That Christ Would Breathe Within Them

‎[While at the Vatican, the cardinal shows don Michael Corleone a stone lying in a water fountain.]

“Look at this stone,” says the cardinal, holding it. “It has been lying in the water for a very long time, but the water has not penetrated it.” He breaks the stone to reveal its interior. “Perfectly dry,” he says. “The same thing has happened to men in Europe. For centuries they have been surrounded by Christianity, but Christ has not penetrated. Christ doesn’t breathe within them.”

(A scene from Godfather III)

What a poignant and insightful look into the European mindset. So, this is the work ahead of us. I leave in a few days on a four-city, discovery tour in Italy, visiting Rome, Salerno, Bologna, and Ferrara. I will be meeting with national Italian pastors and foreign missionaries alike, in an effort to understand the current state of the evangelical church and in hopes of finding our first port of entry.

Laboring among our brothers and sisters in Christ for the sake of the gospel in Italy will require your partnership, support, and prayers. Please pray that God would help us to find the right partners to connect with throughout Italy, and to determine the right place for what will be our first step into a long sojourn among people we feel called to spend the rest of our our lives faithfully serving.

With sincere gratitude,
Brian & Renee

 

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