Ok, big day yesterday. It was Sunday and we were treated like royalty! We were taken out to the best restaraunt I've ever been to. It was this little hole in the wall in a back alley in Bitonto. When you went in though, the atmosphere changed immediatley. It was beautiful, and the food was so good it's not even worth writing it down, but I will say for 18 euros or probably about 25 USD, we had the best good that has ever entered into my mouth. We felt a bit of conviction as our fellow missionaries in africa are eating PB&J and bugs, we were eating bruschetta and calamari. The Lord has blessed us.
Ok, ministry... So after service yesterday I responded to the call of full time missions. My hearts cry is here in Europe, just as God had said. In prayer after worship yesterday, I stood yielded to Him and I asked once more, "God where do you want me to go?" To which He replied "I said post Christian Europe." I asked again... He replied more stearnly "I SAID post Christian
Europe!" And it made sense. I have been searching for clarification this whole time, when God had been clear with me from the beginning. Especially when He said "You are asking for a normal life, but I have called you to a life of abnormality..."
It is a joy to serve and to serve Him. I feel as though here in Giovanazzo is an epicentre. A ground zero for my European mission. Many have been appointed here, and my orders may reside here...
As for salvations, we saw nine last night. One adult and eight children in my ministry group alone. I have also taken notice to our ministry group building in it's efficiency and spiritual growth. For instance, one of the girls in my group has been struggling with anxiety, but since has overcome and blossomed into a spiritual warrior. All of this has brought us all closer as a team. The enemy is attacking us, but by the blood of Christ we are prevailing. We are seeing healing. I pray for more, OH YEAH!
I almost forgot, SUNDAY SERVICE IN ITALY IS AWESOME! I was brought to tears on multiple occasion during service last night. Once when a little girl from our team started crying during her testimony, once when one of the Italian women, Francesca, started crying, and as we sang, "As The Deer" in italian. The church here is small and aside from our presence, there were about 10 people there, but that didn't matter. The spirit was there.
We also were given the chance to perform, and the pastor wanted me to play the piano, so we sang Revelation Song, then I turned the keys over to Christina, and we sang Let It Rain, and at the end Justin played "How He Loves". I can't believe we basically led worship in an italian church. I feel stronger already. (The pastor also shook my hand and told me how strong I was, I forgot!)
All I know is that I love it here. Perhaps I'll begin learning italian and come back to work with this church. I thank God for this opportunity, may He be glorified!
-Ryan Jackson
P.S. In my quiet time, I have just realized that the more outside of my comfort zone I am. The less focused I am on superficial things, like money and relationships. However I am focused on the mission that lies before me. At the root of my discomfort, there is the weight of the cross.
 |
| Revelation Song During the Service |
 |
The Alleyway The Restaurant is Located On
(Where the man is sitting) |
 |
| The Restaurant |
 |
| Food |
 |
| Bruschetta |
 |
| Calamari |
 |
| The Bruschetta Deserved Two Photos |
Comments
Post a Comment