A Little Taste of Italy

God has blessed us at HPC with so many great relationships--people who share the same heartbeat for His kingdom all over the world. This week I've had the privilege of hosting Scott Steelman, a key player in a national movement called "Italy for Christ." Scott, originally from south Florida, has been involved in youth ministry for 2 decades, and now spends his time training pastors and youth leaders to reach the next generation in Italy. What's amazing, Italy is a country of over 60 million people and not one full-time youth pastor!! The second largest Muslim church in the world is in Rome. The largest evangelical churches in Italy are maybe 500 people, and there has been no push toward the future or reaching students. The door is wide-open and a generation is up for grabs.

God has positioned Scott and his family to address these critcal issues by starting up campus ministries at high schools and universities and training pastors and youth leaders from all over the country. In 3 weeks, Rachel and I will have an opportunity to travel overseas and serve at one of these conferences. Scott has been with us all week, visiting with our staff and ministering to our high school and college students. Our connection was immediate--like instant rice! We look forward to a little pasta and marinara in Rome!!