So I'm leaving Rome in an hour! It really flew by.
Some things about Italy I can never forget:
-There will always be a strike on the day you want to travel. At least one.
-You kiss (greet) starting on the RIGHT side.
-Italian children are wild.
-Rome is dirty.
-I love Frascati.
-I have the BEST Italian pastor ('papà') in the world :)
-I will never eat cavallo crudo again (that's raw horse, for this prior vegetarian!)
Just thought I would share....
Wow, this week was really wonderful and sweet! I got to visit my friend Livia before she left on holiday (and despite being totally (secretly) bummed that she invited me over the day AFTER she had Italian star 'Willwhoosh' over--not the same day) I had a really great time with her! She even brought up my beliefs and I was able to share the Gospel again, praise God! I was able to see all of my friends except one, so I was really pleased with the way the week went. It was busy and full and the time with the two churches I've worked with was precious. I was able to share my testimony, teach at a midweek Bible study, teach sunday school, and fellowship with old friends and new alike!
What was special for me on top of all of this, was connecting with friends from LA: Cassie and Joe Silva and Anna and Andre Le Comte! It was such a joy to show them around Rome (and speak English for a while!). God totally provided respite for me to speak English and supported my Italian (something I'm always anxious about), so thank you for the prayers!! I was also able to meet up with some new missionaries to Rome and hear about what's going on concerning ministry to Muslim refugees in the city. God bless everyone hard at work for His service.
I'm now off to another part of Italy to tour around with a friend for a while, the 'formal ministry' now ending :) I return to Seattle August 3. Last night I prayed with my Italian dad and he almost cried. We all know the next time I come it will probably be to move here, should God will. There will be a lot of changes. It's strange for me. I ask for prayer that God would keep confirming this to me, giving me success with language and citizenship processes, and renewing my love for the Italian people. I only want to be where He wants, when He wants so I would appreciate your prayers. Pray for my church here, that everyone would grow in real knowledge and love for the Lord and wisdom for those in leadership.
Most importantly, PRAISE God with me. I found myself on the train the other day, praying, and realizing: I can do this. God is so so faithful, who am I to think this beyond me? What isn't God worth? Where wouldn't I live for His cause? DIO è BUONO.
'The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love oh LORD endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.' Psalm 138.8
Love, Allie
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
between england and italy
Hi everyone! Here's some fuel for prayer and praise.
ENGLAND: The rest of the team left this morning so the "formal" ministry is done, and I'm staying on for the remainder of the week to visit, rest, and minister with my missionary friends here. We had a great evening concert/bible study at "Stone Willy's" pizzeria in Hampton and a blessed Saturday concert and Sunday service. We all fell in love with the church here which is such a sweet representation of heaven with so many tribes, tongues and nations brought together in one small family. London is such a diverse place! We love worshipping here. It was an honor for me to teach Sunday school and fellowship with new and old friends. I am praying for rest and divine opportunities and conversation until I leave next Monday for Roma.
I will say, for any of you who know how much I ADORE the British show, "Foyle's War," I got to visit Hastings yesterday with Ian and Austen and it was an absolute dream. We took a photo outside where they shoot his house and enjoyed some fish and chips on the seaside. I don't think I will sort out all of my photos until I'm stateside, but will be sure to post that one when do :)
ITALY: I starting to feel excited (and hopefully not too overwhelmed)! A lot is in store my short week in Rome. I am hoping to visit with my non-Christian friends Livia, Fation, and possibley Riccardo and Michelangelo. I will be staying with my pastor's family, speaking at church, and encouraging my friends there. I'm hoping also to check in with a school in Frascati where I want to teach. Additionally, I am meeting up with a couple (connected with Reality LA) who just moved to Trastevere to plant a house church. I'm going to meet with them and some people working with refugees and see what God is doing there. Finally, I'm looking forward to showing vacationing friends (Joe, Cassie, Anna, and Andre) some favorite Roman spots :)
Please, pray with me that God speaks clearly about my future in Italy, that He would help me have energy and skill to speak Italian, that I can share the Gospel with my friends, and listen closely to God's Spirit.
GERMANY: I continue to praise God for saving Maria and Paul and for starting some rich Jesus-conversation in Gorlitz. However, since we left there have been some really rough things going on and it's absolutely breaking my heart not to be there. Austen and I in particular are heavily burdened. It nearly clouded our time in London. Please lift up the church and all who heard the Gospel, and specifically our friends Frank and Wiebke. Though I can't share details, God knows!
That's a lot. But thanks for praying. This would be so futile without vision and strength from the Lord.
ENGLAND: The rest of the team left this morning so the "formal" ministry is done, and I'm staying on for the remainder of the week to visit, rest, and minister with my missionary friends here. We had a great evening concert/bible study at "Stone Willy's" pizzeria in Hampton and a blessed Saturday concert and Sunday service. We all fell in love with the church here which is such a sweet representation of heaven with so many tribes, tongues and nations brought together in one small family. London is such a diverse place! We love worshipping here. It was an honor for me to teach Sunday school and fellowship with new and old friends. I am praying for rest and divine opportunities and conversation until I leave next Monday for Roma.
