Kirbys in Catania

Guila & Eliza enjoying babysitting at the conference in Enna The last week of April we had a nearly week long conference here in Catania. Jay Young, who worked with the church in Pisa in the past, came with his wife to give this conference titled, "What Do You Think about Jesus?" Of course, it was presented in Italian. The week leading up to the conference, thousands of fliers were passed out by members of the church. The conference was held at one of our member's office's conference room, because the elders thought that more people would be likely to come if it wasn't in a church. Which, strangely enough, is something that Alan and I have noticed here. I feel like in the States people don't hesitate to try/visit another church with a friend or relative, but here it seems like people don't come to church unless they are seriously thinking about becoming members of that specific church. It's understandable in a way. Catholicsim is deeply rooted ...

As Frosty the Snowman said in that classic cartoon show we are, "busy busy busy." Playing spoons (their favorite) after the devo. The youth group meetings have gotten underway and become a ritual once a month thing at our house. The kids enjoy it. We've asked different men from the church to come teach the kids a few times to a) give them experience in youth group devos for once we're gone b) let the kids get to hear from different teachers at church and c) give us a break while letting the kids hear a probably more in depth lesson since our Italian is exactly perfect. One of my students offered me a kitten, but I had to say no.   We also have started a youth group meeting for the older teens (15-20ish). We've invited the teens from the church in Paterno (30 minutes away) and they have been coming. The first night we just talked to them about things that they would like to study.  The topic of, "How to Evangelize to Friends" was chosen...