Italy Archives - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

A Legacy of Lifelong Learning

For TEAM workers Barry and Dawn, a posture of lifelong learning comes from reflecting on all that God has done.

May 01 2023

In this series of TEAM Ministry Updates, we’re sharing stories that highlight each of TEAM’s defining values. The following narrative is shared by Barry Winchell, a second-generation TEAM global worker who served in the U.S. and Italy and now acts as one of TEAM’s Regional Executive Directors. Barry shares this story as a beautiful iteration of “Lifelong Learning.” When I reflect on TEAM’s value of Lifelong Learning my thoughts tend to consider the future and how we need to keep learning and growing as we move into the days to come. Imagine my amazement when I recently encountered this…

Sunshine through the city buildings in Italy.

“Alba” in Italian means “Sunrise.” And that’s just what the Alba Safe House and Recovery Program in Italy is all about…the sun rising on a brighter day for women in need of a new start.

Jan 17 2023

For many of us, when we think of Italy, we envision the breathtaking architecture, stunning landscapes, and incredible food. But what we may not know is that Italy is also home to a subculture that can be cruel to the weak and vulnerable. Prostitution is legal in Italy, and the infrastructure for social services is sparse, even for its own citizens. For these reasons among others, Italy is an epicenter for sex trafficking. The result is a sea of women, many of them foreigners in a country far from their own. They are trapped in the sex industry but…

“We walked with spiritual giants.” Steve and Cindy Thompson share their journey of 35 years in ministry with TEAM Italy.

Aug 25 2022

They were two all-American kids growing up in the 1960’s. She was a little girl with a big heart to reach the unreached. He was a Michigan kid with a knack for radio broadcasting. Their journey translated into 35 years of faithful TEAM ministry and serves as encouragement of God’s faithfulness. “God has a real sense of humor” Steve grew up in a Christian home with parents who loved the Lord. As a teenager, Steve says, “I wasn’t as close to the Lord as I should have been. I accepted Christ as Savior, but I didn’t have any idea what…

The majority of Europeans identify with the Christian faith. So why is there a need for missionaries there? Photo by TEAM.

Jan 25 2017

When you think of mission work, what comes to mind probably isn’t someone in France discussing theology with a neighbor over cappuccinos. But the reality is, Europe critically needs more Christian missionaries to make disciples. There are several reasons we leave Europe off the map when we think of spreading the gospel “to the ends of the earth.” The most glaring one being that the gospel has already been spread there. In the New Testament, we read about the gospel’s early adoption in Europe through Paul’s letters to the church in modern-day Greece, Italy and Turkey. Marble statues, massive cathedrals…

Italy in the fall. Photo by TEAM

Nov 10 2015

Have you ever had a ripe persimmon on a crisp day in October? I’m sad to say, despite priding myself on a broad palate and a love of eating locally and seasonally, it’s something I’ve only recently discovered. This is my seventh autumn in Italy, and every year, right around this time, I see the cachi start to show up in the markets. Every year, I think I should buy a few and figure out what to do with them, and every year I let the fall pass without actually following through. A few weeks ago, the missions pastor from…

Tag - Italy

A Legacy of Lifelong Learning

Sunrise on a New Beginning

On the Same Wavelength: Meet the Thompsons

Does Europe Need Missionaries?

Taste and See That God Is Good