|
Greetings!
Over the past 7 weeks, as we have been raising support full-time, there have been times that we have been somewhat overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. Then God would orchestrate something to remind us that He is in control!
While we have a responsibility to be faithful in telling our story and asking people to partner with us, we know that ultimately this is God's work and He is more than capable of providing for it. Just as a king would never send a servant to do his work without providing the resources to accomplish it, we know that the King of Kings will be even more faithful to provide for the work He has called us to. It is exciting to experience all the ways He chooses to do so! Be sure to read the rest of the newsletter to see a couple of examples.
We continue to meet with several people weekly to share the vision the Lord has given us for planting churches in Italy. Only $360 more a month will put us at 50% of our total monthly budget! It would only take 2 people at $100 per month and 4 people at $40 per month to get us over the halfway mark. Would you be willing to help us reach 50%? Click here to let us know.
Thank you for lifting us up in prayer on a regular basis! We can feel the prayers and need them now more than ever as we press forward on this journey!
Until All of Italy Hears,
Stephen and Brandy
P.S. Our website has a whole new look! Check it out at www.theverners.org.
Also, if you haven't watched our new video yet, be sure to check it out below and share it with others.
 | | Wake Up Italy |
|
|
__________________
LighthouseThrift Store Will Shine a Light in Italy
Jeff and Susan Moore, a couple that supports our ministry and founders of Global Missions Outreach, are in the process of opening a thrift store in the Atlanta area to support mission work on a local and global level. The Lord has laid it on their hearts to give a portion of the monthly proceeds from their store, Lighthouse Thrift Store, to help us plant churches in Italy! We are so excited about this partnership with GMO and so thankful for Jeff's and Susan's hearts to see Italians come to Christ.
The Moores are currently raising start-up funds for the thrift store and are selling 2012 Chick-fil-A calendars for $8 each. Each calendar includes coupo ns for free Chick-fil-A menu items and $4 from each calendar sale will go to GMO to help them launch the store. Lighthouse Thrift Store will not only help fund our work in Italy, but also orphanages in Uganda and local community ministries. If you would like to purchase a calendar, please send an email to brandy@theverners.org.
|
|
__________________
Ignited for Italy
Our story was on the radio this month! On Friday night, September 9th, we were at home watching a movie with the family. Stephen heard that familiar sound on his phone - new text message. Rolando Gonzalez, our Senior High Youth Pastor at Victory World Church, sent the following message - "Hey man, you are on my heart tonight. We (212 Youth Group) are going to take up an offering for you guys tonight".
212 was in the middle of a youth conference called Ignite and God ignited those young people to spend an extended time praying for the lost in Italy and for our family! A couple of days later, we learned that the entire conference, including the time of prayer for us and Italy, was broadcast on a local radio station, Victory 91.5 FM! Not only that, but that group of students gave an offering totaling $398.80 towards our mission work!
WOW! Even when we don't know it, God is working out in front of us, moving on people's hearts about the need in Italy. Thank you, God, for proving yourself to us once again!
|
|
__________________
Kids' Korner
The weeks are passing quickly as Bryson and Laynie are settling into homeschool. There have been some rocky moments as we've tried to figure out our new routine and get used to a new way of schooling, but there have definitely been some fun moments too.
 | | Bryson and Laynie at an event for their online school, Georgia Cyber Academy. |
Earlier this month, we attended an event at Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, where Laynie had the chance to participate in an acting class. That was right up her alley! Bryson was able to do some fun activities too. Then, the whole family got a chance to see the musical, Into the Woods, at the Alliance Theater.
 | | Laynie taking part in an acting class. |
Bryson has really jumped head first into learning Italian since school started. He is almost through the entire level one of Rosetta Stone and is going around spouting off Italian phrases that we usually don't understand. Looks like we will be purchasing level two soon and maybe Bryson can be our interpreter upon arrival in Italy until the rest of us catch up with him!
|
|
|
|
_____________________
90x40 Challenge Results
Thank you to everyone who joined our team or increased your monthly amount during our 90x40 Challenge! We had an amazing response with commitments totaling over $1,500 per month! That almost doubled our monthly amount in just 90 days. We are so thankful to God and to all of you for your prayers and faithfulness. |
|
_____________________
Join Our Facebook Group!
As a way to more easily communicate regular prayer needs, we created a Facebook group - Pray for the Verners.
If you haven't already, would you click on the link below and join right now?
www.facebook.com/groups/theverners |
|
_____________________
Small Groups Wanted
Our family had the opportunity to speak at several small groups in the last month, which is a great way to get the word out about the need in Italy while also giving us practical experience in teaching. This is great preparation for the work we will be doing with Italians and we would welcome more chances to do this.
Does your small group have a free week between curriculums or need a filler while someone is out of town? We would love to come share! Send an email to stephen@theverners.org to set it up. |
|
_____________________
Status Update
Percentages of Funds Raised To Date:
Monthly Budget: 46%
Outgoing Expenses: 21% |
|
_____________________
Praise Reports
Since our last newsletter, the Lord has blessed us with 5 new monthly partners and a small group that has joined with us!
We received $998.80 in special gifts this month! |
|
________________________
Quick Prayer Points
We are only $360 away from having raised 50% of our total budget! That means we only need 2 more people at $100/mo and 4 more people at $40/mo to put us over the halfway mark! Please pray that God would lead us to the people He has destined to fill those spots!
With 2 kids doing online school and 2 parents working to raise missions support, we are in great need of another computer. Please pray that God would provide another laptop or the funds to purchase one. |
|
________________________
Upcoming Events
October 5 - Participating in VWCS Chapel Service
October 7 - VWCS Jeans for Giving Day (Proceeds will go towards our outgoing expenses!)
October 9 - Speaking at Cross Connections at Perimeter Church in Johns Creek, GA
November 11 - VWCS Jeans for Giving Day (Proceeds will go towards our outgoing expenses!) |
|
________________________
Fun Facts
Pasta
Italians like their pasta al dente, which is slightly firm, not overcooked and mushy. Thin pasta, like spaghetti, is usually served with light sauces and thick pasta, like farfalle, is served with heavier sauces. By the way, "spaghetti and meatballs" is an American thing. Italians sometimes order polpette (meatballs) as a main course, but it doesn't come on top of spaghetti.
Pizza
When you order a pizza in Italy, it's meant for just one person. Everyone gets their own personal pizza that is about the size of a big plate. Sicilian-style pizza is baked on large trays and then sliced into rectangles. Italian pizza consists of a thin crust topped with sauce, cheese, and other toppings, such as eggplant, corn, French fries, ham, sausage, cut-up hot dogs, types of lettuce, etc.
|
________________________
| |
Stephen and Brandy Verner
TEAM Missionaries to Italy
PO Box 466154
Lawrenceville, GA 30042
Stephen: 706-201-5570
Brandy: 770-837-2846
|
|
