04.28.10
Spring has Sprung
Spring is finally deciding to join us here in Ancona. We’ve been teased quite a bit by warm weather one day and cold the next. I never know when it’s OK to finally put away the winter coats. But today I am starting to wash them up to put away until next year (even though Lance did wear his yesterday).
With spring comes so much newness. Rebirth. Excitement. God uses these beautiful seasons to give our life more meaning. Though the warmth is nice, I would hate to live in an area without changing seasons. Life never seems to slow down. Things are the same day after day. Here, I see winter as a time when God has us recharge. We stay inside more. We slow down. We sit. We relax. The weather may keep us inside. It may keep us craving a mocha enjoyed with dear friends (and gaining 10 “winter” pounds to prove it). Sure, it’s irritating to be wet day after day from the non-stop rain that comes with Italian winters. Yes, it is hard to keep up with the laundry when you can’t hang your clothes outside. Sure, there are small irritations. But, as I see God bringing life to a slower pace in the winter, I feel encouraged to join in on nature’s cycle.
But, just when we are starting to get the itch, spring arrives. No more cabin fever. Newness. I see much newness in the life of our church body. Much growth. The winter brought great Bible studies among our believers. We studied Experiencing God with a couple in our church, and several got together to study A Purpose Driven Life. Now the spring will be time for the fruits of the Spirit to begin maturing and ripening because of this time of study and reflection. Please pray for continued growth in the lives of the believers, namely Simone and Marianna. They have been really challenged lately because of our study together.
Our schedules also reflect spring’s busyness, as well. There are ladies’ events, church events, Bible studies, mom’s get togethers, interesting preaching/teaching times and more all going on right now. Our current sermon series called What the Bible Says about… has been a real blessing. It’s been good to dig into the Word and help the church discover why we believe what we believe.
Also, as you may have read in our prayer update, there’s a new baby at church!! Please pray for Daniel and Simona as they begin their parenthood adventure far away from friends and family (they are Romanian, living in Ancona).
Thank you for all of your support. Though you may not see the significance, you are a vital part of our ministry and lives. We could not be here without you!
Sue Randolph said,
05.04.10 at 6:46 pm
Hi Heidi and Brian!
How I enjoy your newsletters. Yes, I love the seasons, also. And the older I get, the longer I wear that jacket into the Spring! Sometimes all Summer in the restaurant. I am so thankful to God for the fruit you are seeing due to the work of the Holy Spirit through your love for those in the Ancona church and directly to them as they give of themselves to the study of God’s word. We continue to travel to Wichita a great deal to encourage our daughter and family. Her husband will be deployed in July. Take care. Great love and prayer to you and your family…kids and church.
Sue