Who Answers Our Cry about four times in the past 2 weeks. The text for the sermon is 2 Samuel 22 - if I hadn't listened to the sermon, this scripture would have had an entirely different meaning for me...it might even be a bit discouraging. But listening to the message - one at the end of a series on Samuel and David - the speaker gives context. This Psalm of David is written after Psalm 51 - the Psalm written after David takes Bathsheba and commits adultery with her, gets her pregnant, schemes to try to cover it up, and when that plan doesn't work, has her husband killed on the battlefield. This very same man writes about the Lord being his rock, refuge, and shield. He tells of how he cried out to God and He rescued him from the grips of death. And my favorite part - "He rescued me because He delights in me" David - adulterer, murder, liar - someone just like me - proclaims not just that God loves Him, but also that the God of Heaven and earth delights in him! Wow!
And it gets even better...in the very next verses David says "The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence."
My initial reaction is to think David was either crazy or a liar We know he sinned. The Bible states it very clearly. But David had it right. He actually believed God when he said that if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness [1 John 1:9]. Psalm 51 is a Psalm of confession - and a cry to the Lord to show him mercy and restore him to right-standing. Psalm 51 is moving - I read it and relate to it often...but 2 Samuel 22 is even more powerful to me. In Psalm 51 David is doing what I do all the time - confessing sin, crying out to God to rescue him...but in 2 Samuel he is boldly embracing the loving promises of God. He is proclaiming his right-standing with the Father - despite what he has done. He mourned over and confessed his sins...but then he embraced God's abundant grace. He really believed it.
Oh, that I would be able to truly see the love of my Father who's grace and love are so abundant and unending that when I confess my sins to him, he really does create in me a clean heart and I am again blameless - washed whiter than snow.
I've listened to this sermon called The One Who Answers Our Cry about four times in the past 2 weeks. The text for the sermon is 2 Samuel 22 - if I hadn't listened to the sermon, this scripture would have had an entirely different meaning for me...it might even be a bit discouraging. But listening to the message - one at the end of a series on Samuel and David - the speaker gives context. This Psalm of David is written after Psalm 51 - the Psalm written after David takes Bathsheba and commits adultery with her, gets her pregnant, schemes to try to cover it up, and when that plan doesn't work, has her husband killed on the battlefield. This very same man writes about the Lord being his rock, refuge, and shield. He tells of how he cried out to God and He rescued him from the grips of death. And my favorite part - "He rescued me because He delights in me" David - adulterer, murder, liar - someone just like me - proclaims not just that God loves Him, but also that the God of Heaven and earth delights in him! Wow!
And it gets even better...in the very next verses David says "The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence."
My initial reaction is to think David was either crazy or a liar We know he sinned. The Bible states it very clearly. But David had it right. He actually believed God when he said that if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness [1 John 1:9]. Psalm 51 is a Psalm of confession - and a cry to the Lord to show him mercy and restore him to right-standing. Psalm 51 is moving - I read it and relate to it often...but 2 Samuel 22 is even more powerful to me. In Psalm 51 David is doing what I do all the time - confessing sin, crying out to God to rescue him...but in 2 Samuel he is boldly embracing the loving promises of God. He is proclaiming his right-standing with the Father - despite what he has done. He mourned over and confessed his sins...but then he embraced God's abundant grace. He really believed it.
Oh, that I would be able to truly see the love of my Father who's grace and love are so abundant and unending that when I confess my sins to him, he really does create in me a clean heart and I am again blameless - washed whiter than snow.
Yes, I do exist.
So, clearly I haven't posted since October.
I have, however, still been in Italy this whole time.
I got busy and didn't post for a while, and then started feeling guilty for not posting, so continued to not post because I just thought I couldn't catch up. And I can't. But right now I am deciding to post anyway. Writing is something I enjoy. Sharing my life in Italy and the things that God is doing or teaching me, or trying to teach me is also something I enjoy...So I'm trying to make a comeback. :)
Forgive my absence. And forgive me if I drop off again. But for now I am making a move back toward a functioning blog. Enjoy!
I have, however, still been in Italy this whole time.
