Oh how Jesus intentionally loves us and has our lives planned out. The last few weeks have been rough. Our last week in Albania we had a little incident with our host. Our ministry team posted something that was disrespectful, without the intention of harming anyone - but it did compromise our host’s reputation. Our consequence was that we were not allowed to help with ministry that week. That meant no kids ministry, no youth group, and no helping with the church services. We were deeply heartbroken and the situation was not ideal for anyone. We were not able to say goodbye to most of our friends, and properly close out that chapter of our lives. It was unfortunate, but we have to deal with the consequences of our actions. Our prayer was that there would be redemption and restoration with our host, and that we would leave on a good note. There was restoration in a way that was incomprehensible to our little minds, proving once again that God has better plans than we do. Although we left on a good note, it was still a heavy week. 

On Sunday we arrived in Italy, and the second we got off the plane it was a fresh start. As soon as I took a breath I felt lighter, and so joyful. In many ways I feel like Italy is my home, I feel like everything about me makes sense, and that in every way God made me, it was so intentional. I am staying with a sweet nonna and only one of my friends, and her house is bellissimo. We pulled into her driveway and there was the phrase, “luce del sole.” Which means her house is the house of sunshine. I feel like the sun ran through my veins the moment she said that. Only Jesus can plan that. Her house reminds me of my nana and papa’s and it brought back a sense of nostalgia and overflowing peace. We picked pomegranates and lemons off of her trees the when we got there, and every morning she has an abundance of food for us.

Don Enzo is our host here in Italy, and His church is in Macchia d’Isernia. It is a gorgeous little town that looks like a castle with a bunch of narrow pathways into people’s homes. It is unlike any place I have ever been, and the locals say that no one even knows that they exist. Don Enzo was obedient to the Lord in inviting us to come and share the love of Jesus with these people. He went to the four biggest public schools in the surrounding towns and asked if we could come speak. They all said yes and that we could come in and teach their one hour of religion class. Because we have 28 students, and being split in pairs we have 14 pairs that are able to go into these classes and share the love of Jesus with the students. It just so happens that we have enough time and pairs to reach every single class in all four schools, reaching over 2,000 students. How amazing is that? We have direct access to 2,000 hearts, souls, and human beings. 

Me and my friend have 18 classes a week that we are able to go in and share the gospel with. The second week we get to go back into the same classes and expand further, teach something new, and clear up any questions they may have. I have been a part of 9 classes so far, and every single class has been curious, engaged, and receptive. That is the best answer to prayer I have been able to witness with my own two eyes. Walking down the halls they rush out to meet us or observe anything we are doing. In one of the classes a kid asked why Venafro? Why did we come here, the smallest city that everyone forgets about? He didn’t understand why we chose this school in this city, and I explained how we didn’t - but God did.

Those are my favorite words ever - but God did. He chose these four towns. He chose these 2,000 kids. He chose the 28 of us students to come and teach them about the love of Jesus. The main preface of every conversation has been about God’s unconditional love, and the significance of a relationship with Jesus versus just being a part of a religion. Almost every student has been curious, so we have been given many opportunities to share how God has personally changed our life. The first 9 classes have understood (to an extent) why we are here, and our prayer is that we are able to show them Christ’s unconditional love. So that they may realize how loved they are, and that we cannot live without the Lord. 

These first 4 days have been so incredible, impactful, and effective. Aside from sharing the gospel to these people, I have had such a fun time. From speaking with our nona in mediocre Italian to playing guitar and sharing our testimonies, she is the biggest blessing to us. We’ve explored Maccia d’Isernia, gone shopping, became besties with our translator, ate Mc Donalds, studied Scripture and so much more. Will you guys join me in praying for their hearts? So that everyone we speak to is willing to hear the gospel message, that their eyes are open. So that we are protected and the enemy has no hold over anyone’s life.