unexpected adventures

Hi Everyone.

Thanks for taking the time to read and pray. I am really being sustained by the Lord in what I feel may be the busiest I've been since living in Italy. God is good.

WORK UPDATE

Getting used to my long hours and enjoying it--miracle of miracles. I've also picked up tutoring an ex-student Thursdays after work. It is a lot, but they seem important opportunities. Still wanting time to invest in colleagues, new and old.

CHURCH UPDATE

I've been able to spend some good time with the young girls in the church. They seem hungry for more relationship and I feel I have so little time to offer. We also desperately need help with Sunday School. We are paying off a last bit of debt that remained from the old church building tomorrow, praise God. We are encouraged by growing faith and praying for physical healing of many: Simona, Thereasa, Giulia, Stefano's mom....

SCHIAVITU MAI PIU

We finished a "successful" campaign, thank the Lord. We had a great showing Saturday for the documentary, and really good responses. We are excited to see what we can do in the new year and are praying for direction with our street work. Please pray in particular for D---a girl I really connect with on the street. Pray for her deliverance. For more workers on our team. Italian and Romanian would be ideal. By the way, we have not seen the girl Maeva that Tania met again, but we have discovered the strip-club in Frascati where she works. We are praying about what to do.

PERSONAL

It's been great having my cousin. He seems curious about the Gospel. We are off to Puglia this weekend to visit where my great-grandfather was born and I am really excited to re-connect with the friends I made there last time. I don't know what God has in store. I made the mistake of writing one girl to invite the group to dinner while we were there. She responded, "You are OUR guests. We invite you." Of course. The intense southern hospitality. Who was I to invite them in their own town??

Tania and I also have a young American woman staying with us in an urgent situation at the moment for we don't know exactly how long. Please pray we can handle this situation wisely and encourage her in the Lord with the little time we are home.

Other prayer requests for Fation, Roberto, Livia, Olga, Simone, Raffa...remain the same. They need to surrender to Jesus!

new friends

FRIENDS

Since being back, all of my old friends began writing me to get together. I felt very loved. Tania and I are also noticing a pattern that God has been bringing "new friends" into our lives. This is exciting, but also overwhelming. How do we reach all of these people? How do we find time? Please pray for us in this. God has really helped us to unite peacefully towards His purposes this month, and we want to hear from Him.

For Tania:
Egyptian Muslim girl on bus
French girl Maeva (we are learning a lot about her and think she may be in a slave-like situation)
Laura (ex coworker)

For Me:
Michela (Romanian babysitter of one of my students--wants to be friends)
Claudia (new coworker)

I am growing closer or trying to connect with these dear non-believing friends:
Fation (told me yesterday that he is filled with fear before he goes to bed)
Roberto (likes dark, pagan things)
Luana (and Andrea P.--Andrea P's girlfriend pursuing music therapy for kids)
Andreas- struggling with depression and addictions
Livia- living for herself
Olga- manipulator, curious
Paolo- lost
Raffaella-sweet coworker, needs to know Love

We'd like to have some kind of party or something to mix our Christian (very few!) and non-Christian friends. Pray for creativity, time, etc.

There are also quite a few fellow missionary relationships I'd like to invest in here in my area. NO. TIME.

WORK

I was devastated to find that my schedule had been altered to work more hours than last year. This has been very difficult to accept. But I am praying for strength to be a good witness. To have a good attitude. I miss my old students, but my new class is excellent. Please pray for:
Giulia
Delisha
Viola
Ginevra
Paolo
Pietro
Filippo
Daniele
Francesco
Melissa

There is also a new autistic boy in my old class. Pray that I can help or that his situation is handled in an appropriate way.

I am also trying to figure out times to tutor Alessandro and Matilda (mom died in March) who have moved to other schools in Rome. Please pray for God's guidance.

CHURCH

Baptisms were BEAUTIFUL. Pray for more growth and desire to be baptized among other members: Matteo, Veronica, Simona, Alessandro, Stefano...

SCHIAVITU MAI PIU

Our training went well if low-attended. We keep seeing lots of new girls on the streets. We are asking the Lord for more workers. Specifically ITALIAN and ROMANIAN and ALBANIAN Christians. So far we are all Americans plus Fjori who is Albanian. We have a big awareness campaign from October 1-18 and would like prayer for this. Personally, I hope that the subject of sex-trade comes up more among my friends so I can share God's heart of FREEDOM.

PERSONAL

I have dropped studies for my license. No time. In the meantime God provided coworkers to get me to and from work and couches to sleep on if I'm stuck in Rome. My cousin Dylan will be in Rome 2 months. Please pray that he opens his heart to Jesus.

Thanks so much for interceding with me!

