La Piazza Press

La Piazza Press is our monthly newsletter that we use to keep everyone informed of our progress as missionaries with Saint's Equipped to Evangelize in San Lorenzo, Italy.  Our vision is to see the piazzas (town squares) filled with evangelical Christians.  Would you be willing to share in that vision?  If so, please click the Subscribe button above to receive our monthly newsletter.  For more information, you can visit our website at www.littlesitaly.com

Current Happenings - September 5, 2007

On August 20^th Maureen arrived in Italy joining Tom after two months of separation.  It certainly is great to be back together though we miss all our family and friends.  In the last two weeks we have had a whirlwind of activity.  Though we rented a furnished apartment we found that we were still in need of many things.  Fortunately there is an Ikea store two hours away and we have made two trips to purchase lamps, chairs, file cabinets, desks, and all the other things we need to organize our ministry.  Praise the Lord, Tom had unpacked all our suitcases prior to Maureen’s arrival and put everything away. Maureen felt right at home when she first saw the apartment.  It is small, about 700 square feet, but certainly adequate for all our needs.  In the last two weeks, we have finished setting up our apartment, acquired cell phones and internet, opened a checking account, and bought a used car for Maureen.  This is all so easy in the U.S., but not so in Italy.  Everything takes three times as long.  For instance, we signed more paper work getting our checking account here than we did when we bought our home in the U.S.

Ministry Highlights

Maureen has already been able to share her faith with Pier who runs the fruit and vegetable stand here in Valvasone.  Pier and Frederico, his wife, are a young couple with two small children.  Please pray that the Holy Spirit would open a door and open their hearts to the gospel.

Remember Carlo Marchi in your prayers.  He accepted Christ in June but is struggling with his inability to not sin.  Ken Wells, one of our church planters, has been discipling him and has explained sanctification, but he is struggling.  Carlo invited us to his home after church and we met his 83 year old mother.  She doesn’t attend church and Carlo says he never talks to her about it.  Maureen promised to come visit her as soon as her Italian is better.  She doesn’t go out much due to a heart condition.  We had a great time of fellowship and were able to discuss the concept of sanctification further.  Please pray for Carlo’s protection against the accuser and for his mother's salvation.  Oh Lord, how we need wisdom! 

Lastly, we have been preparing Saints Bible Institute for the arrival of 17 students on Sept. 10.  This includes painting, cleaning, scheduling, purchasing replacement furniture, etc. At the same time, we hosted our three ESL instructors at our home for four nights as their apartment wasn’t ready.  Maureen also, held her first ESL team meeting and Bible study.  Yes, we are busy, but we love being in God’s service.

 September Schedule

This month is going to be crazy!  The S.B.I. students arrive on Sept. 10th for orientation.  Maureen and the ESL instuctors will be circulating flyers and completing registration.  Classes begin Sept. 12 for the American Bible students and at the end of Sept. for the ESL students.  All of this takes a lot of planning and preparation.  Pray for patience as we adjust to Italy and our schedule.

Support Update

The Lord has given us 100 prayer partners and 55 financial partners.  We praise the Lord for all of you!  Our monthly short fall has dropped to $877.  Any amount you could give would be greatly appreciated.  We are hard pressed to do all that the ministry requires without it.  Please pray about your involvement in reaching the Italian people for Jesus.

To become apart of our financial support team, make your check payable to Saints Equipped to Evangelize.  Put our names on the memo line and indicate whether it is a special or monthly gift.  All contributions are tax deductible.  Mail your check to:  

S.E.E. - P.O. Box 587 - Bradenton, FL - 34206-0587

Praises and Prayers