All People to All Nations in Roma

Recently I (Sarah) sat down with a new friend who is French, from Paris. I'll call her Simone. She shared with me her story. Simone comes from a traditional Reformed background. She had put her faith in Christ, but along the way Simone married an Italian who did not share that faith. For his part, he had a disdain for the church. This was because growing up, it was no secret that his local priest frequented prostitutes. Simone moved to Rome and began a family here. She found a church within her denomination, but eventually became disillusioned by the legalism and lack of warmth and vitality. Simone, seeing no other options in Rome, gave up her quest of finding a community of faith to share life in Christ. Meanwhile, she hired a babysitter from Ethiopia: a Christ-follower. This woman lovingly persisted in urging Simone to seek out a Gospel-based church. She challenged her to keep the priority of spiritual growth and service, and to pray the Lord would lead her to a church. Thanks to this Ethiopian woman's insistence and prayers, Simone was led to the church we attend. When we met together, she exclaimed, "It is really just as that German pastor said! (A visiting pastor who preached on the changing face of missions). "It is true: believers from the Global South are coming to Europe with a sense of calling to spread the Gospel among us Europeans. I thank God for sending them!" Amen. Now we are meeting for discipleship, and Simone has gained a sense of calling to reach her Italian neighbors with the Good News.