Branching out.

since returning from Florence, really, even before Florence (as I wrote earlier), we have made so. many. new. contacts.

our work in taranto is in so many ways, not what we would have expected, however, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 We have been in many ways weighing our priorities from working inside the church (meaning with the church members directly) and striving to reach those outside the church (the city of TA) . we have wrestled with some very ugly things here in taranto. we have seen things and we witness things that shock us on a regular basis, but through it all God has allowed our hearts to stay soft. Thank you Lord for Your strength! how thankful we are for a God who hears our prayers,who knows our every need, and can supply a perfect peace and joy in the place of confusion and frustration!
in this period we have been in prayer so much more regularly, and we are seeing His guidance so strongly every day that we continue in His service here. He is directing our attention to the people of taranto.. . .

While we were sick last month, we became pretty chummy with the ladies at the pharmacy around the corner from our apartment. One in particular, whose name is Cicilia, was curious (as are most) as to what we were doing in taranto. We got to talking. .  . both of her children take private English lessons and she wanted to know if we could get together and meet with her kids. We exchanged numbers but didn't get to meet for coffee until after we arrived back from Florence. Her kids were too sweet, and both spoke excellent English. (the daughter even had a British accent!! ) long story short, we made plans to meet the next week so we could come for a visit to her house.
We met at the hospital and then walked the next few blocks together, she kept saying she was taking us the easy way so we would remember how to come back :) (I'll admit, when i first arrived in taranto, it always scared me a little bit how people we barely knew, wanted to immediately have us over to their house, or wanted to know if they could take us somewhere in their car... I was always afraid of being "taken" haha. now, I realize that its just their way.) anyways, her home was lovely. She fixed us some cafe while we met the grandmother and and just had an all together great visit. We are hoping to see them again soon. Cicilia wants to make us her home made pizza ! I told her it was a deal- she can make the pizza, I'll bring desert! we cant wait!

Mino, Dalila, me, and Eric

Remember Mino who we met from Latiano? two Saturdays ago, we took a train into Latiano to meet with him and the other youth of Latiano! We arrived a little late in the afternoon -I think it was around 5, and the other teens from latiano were still at work, so Mino had made plans for us to visit the small town called Ceglie to meet his girlfriend Dalila. Ceglie is a very picturesque southern Italian town. The entire town is painted white- in fact, Dalila told us that its against the law to paint any house or building in the city anything but white! ha. i have to confess however, that I like the white.
Dalila and Mino are really really great. Mino shares so much about his desire to be closer with the Lord and to live for Him, that its contagious. We feel so blessed by their friendship and we pray that the Lord will use us in their lives to strengthen and encourage them as well. We hope to meet again with them the middle of next month. The problem is always that of lack of transportation. i realize it must sound like a broken record, but before this experience in Italy, Ive never known what it was like to be without transportation, and let me tell you, it does complicate things.
For example, that Saturday we wanted to stay at the church in Latiano that evening to visit with the teens there, but the latest bus that left from latiano to return to taranto was at 9pm...so basically we only got visit for about 45 min :( We are searching, trying to figure something out in order to be in better contact with these teens around the Puglia region. Even though it was a short visit, it was a VERY good visit. it was encouraging to see all their smiling faces and to catch up for a little before we had to leave. Please pray for these teens who are truly searching and who are thirsty fro the Lord.

Balloon anyone?

The next day was the "arts and hand-made crafts"  Sunday market in the center of Taranto. Eric and I planned a date :) After church, we already had our lunches packed and we took off for a nice walk into town.  We enjoyed watching the kids run and play in a park close to the main piazza while we ate our sandwiches.

A pretty nice park for taranto. . . 

...even at the market, we made some new friends. One couple we had met last month at the market. She is a jewelry artist from Bari and she and her husband come to the taranto markets to sell her hand made jewelry. Again, they immediately gave us their business card and told us to look them up whenever we are in Bari! I will always be amazed by the hospitality of Italians!
After chatting with the couple from Bari, we moved onto another booth where we met another jewelry lady who is actually based here in Taranto-basically a block from our apartment complex! She was so sweet and told us to come and find her. We plan to pass by her shop sometime this week just to say hello.

