X Italian Ministries National Conference

This week we were able to participate in the Italian Ministies national conference held in the heart of Tuscany from June 12-15.  We are members of this association and you can read more about it here (in English of course).  However, this was our first official presense at a conference.

Italian Ministries exists:
• to facilitate the development of missional vision and action for the church in Italy.
• as a missional network in Italy bringing together like-minded missionaries to form a field-based. fellowship.
• to offer a window of opportunity for Italians to be involved in mission service (in close collaboration with GMI and 9.37).
• work alongside local churches, organisations and individuals (in Italy and elsewhere) to facilitate a vision for mission.

We so enjoyed our time with the 50+ people in attendance.  It was a refreshing and encouraging time to network and build relationships with both foreign and national missionaries alike.  We were encouraged and challenged by the speaker, Keith Walker, the UK Director for Serving in Mission (SIM).  He taught through the book of Philippians.  The Director of International Outreach from Desiring God Ministries also made a brief appearance (and give away books!) along with another speaker from Germany.
 

The ladies break out session

Meeting room and worship time

Our kids had a blast playing freely with their new found friends from morning 'til night.  The center was a perfect setting for them and I never had to worry about them running off the compound.  They were exhausted the end of each day that was for sure!  We are so glad we went as it was a great encouragement to each family member.

Luca had so much fun he asked if we could just bring Mac to camp, because he did not want to say goodbye to his friends.

Singing is always more fun with a friend

Emma, Michaella and Giulia

For every crazy picture...

...there is one nice picture.

Jonathan is excited as well about the efforts and work being done for Acts29 to begin in Italy.  The President of IM has been instrumental in getting this off the ground.  Jonathan offered to help in any way he could and was taken up on that offer.  Not sure how he will be involved but that will unfold more over the course of this year.

I conclude this post with pictures from the picturesque setting of Tuscany.  We stayed in the countryside and basically it was equal distance from Pisa, Florence and Siena.  We did not stop to sightsee but maybe we will later this summer:

View from the camp

Poggio Ubertini Evangelical Center

Castle on a hill