Newsletter May 2021 — Operation Italy

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings and blessings from Italy!

It’s been a couple of months since you last heard from us, and I wanted to apologize for that. We’ve been in and out of the “zona rossa”, which translated means the “red zone” of COVID restrictions. That’s when the government locks down travel not only from province to province, but also from one town to another. As you can surmise, keeping a church open and functioning in troubling times as these is extremely challenging, in particular a church of our size where space for social distancing is minimal.

Yet, we persevere! As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Those words ring true today as they did centuries ago. We find that this earthly life can be filled with pain, and suffering, and even death. None can escape its grasp, yet we hope not in what this world offers us, but in the hope that our God in heaven bestowed upon us over two thousand years ago, when He sent His son to die on the cross for our sins, so that we might have everlasting life. We look to Him for strength, and it is He who sees us through these most trying of times.

I am happy to report that Anna is doing well, and as each day passes she recovers her strength, both physically and emotionally. Joy and her son Alessio have fully recovered, and have been anchors in the home. We are also excited to welcome a new member in the family, but not what you might think. Daisy is a furry and cuddly puppy that has been a most comforting distraction! We are extremely thankful to be surrounded by a community of brothers and sisters who embody the very principles that we read about in the scriptures. Prayers were prayed, meals were cooked and delivered to the home, and words of encouragement and love were shared.

Pastor Mario has transitioned into the role of senior pastor, and is growing in confidence with every sermon he shares. We’re also excited to see Joshua, Abel’s youngest child, take on more of a leadership role in the church as he leads the congregation in worship and prayer on Sundays. It’s comforting to know that although Abel is no longer among us, his footprints remain, and we see the fruits of his labor in those who came to Christ and are now serving in the church.

We are also thankful for the food pantry, which has continued to operate during COVID under the leadership of Ester. We’ve been able to feed hundreds

of families, many of whom had either lost their job, or have been unable to work full time due to the restrictions imposed by the government. It is in moments like these where the church can serve as a beacon of light and shine that light on a hill for all to see. The Apostle Paul again shares words of wisdom in 1 Corinthians 15:58, where he says, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

We look forward to the day when COVID restrictions will be a thing of the past, as we hope to see you all one day here on the mission field. Italy remains a field ready to be plowed and seeded, and we hope to watch the love of Christ grow abundantly in the life of every Italian. We remain forever humbled and thankful for your continued prayers. Anna and the family continue with the mission, and would be most thankful for whatever financial support you could provide. Without you, none of this would be possible.

Before we go there’s one more scripture we’d like to leave you with. Once again we lean on the words of Paul to the Corinthians (2), Chapter 9, verse 8:

“Eternal God, You are worthy to be praised because You are able to bless others abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that they need, they will abound in every good work! I thank You in advance for blessing Your children and uplifting them, for in doing so their time on earth has become more endurable. I thank You for being gracious to Your people by allowing them to experience joy in You, Amen.”

May God pour his blessing upon your lives!

In Christ,

Anna and Joy Aureli

Please feel free to send a tax deductible check to: Operation Italy 9 Eugene Rd Medford, MA 02155