Good news- we've all arrived safely, despite early starts, airport mishaps and Italian drivers! We brought the weather with us and treated Bologna to an English summer storm. The weather cleared up by the time JP arrived, and we were able to grab some team time together at the Aranzulla's, our host mission partners. JP and Sue Aranzulla (creating name confusing with our own JP!), have helped us settle in and protected us from the worst of Bologna's over passionate drivers.
On Saturday evening, Mark (the assistant pastor of a local evangelical church), hosted the UK, US and Italian leaders of the Exch@nge camp. This was the first time the whole team met together. Mark shared the vision of the evangelical church partnership in Bologna, and encouraged us to remember that gospel ministry, although often appearing to be weak, is powerful to transform lives and eternally worthwhile. Sue ran us through the programme for the week, and helped expand the vocabulary of our American friends to include "rota", "tuck shop" and "cricket". We were then instructed in the art of the "side-hug" - a modest and appropriate way of showing affection without risking the retribution of the Polizia.
We are staying at Centro Europa Uno, a youth hostel on the outskirts of Bologna - Will and Alec promptly lost a frisbie, whilst Sophie continued her driving lessons.
Over the course of the weekend, JP Aranzulla ran a number of sessions on understanding the spiritual landscape of Italy and how to approach church life in this culture. As a team, we've been particularly motivated by seeing that the only hope we have is in the gospel through which God's glory shines in full brightness.
Points for Praise:
- 23 Campers signed up so far
- Safe arrival of UK and US team
- Warm welcome from the evangelical host churches
Points for Prayer:
- Safety on the roads
- More sign ups for camp
- Leaders as they finalise talks, testimonies and devotions
- Overall camp planning - for activities, games and English lessons
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