Living in the Shadow of the Vatican
ROME, Italy — Antonio is a twenty-something Italian who lives in our neighborhood. We met him at our new language school where he’s been doing an internship. Over the months, we have spent time with Antonio: Italian and English exchanges, the occasional class party, even running together. Last time he called to go running, he asked about our work. As I told him about our desire to teach the Bible, I was moved to ask if he’d like to study the Scriptures. He gave an enthusiastic "Yes!" and has been studying the Gospel of John with me ever since.
We live in the shadow of the Vatican. Antonio lives in a particular section of apartment buildings filled with nuns, monks and officials from all kinds of Catholic religious orders, all centered around Vatican City. Antonio is a ‘good Catholic’; and though he is familiar with biblical stories and has a hunger to learn, he has never studied the Bible for himself. All of us on the Rome City Team have the same job. Whatever else we are called to do in a needy capital city, we are ready and available for the ‘Antonios’ who are seeking to know more.
Pray
- For U.S. partners as well as ministry connections in Rome and throughout Italy. We are starting with a very small network of relationships.
- For the recruitment and preparation of new short- and long-term team members in Rome.
- For an open door to talk with local friends more about Truth and less about religion.
- For the launching of small group Bible studies in our area of the city.
