Reaching the Unreachable.

I went to an evangelical church in Florence this morning. Chiesa Evangelica Logos. It might be the only one in Florence, but I know it is at least one of very few. The service was in Italian, but during announcements they asked who was new and acknowledged us Americans and welcomed us. Hearing them worshiping in Italian was something else. It was beautiful. Looking around me I couldn’t stop smiling, knowing that these people love and adore the same God I do. Afterwards we were approached by many people greeting us and introducing us to others. It felt so warm and welcoming. We felt wanted. I already felt part of a family.

We talked to the pastor and his wife afterwards and they are incredible. He was telling us that Italy is less reached than China and India now. Catholicism has burnt out the entire population because all of the huge cathedrals back in the day were financed by the money that came in from people who were told they would only go to heaven if they gave the church 3000 euro, etc. Only 8% of the country’s population are practicing catholics. 1% are evangelical Christians and the rest are agnostic or atheist. It is extremely hard to spread the gospel here, but it was so refreshing to hear how this small church (There were maybe 45 people there this morning) is doing all they can to spread the good news and live for God.

The pastor introduced us to a woman who works at a Christian bookstore in one of the main plazas in Florence. People hardly buy the books. They make most of their business selling water, soda, and postcards. It is one way they are trying to be a light in the city though. The pastor gave us all contact information for different weekly bible studies, dinners, women’s breakfasts, etc. They remind me of Resonate because they are ALL ABOUT community. It’s fantastic. There is an American bible study that is led on Tuesday nights that some girls and I are planning on attending. It is led by an American couple who moved here 3 years ago.

It was an uplifting morning, and the Lord gave us more connections than we know what to do with haha. I feel so blessed. Please pray for this church. They need prayer warriors. That is the pastor’s exact words. Pray that the hearts of the people of this country are softened. Pray that their walls are dropped, and that they start to desire truth.