This is a photo of my lovely team gearing up for a week of English outreach. Although none of us would be teaching the teenage Italian students, we knew the week ahead was a full one. The first couple weeks of July were dedicated to locally overseeing and engaging in a short term missions trip led by a partnering American church.
Supported by mass amounts of prayer from every source, thirteen teens and three adults eagerly landed in Rome. Their goals, attitudes, and preparation were tools for the great success they experienced during their stay. I've rarely encountered such hardworking yet joyful teenagers. The entire team demonstrated flexibility as we dramatically adjusted their schedule, and they showed immense care for everyone they met.
The love of Christ clearly shone. Italian students hugged them and cried as the Intensive English course concluded. They were determined to provide quality lessons, often staying up late or using their free time to recreate much of their planned materials according to the needs of their pupils. Most significantly, their overwhelming love for Jesus led them to life changing conversations with people around them.
Praise God, the team was able to minister to the curious hearts of fellow travelers in the hostel where they stayed. In some cases, that meant answering questions according to a Christian perspective. Exchanging ideas and planting seeds of hope in a desperate heart is important and enlightening work. Praise God that there were opportunities to go even deeper. During one blessed evening, two people heard and understood the joyful message of salvation through Christ! Despite differences in nationalities, religious backgrounds, and native languages, God drew more people into the kingdom through this faithful crew.
Exhausted and excited, the group never quit serving, praising, learning, and hoping. God's plans often take a shape we didn't anticipate, but let's rejoice in these surprises! After a very full time of teaching, learning, witnessing, experiencing Europe, and working well together, this group departed. But we pray that the hearts that were moved-- whether within their group, our team, or throughout the city-- continue drawing nearer to God and learning from the brief yet blessed experience. Let's lift a special thank you for this great group and all their effort!