I got busy and didn't post for a while, and then started feeling guilty for not posting, so continued to not post because I just thought I couldn't catch up. And I can't. But right now I am deciding to post anyway. Writing is something I enjoy. Sharing my life in Italy and the things that God is doing or teaching me, or trying to teach me is also something I enjoy...So I'm trying to make a comeback. :)
Forgive my absence. And forgive me if I drop off again. But for now I am making a move back toward a functioning blog. Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
A Great Beginning.
I'm in Italy!!!
I arrived in Florence yesterday [Monday] afternoon around 1 pm - after a rather eventful trip including missing the last leg of my flight. My sweet team met me at the airport - welcome sign included! :) It's already been a whirlwind and I've barely been here a day.
It feels SO good to be back. It feels like home - at least for now. I am very very excited for the upcoming year. I really think God is going to be doing some awesome things and I'm looking forward to being a part of it.
Today was my first whole day back in Florence and I spent it with my teammates picking grapes. Yeah, I know - stereotypical Italy, right? I had never done it before and it was really really fun but also HARD work. We were at the home of a wonderful Florence family helping finish out the last of their grape harvest. In exchange for our help we got a delicious Tuscan lunch and lots of good time with each other and of course, a chance to harvest grapes in Italy. While we were picking, Giovanni, the dad, shared some great Biblical truths using the grapes as an illustration. It was really great experience. We were covered in sweat, dirt, spiders & other bugs, and of course grape juice, but it was well worth it and very fulfilling to do hard work and see the results right in front of us. And of course, the day was pretty much one big grape fight. I can honestly say I've never been hit in the face with so many grapes as I was today. :)
Being out in the beautiful countryside, working hard alongside my teammates, and learning more about God's goodness was the perfect way to start off the STINT year. Now tomorrow comes the unpacking and attempt at settling in before diving into ministry.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
two days.
until I'm headed back across the ocean.
sunday is the day.
after that hopefully i will have more to update about than what part of the world i am in. :)
so please pray with and for me for safe traveling and no delays, etc. this is actually my first time to ever fly alone, so you can pray for that to - that i'll be able to find my terminal and gate and all of that ;)
also, i'm still praying/waiting/believing for the final few percent of finances to come in. please pray that God would provide it fully and quickly. just under $2000 in one-time support, or a few more people giving on a monthly basis will finish me off.
thanks for praying and reading. more to come soon on what God is up to in italy!
sunday is the day.
after that hopefully i will have more to update about than what part of the world i am in. :)
so please pray with and for me for safe traveling and no delays, etc. this is actually my first time to ever fly alone, so you can pray for that to - that i'll be able to find my terminal and gate and all of that ;)
also, i'm still praying/waiting/believing for the final few percent of finances to come in. please pray that God would provide it fully and quickly. just under $2000 in one-time support, or a few more people giving on a monthly basis will finish me off.
thanks for praying and reading. more to come soon on what God is up to in italy!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Still Here.
It's true.
I am still in America.
My leave date was pushed back from the original September 14th to October 4th.
I am thankful for a little bit more time in America to be able to prepare well for my next year in Italy. However, I am certainly eager to get back to Italy and dive into ministry.
Part of the reason that my departure was delayed is that I am STILL not done raising my financial support. Would you please pray with me for the final amount to come in quickly [this week!]? I am needing monthly support or the equivalent in one-time support.
I know that God is able and faithful and I am trusting Him to provide all that I need so that I can be back in Italy soon. Trust with me.
I am still in America.
My leave date was pushed back from the original September 14th to October 4th.
I am thankful for a little bit more time in America to be able to prepare well for my next year in Italy. However, I am certainly eager to get back to Italy and dive into ministry.
Part of the reason that my departure was delayed is that I am STILL not done raising my financial support. Would you please pray with me for the final amount to come in quickly [this week!]? I am needing monthly support or the equivalent in one-time support.
I know that God is able and faithful and I am trusting Him to provide all that I need so that I can be back in Italy soon. Trust with me.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Countdown.
I have a plane ticket back to Florence for next Monday - September 14th.
The summer in America has gone by so quickly. But I'm ready to get back to life and ministry in Italy. I can't wait to see what God has in store for this next year.
Please pray as I prepare to travel.