It is bittersweet that our time is coming to a close. One of the "bitter" parts is that we. can. finally. communicate! We've always been pretty open people. We are the type of people to make conversation wherever we go, because we enjoy meeting people! for our first year ( yes, year) I felt mute. one simple is example is that we couldn't make small talk with people. Now that we understand the language and can communicate, we've gained that "small talk" possibility back, the ability to really be ourselves, and we are so thankful! And I think its obvious that God is using this ability always for His glory :) :)

Later that evening after the market, we invited our 2nd floor neighbors up for a visit. They are a great family and are very interesting.. we had a great visit. their two girls were really cute. I had made nutella cupcakes and set them out while we were visiting. At one point the older daughter looked at me and then at her sister, and then again at me and held up her hand like the number 5- she was telling me that her sister had already eaten 5 cupcakes! ahaha. cute. anyways, we also offered them American coffee, and to our surprise the mom took a cup and actually really liked it! (normally this is one of the things Italians love to brag about, their cafe. they always want to tell us that our coffee is just water. I still try and explain how one can control the strength, but they normally will have none of it! haha. I wonder what our "thing" is in America that we are fixated on???. . . grilling out maybe? BBQ?) then we got to talking about Chinese food (which most Italians don't like either) and they love it! We have never found a good place to go, so we made plans for this coming Friday to go together to a place that they really like. I am excited!  We talked only a little about the Bible on this visit. I know that they are very religious and take a lot of the Catholic doctrine very seriously, (I believe this to be why they were a little apprehensive at first meeting us) but the longer we visited, the more and more they opened up. Anyways, we believe God is placing people in our path and we pray that we can shine His light in everything that we do and in every relationship we make.

Monday we visited with Anna maria. She is finally feeling better physically, but mentally/spiritually, I can tell she is a little low. . . Please pray for God to bless her. She is a strong woman of God, who for the most part is alone (a part from us and Fabrizio and Luca) in this big city.

Tuesday, we had an American breakfast diner party at our apartment! and i. forgot. to. take. a. picture. :(  Our students came and it was so much fun!  I cooked pancakes and bacon for the first plate. then, I made home made biscuits (bc they don't exist here) with sausage gravy, and an egg omelet casserole. They all loved the pancakes and bacon, but they were literally scared to death of the syrup and gravy! it was cute...hilarious and cute. The ended up really liking the syrup (they had never seen it or heard of it- and they couldn't understand the maple flavoring) , but the gravy was just too weird for them. haha. Im so thankful for the gift of their friendship. Its fun to have some friends our own age. We are really going to miss them.

Luana, Laura, and Samanta

I found "Despicable Me" in Italian for the girls to watch while we (the women) were studying.... . .  this lasted maybe a full 20 min! ;).

Wednesday we had the ladies Bible study. GREAT GREAT GREAT and just keeps getting better. Those of you who specifically pray for our efforts, please pray specifically for the ladies here. In particular Zia Tina and Madelana, who are both discovering God's love and promises for the first time! :)

Thursday we did a little of a switch- instead of us meeting with Federica for our Italian lesson, she and I had our first English lesson. She already speaks so well, that its really only a matter of tweaking some pronunciation issues. Because she is so advanced, I decided to start the life of Christ study that Clizia and I did over skype last year. our first lesson went really well. Im excted to see where God is leading this relationship!

Saturday night carmela, enzo, laura, and eric and I took a spin to Martina Franca.

Laura and Carmela admiring the Easter decor!

I love the color of this pistachio gelato. 

Eric and Enzo drinking their cafe! 

Lots of people out enjoying the beautiful night!

 Entering into the "old part" of the city

 

The basilica of the town.

me and Laura :)

Laura took this one! 

