We are experiencing interesting days at ITA. Both the media and sentiment outdoors in Italy still recount the rather somber story of increased government restrictions, mask wearing, mandatory vaccinations, and fear that will not let up. These continue to adversely affect churches here as well. Inspite of the bleak narrative however, ministry and mission is bustling in Rome.
The ITA team worked very hard at the beginning of the new year to host our first pastors’ conference in the city since the ministry’s move to Rome from Messina, now going on almost two years.
To the very last moment almost, there was sheer uncertainty about our ability to have the event. Speakers from the US had to step down from their commitment to preach and teach due to their lack of vaccination. Some key team members themselves could not serve because of the same issue. The hotel the conference was scheduled at days before sent us a long list of restrictions for all those in attendance. These centered on mandatory vaccination for all attendees. One of our substitute speakers got Covid days before his flight over. More could be said concerning the trauma involved in the organization.
What needs to be said however is that we pressed forward with faith and faithfulness and the result was worth all the effort. Though our numbers were not big (about forty church leaders attended), the overall experience was. Several of the men present praised the Lord for the gathering. Comments ranged from: “It’s been two years since I’ve gathered like this. It is so refreshing!” to “Thank you so much for putting this on. We needed it!”
Perhaps, most significant was the persuasion among our team that a mark was made by virtue of the conference. That mark said clearly to all gathered and to those online that ITA is now in Rome and ready to do more for the church by God’s grace.
Since then the remainder of January and into February have been taken up by really productive follow up meetings with several of the leaders that attended. More preaching opportunities in churches in and around the city have arisen and additional training is up and coming. These are exciting days to be in Rome.
On a different but related front, the meetings held at our local Roman theater continue as well. This month has witnessed growing attendance at these Sunday night gatherings.
Of particular note, Marco, the theater owner, recently expressed his desire to meet for prayer. That request has led to a regular Tuesday night gathering at the theater for the Word and prayer. It is an evangelistic Bible Study that we ask you to please be in prayer about.
After three meetings, two unbelievers attend regularly along with seven believers from existing churches, who come to lend their support. The opportunities had to share the Gospel have been tremendous. Several in the group want to invite unsaved friends.
There is a growing persuasion that the time is ripe to plant a church.