Also, I still need about 15% of my financial support before I leave. Pray with me for a miracle in the next few days so that I may be able to go back and continue to take the gospel to Italians.
The summer in America has gone by so quickly. But I'm ready to get back to life and ministry in Italy. I can't wait to see what God has in store for this next year.
Please pray as I prepare to travel.
Also, I still need about 15% of my financial support before I leave. Pray with me for a miracle in the next few days so that I may be able to go back and continue to take the gospel to Italians.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
These two songs have really resonated with my heart - particularly this summer while I have been home working toward getting back to Italy.
Here Us From Heaven
Lord, hear our cry
Come heal our land
Breathe life into these dry and thirsty souls
Lord, hear our prayer
Forgive our sin
As we call on Your name
Would You make this a place For Your glory to dwell
Open the blind eyes
Unlock the deaf ears
Come to Your people
As we draw near
Hear us from heaven
Touch our generation
We are Your people Crying out in desperation
God of This City
You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You Are
You're the light in this darkness
You're the hope to the hopeless
You're the peace to the restless
You are
For there is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here
Here Us From Heaven
Lord, hear our cry
Come heal our land
Breathe life into these dry and thirsty souls
Lord, hear our prayer
Forgive our sin
As we call on Your name
Would You make this a place For Your glory to dwell
Open the blind eyes
Unlock the deaf ears
Come to Your people
As we draw near
Hear us from heaven
Touch our generation
We are Your people Crying out in desperation
God of This City
You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You Are
You're the light in this darkness
You're the hope to the hopeless
You're the peace to the restless
You are
For there is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here
Details.
Why am I going back to Italy...Again?
- God has burdened my heart for Italy and opened my eyes to clearly see the need for him in that nation. I must do something with the knowledge he has given me.
- God made it very clear to me that He was asking me to go to Italy - and that is still where He wants me.
- My investment in learning the language and culture has just begun - I have so much more to learn, but have also gained a lot of ground last year that will be helpful in the coming year.
- Relationships. God has given me many close friendships with Italians. I want to see these friends know and walk with Christ. My part in that is not done yet.
Details on How You Can be a Part.
As I am raising support this summer I am looking for individuals, families, & businesses that will give on a monthly or one-time basis or both. I am over half way to my goal, but still need people to join my team both monthly and one-time. If the Lord is leading you to partner with me in taking the gospel to Italians you can do so through the following ways:
- Going online to https://give.ccci.org/give/View/0609389?pp=Search+Results and clicking the "Give A Gift" button.
- Checks made payable to Campus Crusade for Christ. Email me for the address: abigail.brown@uscm.org
All gifts are tax-deductable.
Please continue to pray with me that the Lord will provide in His perfect timing.
- God has burdened my heart for Italy and opened my eyes to clearly see the need for him in that nation. I must do something with the knowledge he has given me.
- God made it very clear to me that He was asking me to go to Italy - and that is still where He wants me.
- My investment in learning the language and culture has just begun - I have so much more to learn, but have also gained a lot of ground last year that will be helpful in the coming year.
- Relationships. God has given me many close friendships with Italians. I want to see these friends know and walk with Christ. My part in that is not done yet.
Details on How You Can be a Part.
As I am raising support this summer I am looking for individuals, families, & businesses that will give on a monthly or one-time basis or both. I am over half way to my goal, but still need people to join my team both monthly and one-time. If the Lord is leading you to partner with me in taking the gospel to Italians you can do so through the following ways:
- Going online to https://give.ccci.org/give/View/0609389?pp=Search+Results and clicking the "Give A Gift" button.
- Checks made payable to Campus Crusade for Christ. Email me for the address: abigail.brown@uscm.org
All gifts are tax-deductable.
Please continue to pray with me that the Lord will provide in His perfect timing.
Monday, July 27, 2009
It's About That Time.
I've been back in America for a little over a month now. I'm enjoying time with family and friends...but I am also excited to go back to Florence and see what God is going to do over the next year.
Greater things are yet to come
Greater things are still to be done in that city.
I've been working on raising financial support for the next year while I have been home. My 100% deadline is coming up on Saturday [August 1st]. Would you pray with me that the money would come in quickly?
