Greetings!
September and October have flown by as we've settled into our new job of raising support for the work God has called us to in Italy. Over the last couple of months, we had several speaking opportunities: a Christian meeting planners luncheon, a Christian school chapel service, and a small group meeting. The small group even decided to become partners with our ministry as a group! In addition, we have been meeting with several people a week to share the vision God has given us to take the Gospel to Italians. So far, we have really enjoyed the process! It doesn't hurt that it combines several of our favorite things: spending time with friends, talking about Italy, and food (especially Italian food)! We can see that the Lord is working too! In just the last 2 months, we've had 17 new partners come on board, as well as a new supporting church! We can't wait to see what God does next! Thanks for your continued prayers during this process!
Until All of Italy Hears,
Stephen and Brandy
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What About the Kids?
The first week of October, we attended a conference in Orlando about educational options for our kids overseas. One of our biggest concerns in moving to Italy has been how it will affect Bryson and Laynie. The conference was really helpful in addressing some of the practical issues we will face with the kids as we transition to a new culture. We were able to develop an education plan for them both, along with some strategies to help with saying goodbye to family and friends here. A big THANK YOU to our home church, Victory World Church, for providing all the funds for our trip!
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Saying Goodbye
The very next morning after arriving home from Orlando, I (Brandy) received a call that my Papaw was very ill and wasn't expected to live much longer. We left for Alabama very soon after and spent one last weekend with him. Just a few days later, he went home to be with Jesus.
Over the years, whenever I went to visit, Papaw always asked me to sing at their church. So, when my Memaw asked me to sing at the funeral, I knew that Papaw would have wanted that. I sang "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and we celebrated a man who had loved the Lord with all his heart and is now basking in His presence.
My Papaw and Memaw, Bill and Modean Watson, were our very first monthly supporters and their church was the first one we spoke in outside of our own. They were so excited for us and proud of what God is doing in our family. I look forward to the day when I will see him again and be able share all the stories of God's faithfulness along the way.
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Quick Prayer Points
That God will continue to lead us to the people He has already called to partner with us in His work in Italy and that they would come on board quickly. Our target departure date is late July 2011, but we can't leave for Italy until we have pledges for 100% of our monthly budget.
For God to open doors at churches that He would have become part of our support team.
Our trip to FL from Dec. 12-14 for training on support-raising with long-time missionaries, Mike and Deborah Turner.
For Stephen, who has been experiencing several nagging health problems over the last few months.
For grace to deal with the emotions that come with what will probably be our last Christmas season in the US for a while.
A healthy balance between raising support, our regular jobs, and family life. |
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Stephen and Brandy Verner
TEAM Missionaries to Italy
706-202-5280 |
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