June Update

Piazza dei Signori

Earthquakes
Many have heard about the recent quakes in Italy. On May 20 a 6.0 rocked Emilia Romagna. Then on May 29 another 5.8 came about 9:00 AM, followed by another 5.2 then 5.1 in the early afternoon. We have thankfully not had any serious damage in our area, although some minor cracks and openings have appeared in older buildings, one here in the center at Piazza dei Signori (see picture on right) is partially blocked off for a safety assessment. But the greatest concern are the children’s schools. In fact, officials are discussing the need to prepare for more earthquakes, and first up are the modifications that need to be made to the schools and hospitals. And we concur. Case in point, Luka’s school is concrete poured 100 years ago, and was quickly and wisely evacuated during the quake last Monday, May 29. For the rest of the day and over the week, teachers of all schools in the area have tried to keep the kids busy outdoors as much as possible. Old concrete buildings like these cannot withstand being shaken, so you can never be too cautious. And some now are reacting with a panic in our area due to a fault line under the Montello in Giavera, about 20 minutes from us. They say when, not if that fault shifts, the quake will be severe!

To answer the questions that many will surely have, the epicenter of these previous quakes is about 90 miles south of us, in the region of Emilia Romagna. Sadly, they have not faired as well as we have, and we ask that you pray for the many dispersed who cannot return to their risky homes until deemed safe by inspection, and those who have lost loved ones. Pray also for any open doors the Lord might give us to reach out and help in practical ways. We've asked to be informed about needs. In addition, Italy is facing the now-apparent problem of other imminent earthquakes. Geologists continue reporting extensive seismic activity due to a new break in the fault line. Tectonic plate movement has not taken many lunch breaks these days. Just the other night alone 60 smaller quakes were recorded, ranging from the 2.0s to 3.0s on the richter, all between the hours of midnight and 8:30 AM. We do not want anyone to panic, but we do ask you to keep this all in prayer. Thankfully, the school year is coming to end this week, so the children will be out of those aged buildings for the summer.

New skirt and belt (on head) made by Mama!

Matea 
Thank you everyone for the notes, calls and concern for Matea. Our prayers were answered for her surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids. Everything that didn’t go so well with Luka’s procedure (for which we were prepared this time around and praying) went really smoothly. We were called in to pre-surgery prep immediately upon our arrival at the hospital. Matea drank down the calming liquid without blinking. She had no adverse reaction to the anesthesia. No sudden post-surgery hemorrhaging to require another emergency admittance into the hospital. Precisely everything that we prayed for, but was contrary to our experience with Luka. Matea did, however, take a REALLY long time to recover and had a lot of ear pain that plagued her at all hours of the day, especially waking her during the night. She also refused to eat, lost a lot of weight and started looking like a bag of skin and bones. Now she’s back to her old self and won't STOP eating! Matea returned to school yesterday, after a three week absence. Thanks for praying and thank you Lord!

Perside
She’s home and recovering well from her hip surgery. We thank you for praying for our dear sister. The whole procedure went smoothly and her first attempt to walk was exhilarating because she felt no pain. All that remains is the rehabilitation over the coming weeks. She’s also anxious to have the tingly feeling in her foot pass, but doctors say this is normal and will take some time.

Ministry Mix
The Lord has been bringing a diversity of visitors on recent Sundays. From a duchess to an ex-pro boxer from England, He never ceases to surprise us. We just really are thankful for how hearts are being touched and pray this continues in all of us.

This summer we've got an overflowing plate. In July we'll be heading to Serbia for our annual visit to family, friends and the various churches. This trip always entails a good amount of visitation and speaking commitments, all of which we look forward to! Shortly after Serbia I'll be off again to Austria to speak at a joint church retreat with CC Herborn, Germany and another fellowship from the area. We've also got a baptism for two precious sisters from CC Treviso who recently have committed their lives to Christ (Frances and Camila), which date we have not slated yet. Hoping to do this together with our brothers and sisters from CC Montebelluna.

A few other things are converging at the same time, making this a season of much stretching for me. Papers for two Seminary courses (Biblical Hebrew and African Christian Ethics) are due and exams are pending. Being that this is my last year and I'll be completing my BTh with the South African Theological Seminary in December, things are a bit more intense than usual. I welcome prayer for grace and clarity of thought to get through all the study prep, writing, speaking, travel and the usual ministry of pastoring the fellowship in Treviso and working part time. May the Lord be lifted up in it all, and use it for his purposes.

Every blessing to you, and thanks for reading and praying!