I'd like to share a beautiful Advent project from my university, BIOLA, if you don't have another program: http://ccca.biola.edu/advent/?_ga=1.12669941.315596822.1416940337.
CHURCH
We have an inter-church choir coming to do a Christmas outreach with us on DECEMBER 23. Please pray for this event! I will be participating in an evangelistic sketch that will open the concert. It takes place in the town hall, and is listed on their banner as one of the holiday events. Frascati is bursting with Christmas spirit these days! Last night I popped into mass at our local cathedral. It was nice to see so many people in church! Pray for the "coldness" of spirit here among Frascati residents. Pray I can make some local friends. I'm so shy and don't naturally chit-chat.
I am trying to spend more time with Sara (17) showing great spiritual growth! Proud of her. She comes from a very difficult family.
Many members have been battling serious sicknesses. Please pray for Simona, Giulia, Thereasa...and that nothing would hinder people from coming Sundays. Unity. Love. Faithfulness.
We will have our church Christmas dinner/service on DECEMBER 28.
SCHIAVITU MAI PIU
This Saturday DECEMBER 13 we have our Christmas outreach. We have prepared little satchels of tea and honey and hand-written notes. Last time we were out we called the police because we spotted a minor working the streets. After waiting an hour with numerous calls, the police never came (like they said).There was much darkness. We pray for light.
PERSONAL
My cousin left. It was such a gift to have him! I've been blessed with some of my dearest friends visiting this fall. Very thankful. I am continually dumbfounded at how God has given me his BEST as friends. Despite this, I have been convicted to have a guest-free "fast" January-March, concerning overseas visitors. I need to focus on my own health and the ministry at hand.
Some major decisions need to be resolved:
1. My teaching credential expires next year. There are various solutions to this, some including a return to California to renew it (about one year).
2. In my time here I have noticed MAJOR ministry needs in family/marriage/relationship counseling, sexual abuse counseling and of course issues related to children or prostitutes. I am considering returning to the US for more training.
3. At any rate, I have communicated the termination of my job come July 2015. I will need to find the right job that can sustain me part-time. I feel very strongly about working part-time because the hours I work now prevent me from many ministry opportunities (even if I value work as ministry). I would like to focus on: writing a Sunday School curriculum in Italian; writing Italian worship songs; discipling and supporting various church members; contributing more to Schiavitù Mai Più....
Please beg the Lord to guide me in these things. As it should always be: whatever brings him more glory. In this time of Advent may we empty ourselves to receive.
Thank you for your love and support. It is real and steadfast and not forgotten! Hugs to all from Italy x
Above top: my dear friend Heather and co-laborer in Schiavitù Mai Più at our Thanksgiving party (which only about 10 people came to by the way...oh well)
Below: "Thanksgiving" dinner at my pastor's home!