Inside the Basilica. . . . notice that the pope is the center. . . 

mary is to the immediate left. . . .

. .  and behind mary is this sculpture of Christ. . . 

outside the bascilica. . . 

"Dolci" means "sweet"....obviously I had to tell Laura to stand in front of it :) (although technically it should say "dolce" in the feminine form... oh well! I still like it!)

A little park we passed on our way to eat pizza!

Enzo being Enzo!

Me + Laura = always a fun night together!

Federica's parents, Federica, me, Eric, Loredana, and Francesco

After church yesterday, we invited Federica and her parents, and our friends Loredana and her husband Francesco, over for lunch! After cleaning during the day yesterday and basically preparing everything in advance, after church, all I had to do was switch the oven on and light the fire for the pasta water= reflief. We had a great time visiting and getting to know each other a little better.

This week we have another packed full schedule. Pray for us as we are reaching and branching out more and more into this city. We love you! xoxoxoxoxoxox

Article by Elizabeth

Ive been meaning to post, but we have been pleasantly busy, about which I will fill you in on very soon.


Tonight, however, I was browsing through Jean's blog http://www.avantijean.blogspot.it/ (one of our new AI members) and I stumbled upon this article she had posted. It is written by the director of the Pepperdine Univ. in Florence, Elizabeth Whatley. It is extremely "on point" to many of the realities and challenges that we face with our work here in Italy. It is rather long, but I hope that you will take the time to read about the beginnings, truths, and the current state of the churches of Christ here in Italy. 
Thank you  Elizabeth for your dedication to the service here in Italy and for your ability to communicate this message.

In the Shadow of the Vatican:

Churches of Christ in Italy

ELIZABETH WHATLEY

Italy is a Roman Catholic country in which 85 percent of Italians are Roman Catholic, even if by name only. A majority of its citizens call themselves Roman Catholic whether they attend Mass on a

regular basis or not. Only about 20 percent attend Mass regularly, which reflects a common view that Catholicism is more than attending Mass. Catholicism is in the bloodline, heritage, history and roots of every Italian. They see themselves as part of the eternal church. This reality makes the task for Churches of Christ in Italy very difficult but not impossible. One could say the mission efforts in Italy have been frustrating and even a failure, but one could also say they have been fulfilling and even fruitful.

In 1929 Mussolini signed a Lateran Pact with the Roman Catholic Church, making Catholicism the religion of the state. In fact, until 1949 all non-Catholic churches were illegal in Italy. The post war Italian

constitution recognizes freedom of religion, but non-Catholic congregations still had to get their licenses from the police. This was not always easy for the Churches of Christ because we do not have a central head of church.

In 1984 Italy and the Vatican updated several provisions of the 1929 Lateran Pact, including the end of Roman Catholicism as Italy's formal state religion. But even with this formal alteration, little has changed

and this is apparent once a person visits an Italian city. Everywhere you go you see a large number of Catholic churches and religious icons. Crucifixes and religious symbols of saints appear in stores and homes

for protection. Small tabernacles can be seen on street comers and buildings throughout cities and the countryside that remind people to pray. Also, church bells ring once every half hour, calling people to pray

and give thanks to God. And of course, Rome is the seat of the Pope.

Churches of Christ started in Italy after World War II by two men who served in the military: Harold Paden and Gordon Linscott. Harold Paden was a Sergeant and a bazooka specialist. He was in the Tenth

Division, fighting in the Apennines between Florence and Bologna. Gordon Linscott, who also served in enemy lines during the war, was fluent in Italian, which gave him the ability to do advance work in

establishing churches. Gordon Linscott was the first to find a location for the mission work to get started. He found a villa in Frascati, a small suburb of Rome. With the support of many Churches of Christ from the

United States, five couples and one single male began the mission work of the Church of Christ in Italy.

