Photo via pravda.ru

Italian rescue efforts continue in quake town; ministry helps

Italy's worst earthquake in three decades reduced much of L'Aquila to rubble. Although rescuers did find a survivor more than 40 hours after the quake, most of the operations have shifted to recovery, reports MNN.

The death toll is expected to rise past the more than 260 known dead, and almost 28,000 were left homeless living in tents or under open skies. The first funerals are to be held tomorrow, and the pope is preparing to visit the devastated region.

It could take more than a month to get a damage and rebuilding estimate, many of the buildings being centuries old. However, officials are trying to get a handle on what it will take to get the region functioning and getting schools reopened.

Peppo Biscarini with Greater Europe Mission says they are more than 80 kilometers away from the epicenter of the quake but are looking for ways to respond. "The situation is pretty chaotic there. I'm trying to work with the National Evangelistic Alliance to see what we can set up in an organized fashion."

Keep praying for open doors. "We have had over 1000 aftershocks since the big one on Sunday, so it's not over yet. People are somewhat nervous and open to a discussion on faith."

It's Holy Week, and Biscarini says people, faced with their own mortality, are looking for answers. "We run a specific Bible study for the 'influencers,' and a particular Countess has been invited by some peers. She always respectfully declined participation, but because of what has happened, she was actually eager to come and attend."

For the team, there is great hope. Greater Europe Mission has served in Italy by equipping evangelical leaders at the Italian Bible Institute and through a mobilizing website (www.MissionePerTe.it) and church-planter training manuals.

One church in Italy has "given birth" to three daughter churches in the past seven years. If such reproduction continues, every town in this province will be saturated with vibrant churches in this generation.

Missionaries are working among business leaders and professionals as well, and God has called many influential people to Himself. As the vision is passed on, Christians in Italy are trusting God for more conversions, more life transformations, and thousands of new churches in unreached Italian towns.

New iPad POLL! VOTE NOW! Will you buy new iPad?

TAGS: Italy worst earthquake Greater Europe Mission Bible study Holy Week

[04/09/2009]

Print Version