                                                  Sara and Julienne's baptism at sea <3 p="">

                                              My Sunday School eating after church <3 p="">

Flowers we bought this morning from our Bangladeshi flower seller friend on the street. Agash is a man who has suffered much. He is returning home for 5 months because he has a new daughter there. We are trying to think of a way to bless him before he leaves in 2 weeks. Pray for Agash!

the return: year 3.

I'm back in Frascati!

It's been nice the last 6 weeks to detach a bit from technology and just enjoy visiting people and being at the whim of the moment. If I saw you while on the West Coast, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My travels home included: 1 taxi, 2 planes, 1 bus, 1 train, 1 subway ride...an airport strike waiting for my luggage, a long line waiting to buy tickets, and my pastor and his wife who graciously met me at the end of the subway line to take me HOME. Maybe that's why I slept 10 hrs. straight last night!

UPDATE FROM SUMMER MINISTRY

God held back the rain for our 2 concerts. It was so miraculous. All 4 guests I invited came, even if they didn't stay the whole time. Our church was encouraged and unified by the event! We hope to have more people come out next time and to improve with advertising. Red Rain was a huge blessing!

I was also able to delegate 4 youth to teach Sunday School and various members volunteered to bring drinks for Sundays. I hear it went well and am eager to be back tonight in Church!

STATESIDE SUMMARY

California, Oregon and Washington were great. I rested. I "tried" surfing. I got some new clothes and teaching supplies. I went to the beach. I saw THREE musicals. I biked with my cousins. I ate Thai, Mexican and Indian. I went to a rooftop wedding. I saw loads of friends and family. I attended my churches. I saw my sister in concert. I said some really hard goodbyes.

Please pray for me as I consider many things for the future. The next few months I will be deciding what to do "next." Before I left for the summer I told my boss that this year 2014-15 would be my last year at the school. I really need to hear from the Lord about what to do after July 2015, so if you can keep that in your prayers I would be very grateful. Send me any verses or words God gives you!

Meeting my "nipotino" Noble <3 p="">

                                                                         Cousins :)

                                                         Siblings in the hot-tub

                                             Austen's show with my aunt and uncle <3 nbsp="" p="">

RLA Community Group Dinner

WHATS UP

I go back to work tomorrow. Please pray that God renews my strength, joy and creativity to welcome a new class of students this year! I am sad to be passed up by my old students and pray that I can somehow stay connected with them. Please pray for solid, uplifting communication between all staff.

Next Sunday, September 14 we will do church at the sea as Sara (17 yr old sister of Veronica 19, and Lorenzo 5) and Giulianna (Togolese, mom of Leo 9 and Dylan 2 in Sunday School) get baptized!!

I need wisdom to grow up other members to share in serving with Kids Ministry and Hospitality. Pray that others would see the value and commit. Please pray that someone raises up to takeover accounting because it is too much for me.

Schiavitù Mai Più (anti-trafficking/prostitution ministry) is back in full-swing. We have a meeting with a US Government labor official Sept 12, an outing Sept 19, a Training Day for new volunteers Sept 20 and our Freedom Days Campaign the week of October 18.

I am thrilled to host my dear friend Michelle from Japan (Biola) and her parents next week! I am also very thankful to have my cousin Dylan in Rome for 2 months...arriving in 2 weeks! God knew I needed a piece of "home."

Coming back to Frascati was difficult. But I am praying for a deeply fruitful year. I want to be loved and used of the Lord. I feel a bit like Job's friends: "Tell us! What are we to say to Him? We are unable to prepare because of the darkness" (Job 37:19). Thanking God He is Light.

Love to all!
Allie

July Outreach...the last stretch

Hi Everyone!

Wow. It's been a busy time and I could really, really use some concentrated prayer for this last stretch before heading "home" to the States July 28!

Personal

I've been so thankful to have my precious friend Amanda and her mom as guests this month. They have helped by sharing testimonies, cooking, designing our banners/flyers for the concert, leading worship, and just generally spoiling me. I would like to ask particular prayer for Tania right now in this time. Also for the friends like Livia, Fation, Roberto, Sara that I'd like to see before I leave.

Church

Amanda and I are leading worship Sunday and would appreciate your prayers. Also this Sunday I will be training Valeria, Claudia and Eli and Moira to take over for me in Sunday School the 5 weeks I am gone. Please pray for this and creativity and time for me to set them up well.

CONCERT Outreach July 24 & 25

We have a LOT of work to do. We still need a stage, lights, and some permits. BUT God came through in a big way today. I got banners done, permit permission, city permission, a drumset for free (was going to cost 300€ to rent!)...we trust it will all work out, logistically and financially. Please pray that people we invite will come.