The small mission task force arrived in Frascati, Italy on January 15, 1949. They were hopeful about the future of their work and named the villa Villa Speranaze, which means "house of hope." Many activities

and programs were initiated from the villa; one of the most noted was a home for young men. They were also able, in cooperation with the Red Cross, to distribute a vast amount of clothing that arrived from the

United States. Many Italians gathered to learn from these "Angels of Mercy." They conducted Bible studies with the help of interpreters, and by the end of January over 300 Italians were involved. The first baptism

came in March; by June, fifty new baptized member were part of the Frascati Church of Christ. Once the Italian government learned of the success of the church, fear arose and things became more difficult for

the missionaries. Many accusations were made and some missionaries were expelled from Italy. The Italian government even tried to expel members of the church. Many Americans received personal threats against them from a militant group called the Catholic Action. It was not an easy beginning, but these efforts to curtail the work of the missionaries did not stop the growth of the church.

In 1952 there was an attempt by the Italian government to close the Frascati Church of Christ. But by then, the Church of Christ in Italy had made wonderful progress and had grown in numbers. The Catholic

Church was feeling the threat of the work of the missionaries and began harassing the Church of Christ. A group of missionaries decided to take action and received help from a United States senator on the grounds that Italy was in violation of a treaty between the United States and Italy that guaranteed reciprocity of treatment between these two nations. The United States State Department issued a formal protest, which the Italian government accepted, thus resolving the legal problems for Churches of Christ.

However, other issues arose due to the fact that Churches of Christ do not have a central head. This is still a problem for the Church of Christ today. In order to be officially recognized by the Italian government,

a church needs to have an official head of state. Since the Church of Christ does not have a church head it cannot be legally recognized in Italy. Therefore, like the Muslim faith in Italy, the church does not receive

any benefits, such as tax breaks and the legal right to own property. With its nondenominational status and no official church hierarchy, the Church of Christ is left in a no-man's-land among the churches. But the church has found ways to work in spite of the restrictions that it faces.

The Church of Christ has acquired properties by having them purchased by individual members of the church. In addition, the church found a way to purchase Bible schools in Italy. Bible schools were started to train young men and women in Frascati, Milan and Florence. The original plan was to provide a way for self-supporting members to begin working for the church. The schools still exist but do not serve the same purpose as originally intended.

The Bible school in Florence has a two-fold purpose-to serve the community and the local Church of Christ in Florence, and to oversee the Avanti Italia program. It offers the community weekly Bible courses

in Italian for groups or individuals of all ages, as well as online and by correspondence. All the services are free of charge, as much of what the school is about is making friends and teaching people about the love of Christ. The work is slow and the outcome unpredictable, but the seed is being planted. The Avanti Italia program is a Christ-centered, service based, two-year program designed to equip college graduates for a lifetime of cross-cultural ministry. Trained in Florence, the workers are then moved to other cities where the Church of Christ needs their support and help.

Times did not come easy with Vatican II and the statement by Pope John XXIII calling for cooperation between the Roman Catholic Church and the "Separate Brother" in a spirit of acceptance, love and respect.

With this ecumenical movement there was, by all practical purposes, no external difference between faiths.

With this new outlook and the importance of Catholicism in the culture, what would make someone want to convert and take on a new life in Christ if the church they have known all their lives was already important part of their life?

What is the state of the Restoration Movement in Italy today? The Church of Christ in Italy is not experiencing the growth or success as was characteristic of the early years in its history. Certainly, it is

difficult for the Restoration Movement to have any effect on Italians who see Catholicism as part of their life and culture. But Italy itself is changing with an influx of immigrants from other countries, and the area of growth in Churches of Christ is largely among immigrant peoples rather than among Italian citizens. Most of the new members are people in need, who turn to the church for help. Aside from its own life and work, the Church of Christ in Italy has very few ecumenical connections with other Christian traditions. Individual congregations are very good at working with one another within the country, and sponsor events such as an annual Bible retreat, Bible camps, retreats for men and women, weekend conferences and other activities. Restoration churches in Italy are also heavily entrusted to or dependent upon leadership from the United States. They are still organized and supported by American churches. Many churches in Italy do not have

elders or deacons; leaders have not developed within given congregations. This lack of leadership not only keeps them dependent upon American churches but also contributes to a lack of growth among Churches of Christ in Italy.

