The GILMORES

Well, finally it's here. The moment of returning/relocating to Italy has arrived. Excitement, anticipation, trepidation... all mixed into one. Right now it's about packing up, deciding what needs to be taken, what needs to be taken now and what can be left for a few months still. Not an easy process. And then there's the awareness of all that still needs to be done. Quite astounding. But we are being constantly trained and challenged to live the Gospel and see God as being God. 2013. Who knows what it holds in store for us. Whatever comes, He knows and will be there. The years might change, He never will.

Not in the uncertain sense. About to fall, or things like that. Rather in the sense of anticipation. Like on the edge of your seat. Close to the action, to the limit of comfort zone. Savouring the moment, but living in holy anticipation of what is about to come. And it could be anything, anywhere. Suprises. But not really, because we expect them.... Living on the edge of the limit between the possible and the impossible. Believing, trusting, hoping, moving ahead. Sempre avanti. Join us - living on the edge. 

Particularly busy period, this. But encouraging. Porterbrook Italia (Percorsi) has over 50 students now. Lots of encouraging feedback and interest further afield. Trying to keep up with revision of translations, staying connected with students and moving ahead... Trying to keep on top of the fiscal/administrative poject for missionaries in Italy. Big need. Lots of work. Out of my depth most of the time. Help! Thinking (and working) through Rox's next step. Big step. Need wisdom and clarity. All this to say: were it not for the Gospel, it would be too much. Sempre avanti!

Ouch! It’s quite painful to think how long it is since we’ve sent out news. Of course there’s the blog , and Facebook and Twitter .. but they’re not always updated. So here goes: an impossible task – to summarize many months in a few paragraphs! :)   In a few words? God is good!!! FAMILY: Annette continues to co-exist with M.E./CFS . Energy is still limited and she needs care to administer what she has. She has continued to develop her friendships locally as well as connecting as much as possible with friends in Italy too.  We are thankful for a measure of health and for God’s presence in times of questions… Rox has just turned 20! Hard to believe! In June she completed 3 (happy) years at College. These however had not done much to prepare her for the next stage of life. As we prayerfully explored the next step, and visited more than 10 places, we ‘came across’ a specialized college in a nearby town. All the staff is specifically geared to assist those with ...

Just returned from Ignition - the A29 WE conference at Bawtry Hall. Great time of encouragement being with various church planters from UK and beyond. Acts 29 Western Europe is a church-planting network. The vision is an exciting one - to see churches planted throughout this needy continent. Thinking about Italy... what about church-planting. What way forward? How to engage with Italians and bring the Gospel to lived out in authentic missional communities? Much to prayerfully consider. And ask: how can A29 look like in Italy.. Watch this space...! Sempre avanti!

The new edition of Operation World has just come out. Italian Ministries is mentioned a couple of times. You may also be interested in a short prayer video.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72boRi0tiM0

Despite the preacher (!) God's word continues to strike me. Daniel's 3 friends were courageous enough to disregard the kings orders and threats. They had the guts to go counterculture. They disdained the furnace. All this because they knew HE IS ABLE. So often frustration comes because of a perceived stalemate situation. In many areas it's almost as though things are not progressing. Yet, HE IS ABLE. And the idols try to convince us to fall down and worship. The 3 friends stood firm and strong. They counted the cost and knew HE IS ABLE. They ended up in the furnace and in that place of weakness and apparent defeat, a resounding victory was accomplished. GOD IS ABLE!