05.24.11
Posted in church, home service, Newsletters, Team
at 12:03 am
Two weeks from today we will be back in the US. One of our church members was asking the other day what we do for home service. I jokingly explained to her that people in the US think that we’re on vacation when we’re in Italy, and people in Italy think that we’re on vacation when we’re in the US. Unfortunately, neither is true.
Three reasons for us coming home are: 1) To update our supporters on the progress of the work. 2) To see family and friends for the first time in almost two years. 3) To recharge our batteries a bit. This home service will be a bit different, since we are cutting one month compared to last time. The kids’ school schedule is much more demanding now, and having them miss significant amounts of school would be very difficult for them. So we’re trying to cram as much as possible in three months.
Here’s a rough schedule:
June: Louisville, KY and San Antonio, TX
July: Kansas City, MO, Wichita, KS, and Sioux City, IA
August: Yamhill Co., OR
Our “base” where we will return in between visits will be Rockford, IL.
Since our teammate, Kyle Koval, is facing a significant financial deficit, he will also be in the US fund raising this summer. Which leaves the church in Marcus Van Dorn’s capable hands. I actually am excited about the significant reduction in “American Pastors” this summer. I think it comes at a time when the church is beginning to see the need to take responsibility of the church, as well as begin to use their own gifts. Perhaps our absence will be a bit of a wake-up call that our team will not be around Ancona forever, and that it has been part of the plan from the beginning to train leaders to take our places.
Can I ask you to pray? First, pray for Marcus this summer. Ask God to prompt the church to take things over, and also seek to care of Marcus as well. Second, pray for our home service. I feel like we have left out much of the “recharging” part, which concerns me a little, but we really didn’t have much choice. Third, pray for the church. Help them to discover their gifts and use them, and pray for leaders to rise up.
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04.18.11
Posted in Newsletters
at 10:22 am
Tomorrow. Tomorrow is a day we have prayed for for quite a while. By the time you read this, it may be over. But Saturday April 16 at 7pm (12 noon CST), Simone and Marianna will be baptized into Christ at the local swimming pool. Tears are brimming even as I type. I can’t help but to be overjoyed at how the Lord is at work here in Italy. We are growing. Our little, budding church is growing! Right now in profondità, as we say in Italian (depth for you English speakers). Next, we need you to pray that these new believers will start sharing the Gospel so that we can grow and reach others, as well. “Deep and wide,” as the children’s song goes, right? Please pray for Simone, Marianna, and the Chiesa di Cristo La Via this month as we all grow together.
I must admit something. I love to write to you and tell stories and say flowery things to try and inspire all of us to care just a little more about world missions and our role in it. But, right now, I’m thinking about this summer. So many things need to fall into place for our furlough. Because our kids are even older this time, and school is very important, we are shrinking our home service even more. We now have roughly 3 months to do and see what could reasonably take twice as long. We must jump from place to place this year. We hope to see as many of you as possible, but are unsure of how it will all work. I, the “fly by the seat of your pants” person in our family, made a color coded calendar! Brian asked me the other day, “Who are you?” 
As Mom, I desire everything to be calm, happy, fulfilling, joy-filled, and the list could go on. So, here I am. I’d like to throw out to you our most pressing need.
We are in need of a car. There are 6 people in our family, so unfortunately we need something relatively on the big side. If you or anyone you know can lend us a car for 3 months, or even a part of this time, please let us know. If it would help you or your business, the mileage put on the car is, in fact, a tax-deductible donation to the ministry.
Please pray about how you can help in this way.
Thanks so much for all you do for us. Lately, I have been overwhelmed with such a sense of gratitude. God really is at work, and I have been able to see it with my very eyes. Thanks for your financial support and prayers. We appreciate you.
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03.23.11
Posted in church, Newsletters
at 8:24 am
Every now and then the subject of a “guys night out” comes up in church. We usually go to Maurizio’s apartment (which overlooks the Adriatic and is beautiful in the summertime) and order pizza or fried seafood or something else “manly.”
Last weekend we were just sitting around and stuffing our faces with seafood I’ve never seen before, when Matteo said something that really surprised me.
He turned to Daniel, who was recently baptized, and said, “Even if I didn’t believe in the Holy Spirit, after seeing the change in your life since you were baptized I would have to believe in Him.”
I have heard statements like that about Daniel from others in our church as well. The change really has been dramatic to watch. And it’s not like he and his wife were these horrible “sinners” before. They have been believers for some time, have attended our church for years, and just recently decided to show their obedience to Christ by getting baptized. But there is an intensity to both of them now. Their lives have a different purpose, there is something (someone) inside of them that is changing and transforming them.
It’s really an incredible thing to be a part of. To see someone take their first, hesitant steps as a new Christian makes the work “worth it.” And (between you and me) I’m pretty sure it’s about to happen again very soon with another couple in our church!
