New witness launched in central Italy

Termoli, an ancient and modern city several hours north of Bari, Italy, of approximately 50,000 people, is situated among the coastal hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Guarded by a picturesque castle, it nestles among flourishing olive groves and vineyards. Although without an established believers’ church witness, God is at work to carry out His purposes at Termoli!

Twenty years ago Fiorella Greco donated a Bible to a neighbor friend. Eighteen years later she called Giovanni and Fiorella, inviting them to her home to study the Bible together! This simple, but significant beginning ignited an ever widening circle of interest that is drawing persons into home Bible studies conducted by the Grecos. Presently, a group of 20-25 persons participate in Termoli. Another group of 10-15 meets in a nearby town. Some have received believers’ baptism and form the nucleus of this new congregation.

To publicly launch this new witness, the Grecos and Willard Eberly recently organized an all-day celebration and evangelistic rally. Believers from Centro Koinonia in Bari and Vasto, where Giovanni Greco pastors, joined those of Termoli, filling a rented restaurant facility to capacity, about 125 people, half of whom were unchurched friends and family invited by the believers! What an amazing, unforgettable day of exuberant praise/ worship music led by Vasto worship team, tantalizing testimonies of newly transformed lives through faith in Jesus Christ, convincing Gospel messages, and sharing the vision for a believers’ church in Termoli. Animated conversation and fellowship happened between sessions over a delicious Italian meal. An offering of $550 was received to bless the gypsy children of the Joshua Center in Albania.

Note: Giovanni & Fiorella Greco, experienced Italian evangelists/church planters, recently joined the Mennonite missionary team, appointed by the Italian Mennonite Church to establish churches in the Abruzzo/Molise regions of central Italy. Their pioneer work is an “Approved Ministry” of VMM. Support for this national missionary couple can be channeled through VMM.

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