A Visit to Italy
After a fruitful two days in Florence, Amanda and I are back in Rome preparing for Tel Aviv. Our time with believers in Italy—despite a national train strike—was filled with rich fellowship, deep questions, and a growing hunger for the kingdom. God is stirring hearts, even in the city where Savonaro
Thank you all for your prayers. After two packed days in Florence, Amanda and I are back in Rome tonight preparing to leave early tomorrow morning for Tel Aviv. We had a short but very productive visit in Italy.
Giacomo (whom we met at the 2023 Netherlands conference) and his wife Andrea received us with much grace and love. They’re both very serious about pursuing Christian community, and have become firmly convinced that our advice to first concentrate on building relationships of trust, truth, and love is the pathway to an enduring witness here. To that end, they extended an invitation for interested people to come hear us and ask questions yesterday afternoon.
In spite of a nationwide strike on the train system that day, quite a few folks still found ways to attend. We were together for eight hours of nonstop fellowship, teaching, and questions and answers—until 11:00 last night!
In that gathering we met some Americans who have immigrated to Italy, two Brazilians, a brother from Mozambique, a sister from the Philippines, a missionary to Peru, and, of course, several Italians! Without exception, all were intrigued and positive, and many were profoundly stirred. Their questions were deep and meaningful. The message of the kingdom continues to spread!
Who knows but that in Florence—the birthplace of the Renaissance of paganism, where Savonarola was hanged and burned in the square for his stand against the immorality and materialism of the age—even here, the kingdom of God might be reborn into the power and witness with which it once shone in Italy in the days of the Apostles.
Please continue to pray for Brother Carl and Sister Rosemary, who will be here for several more days. They will be attending a Bible study tomorrow night with yet more Italian believers, and will eventually head down to visit many members of the extended Ballerino family.
I guess this is my first letter to the church from Rome. All the saints in Italy send their greetings!
Brother Dan Lancaster