Thanks and God bless you all!
Allie

Below: some blurry pics from my sweet roof-top birthday party sponsored by my fabulous grandparents Jill & Bob. Grazie! 

church retreat and july goals

CC FRASCATI CHURCH RETREAT

I wanted to give an update about our church retreat this weekend. We were at an agriturismo in Frascati that gave us an incredible, affordable deal. Pastor Craig Quam (founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Italy) came down from Veneto and didn't let the fact that he just started chemotherapy treatment stop him from sharing with our little church about life in the Holy Spirit from Acts 1:8. We had 40 people in attendance from our different home-groups. Actually, there were quite a lot of people missing, but we were still so encouraged by this number and those that came out (from Monte Porzio Catone, Genzano, Albano, Colleferro, Grottaferrata, Frascati and Rome--also a visiting family from Frosinone!). Raffaella did not come. Michelangelo did an excellent job with worship. Jenny (who will moving to London in 2 weeks with our sweet Giulia--please pray for them!!) organized the venue. I was in charge of children's ministry all day. We were blessed and encouraged. We had just the funds to cover everything with 5€ leftover. We pray that the impact of this event is deep and lasting.

One interesting thing happened: a lady visiting the Bed & Breakfast part of the venue heard us and sat in on the worship. She then talked to Barbara and Robert about offering us a meeting place for the church! We are meeting with her today at 6:30pm if you can pray. Our dream is to have a place in the community. A place where all of our groups can meet together more regularly.

JULY GOALS

I've got lots of people to see: Olga, Paolo, Iram, Raffaella (all different colleagues/ex-colleagues I want to get in touch with). Livia (my Roman friend). Going to the sea with the young girls from church (Sara, Veronica, Valeria and Claudia--who have returned from France). Spending time with Monica (needy lady from church). Spending time with Barbara (another needy lady from church). Connecting with Fation (he just told me he is reading the Gospel) and Roberto. Supporting Jenny and Giulia with whatever they need before they move to London.

I've got visitors: My dear friend Amanda and her mom visiting me this month! My uncle should also be passing by. July 23-26 I'll be hosting the New Zealand rock band "Red Rain" in my home for outreach with our church.

Please continue to pray for my work with Schiavitù Mai Più this month. My team leader Sarah needs miraculous prayer for her heart. She has just come home from the hospital.

Please pray for logistical things with the Red Rain concert coming up. We need: 400€ to put this on. We need a smoke machine, a bass amp and a drum kit. The band will be split into 3 homes. Pray that they are blessed. We are thankful for their servant hearts and flexibility.

OTHER UPDATES

I almost left my job last week. After lots of drama and prayer I am staying one more final year. Prayers for my future would be most appreciated.

Pray that Jesus pursues and reveals himself in supernatural ways to my friend Fation who just confessed he is reading the Gospel. "You know Jesus says a lot of really wise things. I really agree with it."

Tania most likely has a fixed job starting in September. This will help me economically, as well as give her life a bit more direction. Praise Jesus.

I am in LA and Seattle this August and hope to see you! Taking appointments now :)


Thanks for praying. Lots of love to all!
Allie

                                    With Nicholas & Lorenzo chowing down! (kidsmin)

                                         Great worship time together at the retreat!

                                                                Football!

                                       The whole gang (minus Michi taking the pic)

                                          I hit the beach as soon as I finished work.
                          Nothing like first sun and first fresh coconut of the summer!

june. andamillionthoughts.

TESORI RAGGIANTI International Conference Against Sex-Trafficking

Well. I don't really know how to process the 4 days I spent last week outside of Turin. SO THANKFUL to Jesus that I was able to attend this conference sponsored by Operation Mobilization (OM). Dr. Sandra Morgan from Vanguard University, along with a panel of experts (Italian police, social workers, lawyers, ex-sex slaves) and all of US... the Christian ministry workers that have been plugging along by ourselves in various cities the last 5 years. For the first time, we were all together. It was stimulating. It was enlightening. It was overwhelming. It was exhausting. It was encouraging. It was informative. It was heart-breaking. Perhaps the best thing was that it was applicational. Dr. Morgan's passion was to get us contextualizing and planning for the "treasures" we know. For the cities in which we live. Another goal of the conference was to get us united across Italy with similar training, using standard vocabulary etc. God is doing great things and longs to release Italian men and women and children from: 

1. An oversexualized culture

2. A morbid, corrupted and violent sexualization

3. Selling of human beings

4. Identity confusion

5. Sexual dominance

6. Sexual abuse 

7. Lies from media

8. Broken families...

 Of the 25,000 sex-trafficking victims in Italy, there are 4 major ethnic groups: Nigerian, Romanian, Albanian and Chinese. Our team in Rome has been working with Romanian-Albanian girls (the only two groups that work together to take advantage of each other). But in the fall we hope to start up the team with Nigerian girls. It's a completely different area. It's a bit more dangerous in the country roads without lights and sidewalks and we would be out in the day. Please pray for the preparation of this team (of which I will  be a part). 

“Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” (Psalm 34:5)

CHURCH

We are seeing some growth (spiritually and in number) which is exciting. We continue to pray against divisive or lazy spirits among members. It is difficult to maintain fellowship with our home-studies spanning from Colleferro to Frascati. Please pray that our church members take ownership of their faith and become hungry to serve and encourage one another. We are encouraged recently by Franco and Barbara and Stefano and Alessandro. 

June 29th is our big all-day church retreat. Please ask the Lord to bless our speaker and all of the preparations and those who will come. I am hoping to invite Raffaella this week. PLEASE ASK GOD TO OPEN HER HEART TO COME.

WORK

Some drama at the end of the year--a few teachers not coming back. This will mean a bit more chaos next year with new staff etc. once again. But I am thankful to have this job and to hold a testimony here. My two students that will be leaving (the one whose mom died and another) are "randomly" moving to the same school in Rome, and their parents have asked me to stay in touch. That is a blessing. At this point, I only plan on putting in one more year at the school and moving to more flexible part time work the following year. Lots of thoughts for the future, but more to come later. Just pray for now that I can finish this last school month well!

I'm excited to have my cousin Dylan visiting next week. This summer I'm hoping to invest more time in friendships and studying for my drivers exam which has fallen behind!!!

xo

                                  Below: panel of experts, our Schiavitù Mai Più team

And this... my colleague took this photo of me on 

fieldtrip and titled it "Angry Allie" haha...don't mess with me.

faith at the end

FOLLOWING STARS
This morning I had the privilege of praying in a park grown up around the Roman aqueducts. Our small church leadership is trying to get out once a month to pray together. We'll spend an hour alone, and hour together. Reading and praying. We didn't meet last month so it was an especially refreshing time, and the sun shone bright.

I meditated on Matthew 2 where the magi go to Herod thinking they've "arrived" only to find no one has heard of the prophecy they are following, and they are sent to find this "king" off the beaten path as it were. I found myself imagining--for the first time--what that shorter trip must have been like. I think of the trek across the desert. But this one? How deluded and confused I would have been. Thinking myself crazy for following a star. And then to find a poor BABY? But these men were wise enough to know they didn't know everything. They needed something. Their faith helped them in this shorter SECOND trip, perhaps even more than the first, and caused them "with great joy" to throw themselves off their camels, prostrate on the floor, gifts in hand, to adore a Baby King. I thought about Abraham. I thought about myself. I thought about our church here. I thought about the feeling of being so close but so far. We desire many things. And faith and hope must be our companions from beginning to end (even when the end doesn't land where we imagined) if we are to have that JOY in following.

CHURCH
This said, please pray fervently for our church. Spiritual growth, maturity, leadership, reconciliation. Pastor Robert told me this morning that Franco, a man who comes to our church with his wife and 2 daughters (who moved to France but are moving back now!) came to Biblestudy last night even though his wife stayed home. He said he brings his Bible to work and can't get enough of it on his breaks! This is the kind of growth our hearts long to see. Commitment. We are seeing this also with Barbara, a new member. I hope to have time to disciple her a bit. Please pray for our day retreat coming up JUNE 29--we are really excited about it! And the New Zealand rock band Red Rain coming to us at the end of July. We are in desperate need of a location to hold the concert.

WORK
May has been a very stressful month for problems of administration and my particular students having a lot of issues while I have no assistant. I am nearly burnt out. I just ask that I can be calm and enjoy students this last month. Please pray for my parent-teacher meetings next Tuesday and Wednesday. I need to be able to communicate well in Italian--in some cases, things that are difficult to hear. Pray also for Raffaella--I am hoping to invite her to our retreat in June. We talked last week about God and what real love is. Good things!

SCHIAVITU' MAI PIU'
After taking a break for the month of May, I will be heading up to Turin next Thursday for an international conference training my "team" in anti-sex-trafficking causes. Pray that we are given fresh vision and tools to reach the sexually enslaved with the hope of Jesus.

Thanks for all of the love and prayers. I am still behind on my driver's license. Would like prayer for that. Strength. Joy. Peace. Continue to pray for my friends Fation, Roberto, Livia, Olga...and new friend Alessandro (that we met getting lost in Rome!)...who need Jesus.

xo, Allie

          Tania and I goofing off on the train...we just celebrated her birthday last night! x