Nostro fratello nuovo!

We have a new brother in Christ!!! My heart was filled with an inexplainable joy when I heard the news. I wrote a post about this time last week asking for prayer about an Italian student named Vincenzo! Our prayers have been answered and what a blessing it is. The picture to the right is Vincenzo with Richie and me at our BBQ.

For those of you who having been following the story, bare with me while I recap it. My every first full conversation at the University of Salerno was with Vincenzo. Much to my surprise the gospel was quickly introduced in our conversation. Vincenzo expressed to my partner(Noah) and me that his best friend was shot and killed. He was having a hard time getting over that painful tragedy, I cannot even imagine the pain he must have felt. This incident was holding Vincenzo back from believing that God was good. I told him he had a choice to make to either be mad at God for what happened or embrace God and the comfort He provides. He was eager to hear more about the true God. Noah and I were able to go through the entire gospel with him, but he was not ready to make that decision.

Again I encountered Vincenzo on campus with my team members Will and Holly. Vincenzo heard the gospel a second time and had more questions. He clearly seemed intrigued by our entire message both times. Later that week Vincenzo came to our American BBQ that we have on Thursdays and he met Richie with me. For a third time and then a fourth Vincenzo heard the gospel from Richie and me. He explained he wanted it so bad, but still he wasn't ready. We gave him an Italian bible and a booklet called, "Would you like to know God personally?" That night Richie and I prayed that the LORD would not let Vincenzo sleep at night without him wrestling through his thoughts about God. For that is exactly what the LORD did.

This Thursday Vincenzo arrived at the BBQ and wanted to take Richie on a ride on his scooter. Scooters and motorcycles are very popular in Italy. Richie said yes of course, but wanted to stop somewhere and talk. They stopped to get gelato at our favorite place, Gerry's. There Vincenzo actually brought up God himself without Richie even asking. He told Richie that he kept reading the booklet and decided to pray the prayer in back and invited Christ into his life. PRAISE GOD!!! He continued to tell Richie that all of us tell so many students about God, but so few believe. Vincenzo was deeply sadden by this and Richie said yes only six students have invited Christ into their lives. Vincenzo shook his head and said no that that must change. He has only been a believer a short amount of time, but already has a desire to see the hearts of his fellow students change. Vincenzo is exactly the kind of student Agape Italia needs to help start a foundation in Salerno.

We appreciate the prayers of all our friends and families back home. I hope this story has deeply made you feel a part of what the LORD is doing in Salerno. I am still in shock that our incredible Father in heaven allowed me to be a part of this student's story. Please continue to pray for his protection and that our STINT team next year would really help Vincenzo to grow in his faith!!!

Serving Christ with You,
Jessica



Nostro fratello nuovo! (Part Due)

I want to first thank everyone back at home for their support and their prayers. I have received messages about specific prayers and numbers and I just wanted to let you know that they are being answered. Jessica shared with you the story of Vincenzo and I would like to add just a little bit to it.

This week has included several times where I found my heart crying out to God for the hearts of 3 friends of mine, one of them being Vincenzo. When Vincenzo asked me to go on his scooter, 2 things came to mind. One being I had an idea he wanted to continue to talk about our conversation last week. The next was I hope we don't crash because Italians love using their scooters to fit in between small spaces, such as between two moving cars. But I am alive and well. As we stopped on the coast to talk, he initiated conversation by telling me he prayed the prayer on the back of the spiritual law booklet. I asked if he had any questions and he said no, that the booklet spells everything out and that he now understands that when God looks at him, He sees Jesus Christ in his heart. I showed him 1 Corinthians 5:17 (the old has gone the new has come) and explained to him that he is now born again and new in Christ. He responded with a great smile.

He then told me that he spoke with a Jew sometime later after he accepted Christ and just could not believe how other people could deny the great news he has received. I explained to him that most people do not believe and only a few will accept God's grace as he did (Matthew 7:13-14).

I cannot explain with words to describe God's presence last week as I saw Vincenzo's heart melt right in front of me. It is incredible to see his heart go out to people who have not received Christ. I ask that you will continue to pray for Vincenzo as he goes through these first crucial moments as a new believer. Praise God for his works he is doing here!!

With love,
RIchie