March Update, 2012

A walk through the woods of Raleigh, NC.

First, a big "Thank you!" 

We want to give a sincere "Thank you!" to all who pray for us, and give to support our ministry. Please know that your prayers are answered and your giving really makes a difference in our lives and service here. (2 Corinthians 9:8-12)

Visit to Dad
Last you heard from us we were heading to the USA to visit family due to my (Mark) father's declining health. We thank you all for your prayer and care towards the family during that time and since then. Dad's health continues to hold everyone in suspense, and he has surprised us with his 87th birthday! He's been in and out of the hospital and each time it is serious enough to be his last. During our visit in Raleigh, he had another episode of congestive heart failure with complications and it wasn't clear if he'd make it. He was released a week later, on the eve before returning to Italy. A few weeks ago, we nearly lost him again. So here we are, just leaning on the Lord and trusting He knows what is best.

Mark and Dad. Christmas lunch 2011, Raleigh NC,

We're thankful we got to see Dad because, although only the Lord knows, with each reoccurrence his condition worsens and it becomes less likely that he'd still be here this coming June/July, which is when we had initially thought to visit the states. With the cost of travel, we are not planning to walk on US soil again in 2012, unless the Lord through circumstances and his provision shouts loud and clear that we need to go. Our disappointment though is that we were unable to make it up north to visit friends and supporting churches in New Jersey. Lord willing, we'll see you all in 2013.

Maintaining our sanity is important to us!

Back in the Saddle
The four of us have been knocked off our horses more than once since we returned to Italian pavement in January. This season has brought some resilient viruses that seem to have made our family their preferred place of residence. In fact, I've been sick since December. But we're thankful to be back in the saddle again, albeit only for a slow trot.

Admittedly, we've been running pretty hard and the Lord has probably chosen to get our attention by decreasing our pace in this way. Plus as most of you know, Matea just got over Scarlet Fever, which was in addition to the usual seasonal gunk that is customary to pass around to one another. Looking forward to sunshine hot enough to kill these lingering germs and revive our weakened winter metabolism.

Church In-house News

Bob's Ordination, Jan 15, 2012

On January 15, we were blessed to publicly acknowledge Bob Scata as one of our elders. The Lord has been building up our leadership team as He sees fit, and it's a joy to watch.

Continue to pray for Bob, and Nino, as they help feed, tend and shepherd God's flock with me. Their service in this area is vital and I'm so thankful to have likeminded men who love, fear and serve God so faithfully.

Fighting for food...I mean courteously serving one another.  

Yesterday we ended our service with a potluck lunch (Agape as they call them here), followed by our Annual Association Meeting, which we are required by law to hold for the purpose of informing the congregation about various aspects of the church's current status.

Although we missed some of our usual faces from Calvary Chapel Treviso, it was a joy to gather with most of the fellowship for a meal (a feast, really), and then some amazing desserts. We closed out the day with lots of laughs during the "pillow game."