For those of you who follow our efforts in Italy or the efforts of almost any European ministry, you understand that everything is generally not experienced by the truckloads or even by the dozens. Instead, it is more like the Italian saying, “Piano-Piano” (“little by little”). I find it interesting that even in the early 1600s when the Genevan Italian Bible translator Giovanni Diodati attempted to spread the Gospel in Italy, he said of one of the key Italians in the project that his “great and incomparable knowledge is soaked in such scrupulous prudence, and so little heated and sharpened by fervor of spirit . . . I do not judge him capable of firing the mine in order to open a breach.” From our experience, as well as that of the other missionaries in Italy, progress comes bit by bit, little by little, here one and there one. Despite this, we have actually distributed more tracts in the last year than we have in almost any other year of our ministry. Every tract is put into the hand of an individual. A small part of this may be because the Jehovah’s Witnesses were not out for most of this year, and there was little conflicting competition. However, they have now returned to deceiving the people. Even though we have given out more tracts and had more contact with people, we have seen less visible fruit from those efforts. We will continue to be faithful to preach the Gospel and encourage others to believe in Christ and glorify God with their lives.
Another missionary in Italy has asked if I would be willing to teach a modular-type course to a man in his church. He asked me to teach on the history of the Bible. This is one of my favorite subjects to study and talk about. I look forward to this opportunity, to teach another Italian about the history of God’s amazing words. I also may help substitute for a missionary as he takes a furlough. This would require some travel and more preaching every week, but it has not been determined yet.
We have some good news regarding our documents for citizenship. A New York state judge has granted us permission to receive the birth certificate of Amy’s grandfather. We were able to fill out all the documents ourselves, which saved us a lot of money. Now we simply have to receive the certificate, get an apostille, and then have it translated, certified, and shipped to Italy. Please pray that this is the last document that we will need. The city hall in Milan has told us everything else was approved, but you never know what might change and, as always, “Piano-Piano.”
Our housing situation is somewhat uncertain at the moment. Our landlord has told us that he could allow us to stay in the apartment for another 4 years, but he must raise the rent. We are still paying the same price we did when we moved in 11 years ago. We are currently talking to a few banks, as well as keeping our eye on other apartments to rent. We have about a year left on our current contract, but all these things take time because, “Piano-Piano.”
Thank you so much for loving our family and praying for us. We are humbled to serve our Saviour along with such kind people.
Missionaries to the people of Italy,
Christopher, Amy, William, AnnMarie, and Charlotte Yetzer[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]