When we planted an international church in Rome, a couple began to attend. They both had been raised in a traditional church, but as they faithfully attended church, they began to grow spiritually and a real hunger for God became evident. In the beginning they would hesitantly bow their heads in worship but slowly, they began to lift their hands and openly praise God. It is a thrill to see both of them growing in the Lord. The husband, Joseph works as a travel agent and invited a colleague, Enrico, to visit our church. Enrico had lived in Rome for nearly thirty years and during that time had come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He grew in his relationship with the Lord and attended Bible classes and served in his church. After several years and some personal tragedies in his life, he asked an elder in the church some tough questions. Instead of responding to Enrico with love and understanding, the deacon rebuked him and said, “You have been a Christian for some years now; you should be more mature than this and not ask such questions.” Enrico became very discouraged and dropped out of church for many years.

At the beginning of 2016, we felt God speak to us about placing a special emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s role in our life. Joseph had been telling Enrico about our series and how much he was learning. The day Enrico came to church, Bob was teaching on the Holy Spirit. As Enrico listened intently, the Holy Spirit began to deal with his heart about the lack of commitment to the things of God. At the conclusion, Bob felt led to pray with him. After praying, Enrico said to Bob, “I know the truth but I have not lived for the Lord faithfully in many years. During the message, my heart was broken. Now I want more than anything to know the presence and power of the Lord once again in my life!” Since that time, Enrico has been faithful to church every week and as the Scriptures states, “God… will restore you.” Recently we asked Enrico what we could pray with him about and he answered, “I want so much to be filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It’s all I think about and pray for…I am so hungry!” When we pray for him, he weeps and the power of God overflows his heart. He is an inspiration and encouragement to others. He shared that he wants to begin Bible courses through Global University with a focus on evangelism. When the God of all grace restores people, His Holy Spirit will help make them strong, firm and steadfast.

From Newsletter of Bob and Lynne Rose AGWM Personnel in Italy

The husband, Joseph works as a travel agent and invited a colleague, Enrico, to visit our church. Enrico had lived in Rome for nearly thirty years and during that time had come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He grew in his relationship with the Lord and attended Bible classes and served in his church. After several years and some personal tragedies in his life, he asked an elder in the church some tough questions. Instead of responding to Enrico with love and understanding, the deacon rebuked him and said, “You have been a Christian for some years now; you should be more mature than this and not ask such questions.” Enrico became very discouraged and dropped out of church for many years.

From Newsletter of Bob and Lynne Rose
AGWM Personnel in Italy