I will say, for any of you who know how much I ADORE the British show, "Foyle's War," I got to visit Hastings yesterday with Ian and Austen and it was an absolute dream. We took a photo outside where they shoot his house and enjoyed some fish and chips on the seaside. I don't think I will sort out all of my photos until I'm stateside, but will be sure to post that one when do :)
ITALY: I starting to feel excited (and hopefully not too overwhelmed)! A lot is in store my short week in Rome. I am hoping to visit with my non-Christian friends Livia, Fation, and possibley Riccardo and Michelangelo. I will be staying with my pastor's family, speaking at church, and encouraging my friends there. I'm hoping also to check in with a school in Frascati where I want to teach. Additionally, I am meeting up with a couple (connected with Reality LA) who just moved to Trastevere to plant a house church. I'm going to meet with them and some people working with refugees and see what God is doing there. Finally, I'm looking forward to showing vacationing friends (Joe, Cassie, Anna, and Andre) some favorite Roman spots :)
Please, pray with me that God speaks clearly about my future in Italy, that He would help me have energy and skill to speak Italian, that I can share the Gospel with my friends, and listen closely to God's Spirit.
GERMANY: I continue to praise God for saving Maria and Paul and for starting some rich Jesus-conversation in Gorlitz. However, since we left there have been some really rough things going on and it's absolutely breaking my heart not to be there. Austen and I in particular are heavily burdened. It nearly clouded our time in London. Please lift up the church and all who heard the Gospel, and specifically our friends Frank and Wiebke. Though I can't share details, God knows!
That's a lot. But thanks for praying. This would be so futile without vision and strength from the Lord.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
deutschland summary :)
Wow.
I think I may have just passed one of my favorite weeks. Ever. Let me explain.
Ahhh...but I can't! Basically, God is so good. My incredible team had the sweetest week learning to "recline with sinners" (Mark 2) and listen and love as Jesus did. We had seriously INTENSE conversations about Jesus with punk anti-nazi youth, drunk polish boys, abandoned women, cutters, druggies, homosexuals, broken and lost people.... And we found ourselves not talking ABOUT the love of God, but LOVING HIM while we were talking about Him. And that is contagious. My "new friends" on facebook (most of the people we met under the bridge in the evenings at Gorlitz) are filling their statuses with grief at the emptiness of that space now when they pass by each day. I am praying that they grow concerned with the emptiness of their hearts, because that space was filled with God's Spirit, and He is what they are desperate for.
I have to say God answered our prayer for "just one!" in the most wonderful way. After tears and goodbyes, we dashed for the train back to Leipzig where we would fly out. After two stops, we notice our new friend Paul (I met him on the street and invited him to the concert, to which he came Saturday and really enjoyed himself) hopping on. We all cheered in a very American sort of way, "Hey! Paul!" so happy to see a friend (which happens easily in Gorlitz...you start to know everybody:) ). Long story short, my friend Mike starts talking with Paul (and his friend who was with him) about the last night and spirituality...AND they BOTH accept Jesus right there on the train!!! Laurel and I were praying praying praying and it was so genuine and real. We have them connected with our church there AND I just heard that one of the guys from the church ran into Paul at the bus stop today and said he seemed a totally different person. And that's what my God does. "BEHOLD! I am making all things new!" And so, at the very LAST moment, not one, but TWO siblings are added to the family, and that was one sweet way to leave.
I have so many stories that I look forward to sharing with you all when I see you face to face at some point in Seattle or LA. Please continue to keep Paul and Maria in your prayers as new believers. Pray for Wiebke, Steven, Axl, Peter, Damian who are not far from the Kingdom.
Now I am in London for 2 weeks. This week Mike and Ian and Austen are staying to do more music ministry and we are building up to a big concert Saturday. Please pray for grace with each other as we have all been a bit snappy and tired. Pray that we stay faithful to God's plan for us here.
Thank you so much! Love to you all in Jesus.
I think I may have just passed one of my favorite weeks. Ever. Let me explain.
Ahhh...but I can't! Basically, God is so good. My incredible team had the sweetest week learning to "recline with sinners" (Mark 2) and listen and love as Jesus did. We had seriously INTENSE conversations about Jesus with punk anti-nazi youth, drunk polish boys, abandoned women, cutters, druggies, homosexuals, broken and lost people.... And we found ourselves not talking ABOUT the love of God, but LOVING HIM while we were talking about Him. And that is contagious. My "new friends" on facebook (most of the people we met under the bridge in the evenings at Gorlitz) are filling their statuses with grief at the emptiness of that space now when they pass by each day. I am praying that they grow concerned with the emptiness of their hearts, because that space was filled with God's Spirit, and He is what they are desperate for.
I have to say God answered our prayer for "just one!" in the most wonderful way. After tears and goodbyes, we dashed for the train back to Leipzig where we would fly out. After two stops, we notice our new friend Paul (I met him on the street and invited him to the concert, to which he came Saturday and really enjoyed himself) hopping on. We all cheered in a very American sort of way, "Hey! Paul!" so happy to see a friend (which happens easily in Gorlitz...you start to know everybody:) ). Long story short, my friend Mike starts talking with Paul (and his friend who was with him) about the last night and spirituality...AND they BOTH accept Jesus right there on the train!!! Laurel and I were praying praying praying and it was so genuine and real. We have them connected with our church there AND I just heard that one of the guys from the church ran into Paul at the bus stop today and said he seemed a totally different person. And that's what my God does. "BEHOLD! I am making all things new!" And so, at the very LAST moment, not one, but TWO siblings are added to the family, and that was one sweet way to leave.
I have so many stories that I look forward to sharing with you all when I see you face to face at some point in Seattle or LA. Please continue to keep Paul and Maria in your prayers as new believers. Pray for Wiebke, Steven, Axl, Peter, Damian who are not far from the Kingdom.
Now I am in London for 2 weeks. This week Mike and Ian and Austen are staying to do more music ministry and we are building up to a big concert Saturday. Please pray for grace with each other as we have all been a bit snappy and tired. Pray that we stay faithful to God's plan for us here.
Thank you so much! Love to you all in Jesus.
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