Debbie and Jim assist the Evangelical Christian Baptist Union of Italy in ministry to English-speaking immigrant, particularly African, congregations. This includes local church ministry and theological and ministerial training of leaders. They work to welcome new arrivals to Italy who are seeking a better life for themselves and their families.  They also work with the immigrant churches and train immigrant pastors to strengthen their fellowships and broaden their ministries. They help in training Italian congregations in multicultural matters and missions. Debbie also ministers to young women at-risk or victimized by human trafficking and prostitution.

 

Jim writes: Mark is a young Nigerian man who came to southern Italy via Libya in a small boat and was rescued off the shore of Sicily by the Italian coast guard. Mark fled Nigeria because after his father (the village chief) died, the people of his village demanded that Mark and one of his father’s widows marry.  They both were Christians and refused.  The woman was killed, and Mark fled for his own life.

 

He applied for asylum in Italy and it was denied. … Mark applied for asylum in Britain but was sent back to Rome on an airplane.  From Rome, Mark made his way to Padua.

 

Vanessa, a member of our Nigerian church in Padua, met Mark on the street and began trying to help him.  She turned to us for guidance in what might be done for him.  We, in turn, took him to see a lawyer who works with an association that seeks to help immigrants.  Debbie and I had talked with this same lawyer several months ago about an African woman whom we were trying to help.  The lawyer showed real compassion for the issues that immigrants in Italy face.

 

The lawyer listened to Mark’s story and then shared what needed to be done.  Mark’s situation is far more complicated than we first thought.  As I sat there, I grew discouraged.  I was ready to give up.  But, the lawyer laid out a series of things that must be done.  He was undaunted by the hurdles before us.  He is truly committed to doing everything possible to get Mark documents that will lead to good life in Italy.  What will happen with Mark?  We don’t know.  But, we are not giving up.

Vanessa and this kind lawyer are living saints.  They are working to care for and help one of God’s children. God is using them to bring hope to Mark’s life.

 

• Pray for Mark and the many immigrants from Africa who have fled to Italy, that they may find safe refuge and the love of Jesus through committed believers like Vanessa.
• Pray for Jim and Debbie as they work in training church leaders and as they seek to bring Christ in word and deed to the immigrants who are arriving in Northern Italy.
• Pray for their children Luke and Ben.