It is a privilege to be part of the Italy team as we
spend time with some great people – and this brief pastoral visit was no
exception. With just 2 days and
over 800 miles to drive, it was always going to be a whistle-stop tour for the 3
of us (Bro. Simon and Sis. Anna Phillips and Sis. Abigail Lear) visiting from
the UK.
Up to
now, a highlight of our Italy trips has always been the time we spent in
Vangadizza with Sister Betty Buselli. It
was therefore sad to be making our first visit since Sister Betty's death in
July. Baptised in 1939 at Kings
Heath, sister Betty had lived in isolation in Italy since marrying in 1947.
She was always enthusiastic for visits and pleased to fellowship with
brethren and sisters, opening her home and sharing her hospitality.
She will certainly be missed. After
arriving in Italy Saturday morning, we were pleased, though, still to be going
to Vangadizza – this time to see Sis Betty's daughter, Teresa and her husband
Alberto. Whilst sorrowing with
Teresa, we enjoyed this time to get to know her a little and look forward to
meeting again in the future, God willing.
Late
Saturday afternoon we set off to Mantova to meet Brother Foster Ankrah-Pambour.
Brother Foster has worked in Italy for 4 years now and has his family at
home in Ghana. The focus for our
breaking of bread together was based around the Acts reading for the day, where
we considered some of the practicalities of discipleship.
It was great to see Brother Foster again and to spend time discussing the
Bible together. We also had a
little time to investigate Mantova as a possible centre for a Bible campaign in
Italy next May, God willing.
Sunday
was to be spent with Bro Naizghi Tewelde and Sis Asmait which meant a mammoth drive to Rome.
We were excited about this part of the trip as during the summer Bro
Naizghi and Sis Asmait decided to get married.
As always in Italy, the legal paperwork for non-nationals is never simple
however. Still, their future marriage was naturally a lovely theme for
our discussions and we wish them every blessing in the future.
As always, our time with brethren and sisters feels so brief and we would
like to thank Bro Naizghi and Sis Asmait for their hospitality and their
fellowship.
Then it
was back to the car to set for Bologna, ready for an early flight Monday
morning. We thank our Heavenly Father
for our safe and positive visit.
We pray that our heavenly father will continue to bless
the work of the truth in Italy.
Sis.
Abigail Lear