God has been so faithful to me and is continually showing me His grace and goodness..pray with me as I continue to trust Him for all that I need. I can't wait to share with you how He provides.
[if you are interested in joining my support team you can go to give.ccci.org and search Abigail Brown]
Greater things are yet to come
Greater things are still to be done in that city.
I've been working on raising financial support for the next year while I have been home. My 100% deadline is coming up on Saturday [August 1st]. Would you pray with me that the money would come in quickly?
God has been so faithful to me and is continually showing me His grace and goodness..pray with me as I continue to trust Him for all that I need. I can't wait to share with you how He provides.
[if you are interested in joining my support team you can go to give.ccci.org and search Abigail Brown]
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Update: Long Overdue.
I know, I know...it's been almost three months since I have updated this blog. :(
I'm sorry.
My intention was to keep updating regularly throughout my entire time in Italy...however, a crazy life and crazy schedule got the better of me and I got out of the habit of blogging. But here is my attempt to catch you up on my life and continue to do so from now on. :)
Well, the first big news I guess is that I am home. In America.
My roommates and I flew home just over a week ago and I have pretty much been in my bed trying to get over jet lag since. :) But the fog is clearing and I am starting to get back on my feet. Hence the blog entry at midnight. :) I am happy to be back home and back in America for a while and am enjoying luxuries like clothes from the dryer, ice, air conditioning, and large glasses of free water.
After a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided to go back to Italy for another year starting in September. God made it very clear to me that He was calling me to Italy over a year and a half ago and I believe that is still where He wants me to be. There is still so much work to be done and I have just begun to invest in the language, culture, and friendships. I am excited to be going back in a few short months!
Italy is beautiful...but that is not why I keep going back. My eyes have been opened. I have seen the need. The need for the gospel, the need for God's love in action - helping, serving, giving, and just loving Italians. I can't not go. God has put a passion in my heart for this country and for these people and a call on my life to be used by Him there. So I will be faithful to do what He has asked me to do. I will go back. As many times as He asks me to.
This summer while I am home I will be raising financial support again. God has been so faithful to provide for me over the past year [see previous entries] and I know that He will continue to give me everything I need.
Thank you for your friendship, prayers, and giving. I need you. I am so thankful for the support system of friends and family that God has given me.
Please continue to pray for me this summer as I am raising support. Pray that all of the money would come in quickly, but also pray that God will be glorified in the process and that His name will be lifted high.
I'm sorry.
My intention was to keep updating regularly throughout my entire time in Italy...however, a crazy life and crazy schedule got the better of me and I got out of the habit of blogging. But here is my attempt to catch you up on my life and continue to do so from now on. :)
Well, the first big news I guess is that I am home. In America.
My roommates and I flew home just over a week ago and I have pretty much been in my bed trying to get over jet lag since. :) But the fog is clearing and I am starting to get back on my feet. Hence the blog entry at midnight. :) I am happy to be back home and back in America for a while and am enjoying luxuries like clothes from the dryer, ice, air conditioning, and large glasses of free water.
After a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided to go back to Italy for another year starting in September. God made it very clear to me that He was calling me to Italy over a year and a half ago and I believe that is still where He wants me to be. There is still so much work to be done and I have just begun to invest in the language, culture, and friendships. I am excited to be going back in a few short months!
Italy is beautiful...but that is not why I keep going back. My eyes have been opened. I have seen the need. The need for the gospel, the need for God's love in action - helping, serving, giving, and just loving Italians. I can't not go. God has put a passion in my heart for this country and for these people and a call on my life to be used by Him there. So I will be faithful to do what He has asked me to do. I will go back. As many times as He asks me to.
This summer while I am home I will be raising financial support again. God has been so faithful to provide for me over the past year [see previous entries] and I know that He will continue to give me everything I need.
Thank you for your friendship, prayers, and giving. I need you. I am so thankful for the support system of friends and family that God has given me.
Please continue to pray for me this summer as I am raising support. Pray that all of the money would come in quickly, but also pray that God will be glorified in the process and that His name will be lifted high.
[with teammates and italian friends one of my last nights in italy]
Saturday, April 4, 2009
What we've been doing..