As summer gets closer we’re starting to think more and more about our home service. The tickets are purchased and we’re starting to fill up the time with visits with churches and supporters, family and friends. We have lost some support since our last time in the US, and need to raise about $1,000 per month. Kyle, our teammate, faces an even larger deficit. If he isn’t able to raise the funds he needs, we will have to seriously consider whether or not he will be able to return to the field. And we need him here!
We often hear from missionaries that serve in other countries who are facing rough times financially. The economy stinks all over. But God’s Kingdom is much stronger than any IRA or stock market index. We believe in the work here, we believe in seeing the people of Ancona experience a change like we’ve seen in Daniel & Simona. And we believe that God will continue to make our work possible. Will you join us?
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03.07.11
Posted in Ancona, church, Newsletters
at 9:35 am
Last year I did some studying on the season of lent. I found that even through the cold and nastiness of the winter, I really was enjoying watching God’s plans laid out before me. We’ve heard it all before, I guess. You have to go through the Winter in order to get to the Spring. The cold comes, the wind blows and beats against the house, oh wait … that’s another story.
All kidding and cliches aside, the seasons do happen for a reason. Have you ever stopped to notice the fast pace of life to which we have grown quite accustomed? What happened this year when many were forced to take snow days? Did you feel like you had to practically sit on your hands in order to stop, relax, and enjoy your time?
But, I believe that God made our world this way for a reason. A huge, undeniable, illustration for all of us. The weather changes, the leaves fall, the rain comes, and we are forced to slow down. We long for times in a quiet chair with a blanket, a book, and a hot beverage of choice (coffee, of course). Then, colder temperatures come. We must spend more time indoors. While we are spending time inside, we are watching everything die outside. Flowers and plants are dying. Trees have no leaves, and often dead, dry limbs fall making room for new growth. The ground lays dormant, but something is happening. And, just when we can’t take it anymore, we see it. The first bud on the tree. The first sign that the roses made it through the winter after all. The first truly warm, sunny day. Joy comes to rest for a while. Sunshine and warmth fill us.
I need the winter. I didn’t think so before, and it doesn’t always make me happy now, either. But, I slow down. I look at people’s faces more. I’m less distracted. It is cold. It is even scary. It is often sad. Dreary. But I would never appreciate the spring if I didn’t have to live through the winter. I wouldn’t appreciate the sunshine and flowers if I hadn’t just experienced darkness and death.
Surely we’re all experiencing a little darkness. But, oh what joy comes when God reveals Himself in the Springtime of our lives. May you usher in a beautiful season of growth in your life. Please pray that our little church here in Ancona can experience an Amazing Spring of growth and wonder!
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02.08.11
Posted in church, Newsletters
at 4:11 am
Several years ago, our team decided to join an ecumenical group of pastors and leaders of other churches in our area. There’s a wide range of attendees: several Catholics, a methodist minister, a pastor from the apostolic church, and even some Romanian Orthodox priests. It’s a motley crew, and sometimes I wonder if there is anything at all that we have in common.
An ecumenical week of prayer is held at the end of January each year. This year we were asked to host one of the nights at our church’s meeting place, as well as participate in a modified Catholic mass at a nearby church.
I was quite surprised when the priest who was organizing the mass sent me an email explaining that he had invited two Mormon missionaries to come and speak as well.
Overall, I would say that the average Anconetano looks at Protestants with a little suspicion. There are so many misconceptions, and it seems like a lot of what they know about us is based on a half-truth that they overheard long ago. Opportunities for us to go to them and explain what we believe can only be a good thing.
So when we found out we were sharing the microphone with Mormons, I was concerned. Not because I didn’t want to debate or was afraid of getting backed into a corner. Mostly because I didn’t want any more confusion about what we believe.
The big night came. We talked a bit about our church’s history and how we ended up here in Ancona. Marcus led everyone in a few songs. Kyle shared some thoughts on a passage from Isaiah. The Mormons were invited to do the same.
And that’s when I noticed that the crowd didn’t seem to happy to hear what they had to say. A couple of questions about some of the stranger Mormon beliefs were brought up, and it quickly became clear the crowd wasn’t buying it.
It seemed that I really didn’t have to “debate” anyone. I spoke the truth about what we believed as simply as possible. And somehow God caused the truth to bubble up to the surface.
My prayer is that we can continue to be God’s spokesmen here in Ancona, and for truth to always rise to the top.
