“The ultimate sign of maturity is when the church begins sending out its own missionaries (Hale 261).” Whether or not you agree the superlative nature of this statement, you have to admit that Hale has a point. So let’s step away from my life, for a moment, and delight together in the extraordinary ways God is working in and through the local churches.
This is a big summer for the congregations I know in the city. Aside from annual events such as camps, the community is responding to visible needs in new ways. One church is increasing their activity to provide aid for some refugees in Europe’s immigration crisis. The passion demonstrated by those involved is moving…and has moved others to use their vacation to serve in Greece, for example.
But the missions work doesn’t end with short term service. I am happy to be receiving updates from a new missionary to Naples. He’s joining an established team and participating in discipleship and community building. There must be something very special that occurs when we follow the call to leave family and serve in a new space. Although there is need everywhere, we have Americans in Rome, Romans in Naples, and Neapolitans leaving for South Africa! This summer, some members of my church go to Cape Town for several months of intensive leadership training.
There are also many people spending time in the States. One of my lovely friends is leading Italian youth in a Young Life camp with other groups from across the U.S. and the world. She’s filling a great need both as a chaperon and a strong woman of faith on a team of non-Christians. Still others are going to the States to seek financial support as missionaries in Roman universities. This is especially exciting because there is a different kind of relationship possible between Italians than with foreigners—and both are important.
How encouraging! It’s incredibly uplifting since I’m newly arrived and my hope is that God will use me to continue releasing locals into ministry work. With millions of people here and millions more throughout the country, we will always need new national and foreign missionaries to build God’s kingdom. But as someone who feels particularly led to encourage others, I am inspired and overjoyed by the initiative shown by these believers.
Please join me in praying for everything happening in and through the people of Rome. We will all need an extra dose of peace and strength as we enter these months and dedicate ourselves to God’s work.