[At the beginning of March we partnered with two other ministries to do a Bible distribution on the campuses of the University of Florence. We passed out hundreds of Bibles to students - many of whom have never read the Bible for themselves.]
[On March 8 we celebrated Festa della Donna - a day set aside across Europe to honor women. In Italy this holiday has turned into a night of partying at clubs with male strippers. We had about 25 girls come into our home where we made a nice dinner served on real dishes, showed a video we had made of Italian men answering questions about the value of women, and had small group discussions about who we are as women.]
[At the end of March we had the first of what will be a monthly event called Kaleo. We (Agape) are partnering with our church, another church, and another Christian ministry in Florence to create an evening once a month for all of the believers in Florence to gather as well as bring non-christian friends.]
Those are just a few updates on what has been going on in Florence. Easter is just a week away and most students will be going home for the holiday. On Tuesday evening we will be showing the Jesus film at one of the campuses. Please pray for this event. Easter is one of the few times out of the year that students are more likely to be thinking about spiritual things. Pray that God would use this film to speak to their hearts and show them the truth of who He is.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
living life
somewhere in my head i have always thought that as i got older, i would get better.
better in the sense that i would have things more together - be more organized, not procrastinate as much, use my time better, get more sleep, excersize more, sin less...
i am realizing that this is not true.
the more time that passes, the more i see what a mess i am.
i do not have it all together. not even close.
being in italy this year has put me in place where the band-aid that i have covered myself with so well for so long has finally been ripped off and my complete brokenness exposed.
it has been hard. it is hard. but at the same time it is so beautiful.
seeing what is probably just a glimps of how broken and messed up and not at all perfect i am has allowed me to really see and experience the beauty of Christ in my life. the message of his death on the cross for my salvation is so much more affecting when i see how desperately in need of his grace i am.
i am not perfect. and i don't have to be.
i am in need of God's grace every day.
as i realize that more, i love Him more.
as i love him more, i want to know him more.
as i know him more, he changes my heart and makes me more like him.
he is working on this mess that i am, and one day [in eternity] i will be made perfect as he is perfect.
but for now i will rejoice as my father is glorified through my brokenness.
his grace, mercy, and love showing through my cracks far outshines any tarnished image of perfection i could display.
better in the sense that i would have things more together - be more organized, not procrastinate as much, use my time better, get more sleep, excersize more, sin less...
i am realizing that this is not true.
the more time that passes, the more i see what a mess i am.
i do not have it all together. not even close.
being in italy this year has put me in place where the band-aid that i have covered myself with so well for so long has finally been ripped off and my complete brokenness exposed.
it has been hard. it is hard. but at the same time it is so beautiful.
seeing what is probably just a glimps of how broken and messed up and not at all perfect i am has allowed me to really see and experience the beauty of Christ in my life. the message of his death on the cross for my salvation is so much more affecting when i see how desperately in need of his grace i am.
i am not perfect. and i don't have to be.
i am in need of God's grace every day.
as i realize that more, i love Him more.
as i love him more, i want to know him more.
as i know him more, he changes my heart and makes me more like him.
he is working on this mess that i am, and one day [in eternity] i will be made perfect as he is perfect.
but for now i will rejoice as my father is glorified through my brokenness.
his grace, mercy, and love showing through my cracks far outshines any tarnished image of perfection i could display.
Monday, March 16, 2009
I'm alive.
My posts have been few and far between...but the long awaited moment has arrived and internet has been restored at my apartment! [Two-months after it stopped working - thanks to Italian efficiency. :)]
Anyway, life in Florenence has entered the busy season of Spring. The sun is starting to shine, the days are getting longer, and our calendar is filling up quickly.
This week we will have a group of students from the states in to see what ministry is like in Italy and spend time on campus with us. Please pray for this time, for these American students, and for the Italians they will meet. Pray for our team as we are in a busy but exciting season.
More updates coming soon. :)
Anyway, life in Florenence has entered the busy season of Spring. The sun is starting to shine, the days are getting longer, and our calendar is filling up quickly.
This week we will have a group of students from the states in to see what ministry is like in Italy and spend time on campus with us. Please pray for this time, for these American students, and for the Italians they will meet. Pray for our team as we are in a busy but exciting season.
More updates coming soon. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)