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12.21.10
Posted in Ancona, church, family, kids, Newsletters
at 12:42 am
Do you ever wonder where the time goes? Sometimes I ask, and sometimes I don’t. Right now, though, looking at this growing family sitting in front of the Christmas tree, I have to wonder how we slid through this year so quickly? Just last year, the kids still seemed like kids (not the pre-teen mess I often see staring back at me ). We had a new Christian sister and brother among us (Jacob was baptized in October and Cristina in November). We were getting ready for Christmas, including a fun Christmas Open House that we hosted at church. We were preparing to head off to Germany for the Mid-Winter Rally. So many things lay before us.
Now, I’m looking at all that we have accomplished as a family and church this year. Our own Chloe was baptized on July 25th. I would have to say that that is our biggest thing that we celebrated as a family. We also rejoiced with Daniel and Simona as they were baptized in October. They have been with us for so long, and it is so wonderful to see them really growing in their faith. This year was a real turning point for them. Let’s continue to pray that they can get rid of all of the hindrances (like superstitions and other things from their former ways of thinking).
We celebrated birthdays and beach days. We hosted many in our home. We shared in an awesome Bible Study with our friends Simone and Marianna, and then started a new one including one of the newest members of our church, Sam. Which brings me to the new folks that have joined us. We have a new family. Sam and Roxanna, their daughter (a precious 3 year old) Diana, Roxanna’s 18 year old brother Paul, and her parents, Michela and Stellian. What a joy they have been.
Like you, I can’t always recall each and everything that has happened throughout the year. Fortunately for us, God helps us forget the bad (though I’m getting older and starting to forget the good, too). I know that the kids have grown taller. I’ve noticed less hugs in public, and more heart to heart talks in private. I see a man I married 13 years ago, and couldn’t be happier with that decision. I see a growing community of believers that God has called us here to disciple. I see a blank slate before me. I look out the window at the amazing amounts of snow falling (it never snows like this here) and know that if there is anything I messed up this year, anything that didn’t go as planned, that’s OK. Why? Because His word tells me that he will make me whiter than snow! I have a chance for renewal, for change. So, I look at last year with joy! And I look at this next year with hope! And I’m praying that you can do the same, too.
Until next month…
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12.13.10
Posted in church, Newsletters
at 8:05 am
Do you ever find yourself in a routine of doing “safe” things?
I was recently convicted by a chapter I read out of a book called Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt. There was a section that talked about our tendency to staff our churches with the best people, develop the best programs, and build the best facilities. And it’s this self-reliance that we have that makes it easy for us to start churches using our own gifts and abilities, leaving God out of the picture all together.
We talked about this chapter in staff meeting the other day. No one on this team is a “rock star” pastor, out to impress everyone with their amazing gifts and talents. But it can be easy for us to fall into the trap of playing it safe – of taking fewer risks.
The author stated that the best way to counteract that tendency is to set goals that are so high only God could achieve them.
We thought a lot about that challenge during our staff meeting. Planting a church is no easy thing. We’ve read a lot of books, talked to a lot of wise people, and said a lot of prayers. And some days we still feel like we’re making it up as we go along.
If you’re like me, when faced with a big uphill climb, it’s easy to fall into the trap of making nice, easily-attainable steps.
You may remember from previous newsletters that the Caseys, who have been here in Ancona for over ten years, will be headed back to the US in January. Their departure has caused all kinds of mixed emotions from the church. It’s as if the church is saying, “Wait … you all aren’t planning on being here forever? We’re supposed to learn how to do all this stuff?” Some have reacted positively, and others less than. Some have stepped up to the plate and have grown, and others seem to be taking a step back.
And I feel convicted that it’s at this time that we need to keep making those impossible goals. We’re setting out to accomplish things that only God could do: disciple believers, train leaders, and seek out non-believers.
God has done great things this month. Our weekly Life Groups are meeting and discussing deeper things each time. I see how people are calling and checking up on those who are sick or struggling. We had two different events for the youth, which were open to invite friends. Our church spent another 24 hours in prayer. I’ve had a conversation with a man in our church who seems to have gifts in leadership.
I can’t wait to see what impossible things God does next month…
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10.23.10
Posted in Newsletters
at 12:45 am
Transition is a funny word, isn’t it? It sounds very formal, yet it conveys a message that simply states “change.” And for us change is, and has, definitely been in the air. First of all, we have an awesome change to report! After years of study, reflection, prayer, growth, and more Daniel and Simona Plesa changed their whole lives when they were baptized into Christ on October 3, 2010. We were quite a group whooping and hollering at the city pool on that cloudy Sunday morning. What a joy this was!!
Another transition to report is that of our changing team dynamic. The Casey family, dear friends and teammates, have decided to return to the states at the end of January. In Jason’s own words he writes,
As a family we have also made a decision regarding our future. For a couple of years now, I have felt the Lord releasing us and preparing us to move away from our direct leadership and involvement with the first church plant in Ancona. In the process we have prayed about where God would have us go next … In the end, after prayer, reflection, tears, and conversations with advisors we have decided to move back to the United States. I will be working with Heather’s father in New Braunfels, Texas and we will spend the next few years processing our experience in Italy, furthering our studies, getting our kids caught up and boosted forward in their education … and finding ways to use our gifts and experience in the local church there. We are in the process of figuring out how we can continue being a support and encouragement to our co-church-planters here in Italy and hope to continue the relationships we’ve formed after these 10+ years here.
