As many of you may know, my wife and I travel to Europe each year. This last year we went to Naples, Italy specifically to meet Doug and Dee Valenzuela, who have been serving as missionaries in Italy for nearly 30 years.
Italy, like most of Europe, knows little of evangelical Christianity. Most of the churches you see in Europe are more museums than centers of worship and ministry. The majority of Europeans gave up on Christianity years ago. When you find a ministry or a functioning church, they are usually few and far between. Sadly, many Europeans hearts are hardened toward the Gospel and they see no relevance to Christianity and their daily lives. European church planting and mission work in general, is a difficult and discouraging process.
What we discovered in Naples is a church that defies the statistics. The Valenzuela’s have invested their lives working and serving the people of Naples, Italy. They now have a church of 300 in Casoria and have planted a daughter church in Arzano of 150 people. One of the methods they have used is an evangelistic city festival which draws thousands of people.
We are putting a short-term mission team together (along with other American churches) to go to Naples, Italy to partner with Italian Christians in running this festival. Festival Casoria is nine days and the mission trip is from September 2-16. Would you pray about being a part of Abundant Life’s first Italian Mission team? Not sure? Need more information? Email me at dennis@coolchurch.com.
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