Love Through Action

It's always wonderful to see how God works in our lives, our families, and our church. These last few months have been, as always, full of action.

We had the pleasure of having all of our children join us, here in Italy, for Christmas.

Christopher brought with him his bride-to-be. He was surprised Kim on Christmas morning as he slipped the ring on her finger. Jetlagged, dazed, then wide-eyed, gave Chris a big hug with a solid "YES!"

Nicholas, Rachel, and our granddaughter, Mariah, got in late Christmas eve due to the weather backup in Paris. Three of their four bags never made it! It was great to watch Mariah enjoy Christmas. We doted over her, of course, the whole time.

Alicia and Neemias live here in Padova. They are expecting a little baby boy this coming July! We will get to have our grandson living near us! Not too many missionaries get that privilege!

As we are moving forward in our discipleship training process in our church, ICF Padova, we see lives change dramatically. 75 members have attended our 4 Encounter Weekends, where Jesus cleaned a lot of old stuff out of their lives. 25 graduated from our three level (one year long) Discipleship Training School (22 new people have now started Level 1). They then moved into the advanced phase, our School of Leaders. Currently, 47 church members are in intense training for their own personal and leadership development. This anointing in discipleship is producing fruit in numerous ways. Learning to become true disciples of Jesus, not just in words, but in every aspect of life. Demonstrating love through service to God and others. People drawing closer to God and each another. A revival of love is taking root. It falls in line with our church's theme this ear: "Love Through Action." Making disciples (not just believers) of all nations is my own heart's vision. This life-changing process is creating a deeper foundation for the coming revival we are expecting.

Solid new growth in the church recently is due to one of our new major initiatives. Hosting a newcomer's dinner every three months helps us connect with all the new people, and for them to experience real community care. Last Sunday we had over 20 new people at the dinner - all new since November. Their testimony: "We really like this church. We're staying!" This is not an exaggeration. It is a reality check of the move of the Holy Spirit on their lives. As a pastor, this really helps me to connect with new people personally, hearing their story, and sharing with them fully our vision, core values, and our love for them!

Patti continues to direct the After-School program. The children learn English so they can speak with their grandparents back in their home country. Two young ladies work with Patti, as well as for the church. Sarah Lamb is here through the MAPS program of the AG, and Danielle Lowe through Global Passion in California. They do a terrific job and are a blessing to have around.

Our International Bible Institute (two-year program using Global University of the AG studies) started it's second round this spring. This year we have seven students. Patti and Diane McGehee have taken on the teaching responsibilities for these courses. It's hard work!

In February, ICF Padova celebrated 13 years as a church family! Hard to believe! We were honored to have Roger and Elaine Hillegas celebrate it with us. They ministered over a long weekend, and our people always love them when they come every couple of years.

How does all this stuff come together? Only by a new anointing that God pours out. Patti and I are driven by the fact that the Lord's return is near. We need to be preparing God's people for doing His work. Getting converts is easy. Maturing those converts into God-fearing, Holy Spirit led, holy and obedient servants of God is a whole other matter! It is hard work, but the rewards are fantastic. We want to see each of our church members come into heaven with a warm welcome, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord."

We appreciate all of you and the sacrifice you make in prayer and finances to help us do what we do! We love you all!

Serve Him always, and never look back.

Steve & Patti