God At Work in Bari, Italy

In partnership with the Italian Mennonite Church, Fabrizio and Ilaria Perfetti, along with their children Davide and Gioia, are completing a tranSend internship with the Bari/Valenzano congregation planted by former VMMissions workers.

By Fabrizio Perfetti

When you think of Italy, you usually get the idea that it is a Christian nation, but unfortunately it is not. Only 1% of the population would have a clear understanding of Jesus as Savior and Lord. Especially in southern Italy, people are very attached to local traditions, religious holidays, and the patron saints of their city. The ground is hard and the smaller the villages the more the hearts of the people are closed to the gospel. The gospel however brings light and liberation to those who feel oppressed by the rules and rituals of religion.

We can relate to the sense of emptiness in reciting prayers from memory, the lack of comfort from confession of sins through a priest rather than through Christ, and the burden of trying to please God with works. This was true in our own lives, until the biblical truth began to create a crack in our hearts through which a glimmer of light could pass.

The Perfetti family: Fabrizio and Illaria with Davide and Gioia Grace. Courtesy photo

We have opportunities to meet people who are beginning to be attentive to the truth of the word of God. We can see a change in their thinking and habits because they have begun to read the word or listen to preaching. Although none of these friends have yet truly accepted the message of salvation, we hold onto the truth that God loves them more than we do. It will be God who draws them to himself and purifies their hearts. We make ourselves available by investing into these friendships and by praying, taking advantage of every opportunity to present them the good news.

Serving our God allows us to experience an eternal purpose to our days. We are neither bored nor fruitless! Whatever situation we face—within the family or out with people—there is always a divine purpose that calls us to be more Christlike. What greater, more creative and eternal goal can we wish for? Our eyes are open to the reward ahead and therefore we abound with hope, despite COVID-19 and the difficulties of 2020. We do not want to forget that our serenity does not reside in the favorable circumstances that everyone hopes for 2021 but in the fidelity of our God who governs everything with power, justice, wisdom and love even in adversity.