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Stories of Mission

Explore mission themes in our quarterly magazine as workers tell stories of making disciples in the way of Christ.

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Italy farewell to Eberlys

‘Sweet Sorrow’ as Eberlys Retire From Italy Ministry

Willard and Eva served in Italy with great energy and passion for the Word of God. They gave much of their lives to the growth and development of the church and its members. People shared their memories, showing the influence that they have had many over the years.

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Ordination ceremony in Bari, Italy

Centro Koinonia Celebrates Historic Milestone With Ordination

“What you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” is an important key for church growth and multiplication, given by the Apostle Paul. Centro Koinonia truly has reason to celebrate a significant milestone.

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Family Camp in Italy

Something Different in Italy

Pastors from Palermo, Vasto, and Bari taught on how we are different when we are transformed by Christ living in us. These lessons not only had an impact on the participants of the conference, but also on other guests and staff in the hotel. The hotel director said, “There is something different about you all.”

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Adam Riddle dressed as Joseph

Italian “Happy Week” Expands to Impact Adolescents

Twenty-five kids overflowed Centro Koinonia’s facility for “Happy Week.” Maurita Eberly and Dino Colonna created a delightful musical that communicated the biblical story through narration, music, drama, and dance- utilizing the creativity and talent of these adolescents.

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In Christ, the Crooked Made Straight

I finally reached bottom and started thinking about God. His word, planted in my soul, still spoke to me. A tremendous inner battle raged. Although drawn back to church with a deep sense of guilt, I was still shackled to worldly friends and vices.

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Willard and Eva Eberly (left) with Mara and Dino Colonna.

The Unfinished Task

Although those of us serving long-term with VMMissions face the constant challenge of overcoming spiritual barriers and strongholds, the persistent hope of establishing viable, Christ-centered churches with Italian leadership propels us forward.

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Riddles with son's classmates

Doors for Ministry Open Through Italian Schools

The schools that our boys attend have become major areas of ministry for us. We help teach English in the middle school. This has been an open door to talk to and be a healthy example to youth that have few good adult role models to follow.

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Simona and Salvo Lombardo

In Christ, All Things New

Being unaware of the importance of marriage in God’s eyes, my marriage at a very young age soon proved to be a tragic mistake. After escaping that trap of anguish, I began pursuing what I hadn’t found. But this search only caused more suffering.

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Music educator shares in worship with the Italian Mennonite Church

When Phil and Marcia Lehman left Bari, Italy in 2009, Centro Koinonia prayed fervently that God would provide musicians. Over the past two years, these prayers have been answered through church members like Luigi, Elena, Valentina, Francesco, Chris, and Melody. However, the church desired more training, prompting them to request that VMM send me as…

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Children in Bari, Italy, enjoy meaningful activities at “Happy Week”

What occupies the long summer days for children who live in high-rise apartment buildings in densely-populated Italian cities? Many parents ask this same question! In the South, parks are usually few, crowded, and poorly equipped. Apartments have limited space for active play. Recognizing this opportunity to meet a felt need, the Mennonite churches in Italy…

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“Full circle” after forty years

With youthful excitement, we eagerly researched the Italian city where we would serve after language school in Florence. Finally, we were going to fulfill the call to missions we’d both received years before! Vasto—a coastal city amid vineyards and olive groves on the foothills of the Abruzzo mountains in central Italy—was to be our destination.…

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