In regard to the role of women in the church, Churches of Christ in Italy hold a very traditional view. This is consistent with the Roman Catholic Church, in which women have a very limited role, except for reading the liturgy during Mass-a change brought by Vatican II. In the 1970s many women left the Church of Christ because they wanted to have a more active role. Many of these women have not returned to the church after many discussions and disagreements. Most roles for women are typical of what you would find in many churches in the United States. They serve as church secretaries and work behind the scenes and among the women of the church. But they do not have formal roles in ministry or in the worship services of the church. Many of the workers that come from the United States are women and they serve as teachers of

English using the Bible, an approach very similar to Let's Start Talking (a ministry started in 1980 to bring the good news to people all around the globe. The focus is teaching English using the Bible and the Gospel

of Luke as the textbook. All courses are taught one-on-one so that relationships form between the teacher

and the student.)

How does the larger society perceive the role of the Church of Christ? One might say that most Italians would not see the Church of Christ as an option for them. Because the Catholic Church is so deeply embedded in their history and because of Vatican II, they see no reason to leave their own faith. Generally, Restoration themes have no appeal to them. They would, however, see the Church of Christ as a viable

option for Americans or immigrants.

It is not impossible for one to come to faith in Italy, but it takes years of building friendships. Missionaries must be willing to let go of the customs and lifestyles of their culture of origin and adapt to the local culture of the people they are trying to reach. If one can do this, the assimilation into the culture is good and people are more willing to accept and receive the good news. This can take years of cultivating

friendships and a constant willingness to be with and love your neighbors and friends. There can be no time clock. It is a work involving many hours of prayer. The Churches of Christ exist in a no-man's-land in Italy, and in many ways are still in the infancy stage after sixty years in the country.

ELIZABETH WHATLEY IS THE DIRECTOR OF PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY'S INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM IN FLORENCE

ITALY, AND TEACHES CLASSES ON CHRISTIANITY IN THE PROGRAM. SHE  HAS AN MAIN RELIGION FROM

PEPPERDINE, AND ATTENDS THE CHURCH  OF CHRIST  IN FLORENCE, ITALY.

A wonderful weekend in Florence.

A view from the mini bus of southern Italy country side.

This past Thursday we took the shuttle bus to the Bari airport (about an hour ride from TA).

Once we arrived in Bari, we  took the evening flight into Pisa.

The sky just kept growing more beautiful!

Look at those colors!

. . .  A couple hours later, we arrived late that night in Florence.

Florence is probably my favorite city. ever. Nothing can compare with its beauty.

The Duomo

We were lucky to enjoy a stroll through the city. 

Danielle, Me, and Arban!

We booked this flight about a month ago after learning that my dear friend Danielle, her husband Luli, and their baby boy Arban, would be leaving Italy this month to start a new life together in America. Danielle and I became friends almost instantly when we first met way back in September '10 when our team first arrived in Scandicci. We are so thankful to have the gift of their friendship:)

Before service on Sunday, the church had a small going away breakfast for them.

As always, there was plenty of great food accompanied by an awesome slide show in the background. . . . .  . .I especially love Arban in this shot!