As of September 1st, Brian has taken over Jason’s former job as Team Leader. With this comes many new challenges and responsibilities for Brian, as well as the entire family. This, for us, will be a major transition. Please pray for us as we embark on this new journey. The Caseys will be working with us until the end of the year and, after packing and goodbyes, will leave Ancona in January.
I was so happy to transition from summer to fall, but now as the cold weather is approaching, I wish there were brakes on this whole winter thing. The hardest part is when there are days upon days of rain and no way to do laundry! (We have to hang everything, but in this rainy season it sometimes takes a couple of days to dry.)
I guess I’m happy to report that I can think of no other “transitions” on the home front. I must say that we care for you all dearly, and really feel that you are a part of this “team.” We appreciate your prayers and support more than you can imagine and that’s why it’s important for me to talk to you about the big things, as well as the small things. Thank you for all you do!
Until next month…
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09.13.10
Posted in Newsletters
at 5:58 am
I knew that the summer vacation season was over the other day when I had to make two or three circles before I found a parking spot near our church building. Everyone is back in town!
I really appreciated the slower pace of things this summer. It gave us a lot more time to spend with members of our church as well as others we are reaching out to. The time what we spend with people is a HUGE part of the ministry here, and it’s nice not to worry about soccer schedules and homework and hurrying back home for bedtimes.
We were asked to be a part of a yearly conference held in Campitello Matese. The conference was great, and I was honored to be one of the speakers for the morning sessions. Conferences are encouraging for us, because sometimes we feel like there aren’t any other believers besides our church in Ancona!
On Sundays during church we finished up our teaching series called What the Bible Says About…. We originally started this series as a response to questions that we had been hearing, especially as we confront some of the differences between our church and Catholicism. It ended up being such a blessing, and I think it showed to the church the importance of Biblical authority.
In July I was so proud to baptize Chloe, our oldest daughter. I’m already seeing growth in her just in these few short weeks.
Just last week our team made a quick get-a-way to go camping for a team retreat. This was my first retreat to lead in my new role as team leader. I couldn’t be happier about the team of people God has assembled here. They make the rookie team leader look good!
We end the summer with the usual summer slump in finances. Can I ask you to pray about our shortfall? We have taken a fraction of our salary this month, and things are tight. If it’s easier, you can also give online. Just click on the “Donate Now” button at the top of this page.
Wish I could fill you in on all the great things God is doing, but one page isn’t enough. Please keep reading the blog for more details. Thanks for all you do for our ministry in Ancona.
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08.25.10
Posted in Ancona, culture, family, friends, ministry, Newsletters
at 1:42 am
August. I know that over the years we have told you about August. The most dreadful most wonderful month of the year. In church planting work, seeing and having fellowship with your little congregation is very important. Especially since we have adopted an attitude that living life together is something that helps us grow as Christians.
But when everyone is spread out all over, even in other countries, it makes getting together pretty hard! I’m starting to think that God wants this time to be a time of Sabbath and renewal. We have church members in two other regions (like states) and one other country. We have people who have to work Sundays during the summer months, and join us in the evening exhausted but happy. We have a hard time getting together with people because they are at their beach homes or on vacation. Sometimes, even I say “I’m bo-oored.”
Then, I think of it another way. I can use this time to concentrate, really concentrate, on the people before me. Tonight we are having two families over for dinner. They don’t really know each other, but one is from church and the other have expressed interest in coming to church. I’ve been wanting to introduce them for a while. The more relaxed schedule of August makes dinners like this much easier to plan. And no one has to rush off and get the kids in bed for school the next day. Conversation is relaxed. People seem to let their guards down a bit, giving us an opportunity to bring faith into the discussion.
Tomorrow, we are headed about an hour away to the water park with this same family. Since it is hard to take our whole family on a vacation, it is nice to be able to take a vacation day here and there to spend some concentrated time building relationships.
This weekend we are hosting a missionary couple from the Rome area, and I really hope it can be a time of growth and encouragement (and rest, too!). This couple is in the very beginning stages of church planting in the Rome area, and the topic of building the Kingdom here in Italy always comes up. The following week another missionary will be staying with us for a few days.
When all is said and done, I want to look back on my summer knowing that we made many memories. I want to really know that we have used all of the opportunities that God had given us to share and encourage. When school starts, I want to see that we’ve all grown up a bit, not just the kids.
Until next month…
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