Happy One Month!

Ciao tutti!

I have officially been in Roma for one month now!  It is insane to think I left ya'll a month ago, it seems so much longer.  But at the same time it seem as if this time has flown by!  God is doing mighty things here!  I have continued working with the refugees of different surrounding nations.  The hope these men have could be a lesson to us all.  It is incredible hearing their stories.  I met a young man the other day who had arrived 5 days earlier from Afghanistan.  He travelled from Afghanistan to Iran, then through Greece onto one of the terrible boat rides making it to Rome.  He attempted going to France (I believe it was) but they sent him back, because this is where he has been finger printed by the police.  He told me his hopes of traveling to Norway or Sweden but was having problems with paperwork.  He and his friend also told me terrible stories of what happened to men, women and children who were sent home to their home country and how they were punished.  I've heard stories of slavery and/or the cutting off of body parts, to serve as punishment for the people who fled for a  better life.  THESE PEOPLE ARE SEARCHING FOR HOPE.  It is terrible hearing these stories, but it is awesome seeing how God is planting seeds, and we are the ones who get to help do that!  So awesome!

Our team finally met with Marianna, the nun who worked with the women's center.  She is very well-known in the Somali community, which is a huge step.  She is nothing like I expected.  I have seen so many nuns in Rome, that are dressed in the classic black and white outfit.  But she is not like this at all.  She has a great personality and heart for Jesus.  It is awesome to see her and her four sisters working for the Kingdom.  We got to interact with her ministry this past weekend by gathering together with refugees, Italians, and everything in between; and watching the movie Patch Adams.  Now I saw this movie a long time ago, but watching it in Italian was definitely different.  But it was a great chance to meet refugees and spend time there in fellowship.  I met another student in college who is from Chile who is working with the women's center as well.  I am supposed to start working with her this week and traveling out to that area to spend time with the women.  Also, starting tomorrow I will be working with a couple of my roommates from Agape campus crusade.  I have a couple of free days, and I will be spending some time up there with them.  They (agape) has been able to build great relationships and be witnesses for Christ on campus.  I'm really excited to get involved in that as well!

Now that I've got you up on the stuff going on around me.  I would love to share a piece of my heart and mind with you.  There are some days that just seem insanely busy, and some that are not like that at all.  Praise God for that, and Him knowing that we need the rest!  I love finding my rest and strength in Him, and knowing it comes from Him.  I am currently reading the book, Journey of Desire, by John Etheridge.  I am just now beginning on it, but it speaks about how we all have desire within our hearts, and how we try and fill it.  How so many times, we are afraid to follow our desires because of the fear of getting hurt from past pursuits.  Etheridge claims that without desire our heart is dead.  I am realizing how true that is, not only in the world but in our walk with Christ.  God desires us whole-heartedly, always.  We as believers, should and hope to do the same.  I want above all else to have that desire fulfilled, and to know God wholly, and I cannot wait for that day.  It is coming sooner than we know :)  I am so excited.  And I love the fact that I am desired but God.  God has chosen us, not only to love, but He also chosen us to be vessels for Him.  We don't have to be a part of God's plan, but He knows our desires and desires us to serve Him.  YOU ARE THE DESIRE OF CHRIST.  Don't you ever forget that :)

I got to see the Colosseum and Pantheon this week.  Talk about breath-taking.  Standing in the Pantheon entry, Rachel tells me, "Can't you just imagine Paul standing here".  It is an absolutely awe-struckening experience.  A part of the body of Christ from thousands of years ago, one whose stories are written in the Bible, stood where I did.  On this same floor, next to this same pillar.  It was just like "dang God, you are so awesome".  And the Colosseum was a bit the same way.  The audio guide I had told me to look over the edge, saying "This is were Christians were killed for their faith".  It is insane to stand there, a large sense of grievance came over me.  Knowing how blessed I am, to stand firm in my faith today, and know that God is the Protector, we are not alone.  Both of those sites were just breath-taking to me.  God just spoke to me there; I just can't even think of more adjectives to describe it.

I hope all is well with each one of you reading this.  I have a prayer meeting in about an hour with my team.  I am excited to hear more news about what the next steps are.  We did receive word that Kyros, an italian non-profit organization, is backing us in our reading center plans; which is such an answer from God!  It is so awesome to hear that!  The next steps are fund-raising.  If you would like to give I will provide the information below!  Either way please be praying for that!  I cannot wait to continue to see God move!  I love and miss you all, and am praying for you and your hearts.  Seek Christ above all else, do not forget how much He desires you.

Information on giving to the building fund:

Go to the website: http://iteams.org/give/

And follow the same procedure for giving; here is information you will need!

Designate for: Rome Refugee Center

Account #: 80US2248

You may enter the account number, along with Rome Refugee Center, in the designation box.

Please enter this in correctly, if you decide to give financially!

Isaiah 43: 1-4

"But now, this is what the LORD says— 

   he who created you, Jacob, 

   he who formed you, Israel: 

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; 

   I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 

 When you pass through the waters, 

   I will be with you; 

and when you pass through the rivers, 

   they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire, 

   you will not be burned; 

   the flames will not set you ablaze. 

For I am the LORD your God, 

   the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; 

I give Egypt for your ransom, 

   Cush and Seba in your stead. 

Since you are precious and honored in my sight, 

   and because I love you, 

I will give people in exchange for you, 

   nations in exchange for your life."