Meet Melissa! Melissa is currently living at the Bible School. She has finished school and is looking for a job in Florence doing some sort of teaching Italian to foreigners. Could she have picked a better place to stay thab the Bible School??? Apparetnly she is already teaching all the Avanti workers in her spare time, and in the mean time, no doubt, is learning everyday about American culture at the Bible School. **For all you Avanti committee members- I personally think she would be a great addition to the team there in Scandicci. I think it would be so benifcial to have her employed at the Bible School. Not only would it add some Italian culture to the school, but it would be beneficial to the workers in so many ways as well. Just an idea. She is actually from southern Italy- a city called Catania. I really wish we would have had more time to talk with her. Although, we seemed to almost immediatley share a bond being that we are both from the south :) 

Kelly chatting it up with the kids of the new HUF teachers. :)

Doris, Howard, and Mario

As luck would have it, we also got to see Howard and Doris!! They decided to tag along with their daughter Jennifer and her husband Gary, who were the previous Bible School directors. Sunday, we met with Howard and Gary and got to soak up a little of their many years of wisdom on the mission field. God bless you all for the tiredless years of service and love you have brought to the people here in Itlay!

Singing and wishing the Betjta family farewell!. . . . . We miss you already!

 Arban! I cant believe how much you have grown!

Danielle, Arban, me, and Luli

We miss you SO much already. We cant wait to reunite in the states! Love you!

Behzad, Eric, Andrea, Renata, Clizia, and me

The weekend couldnt have been any sweeter. Not only did we get to soak up the weekend with Danielle and Luli, but with Andrea as well! Andrea made a short trip from where she lives now in Ferara also to say goodbye to Danielle and Luli. We both also got to see and go out with our old students of the Bible School! Its incredible to think about our relationships with them. We both are thankful for the many ways that we have grown closer over our time in Italy...even since being apart! 

Andrea, Renata, Clizia, and me

Andrea, me, Clizia, and Renata

How time flies.. I will forever be grateful to have met these amazing women! I know Eric feels just as blessed to have met Behzad and Alessandro as well!! 

1  . . 2 . . 3 . . J-U-M-P!!

It was truly a blessing to be able to hug and laugh with all my girl friends- just to enjoy a weekend of fun together. Thank you Lord, you knew just what we needed.

Andrea, Melissa, Arnold (Angela's friend), Angela, Kelli, me, and Eric

Saturday night pizza together!

The icing on top of it all was that we got to meet the new AI workers!!!! Let me just tell you, they are a great group and we are excited to see where and how the Lord will lead and use each of them during their time here in Italy. Saturday night we all went our for a pizza together, and I was so refreshed by their willingness and want to serve. Talking with them, I was reminded of many of the same struggles and trials that we faced during our first months in Scandicci.

Melissa, Kelli, Laura, Peter, Ryan, Eric, Peter Bell, Angela, and Arnold

The whole gang, well, the whole gang minus Andrea and plus Arnold, after church on Sunday.

Its almost like senior year. You can look back and remember how it felt coming in as the "new kids", and somehow, seemingly overnight, you find yourself tagged as "alumni." Looking back, I still dont understand alot of things! ha. I could identify with so many of the things they were struggling with as if I myself were still struggling with them. I cant say that all of our struggles and problems will always work themselves out- sometimes we are left without answers. What I can say that I am learning is that He will provide me with the grace and the strength I need for every step I take in His name. If I will just take that step, He is right there with me. I find myself amazed in His presence, even when I dont have all the answers. The best part about it all is that, we know in all things and all ways He will be glorified. This is why we do what we do.

I cant really explain this sense of peace I have been experiencing lately. . . His love is just spilling out. Overflowing and spilling out! I cant help but be joyful! Even though I dont understand alot of what goes on around us here in Taranto, I cant help but to call out and Praise HIM anyway! He is truly increasing my faith and my joy- and I know that He is with us every step of our journey here.

You know, the new kids thanked us for coming and encouraging them, but really, they are the ones who have refreshed and encouraged us! God truly has blessed us with a weekend full of peace, joy, encouragement, and love. Thank you Lord!

Please continue to pray for all of us here who are a part of this work in Italy. Pray for the people we meet, and the opportunities that He brings to us everyday. Thank you for your love and support that holds us up while we are here.



"Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.” They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.


When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:


  “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
   “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 


Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”  
“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” 
Luke 19:32-40