Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Inaugural 3W Northern Italy Youth Camp

Preface
Italy as a country has many great things to offer the world. Espresso, gelato, the Colosseum, Venetian gondola rides, and of course...pizza!!!

You may not know that the Italian Church of God also has great things to offer the world.

The hospitality of the Santonocito's and the Church in Ostia (Rome) is legendary! This month, we got to experience one of the greatest gifts of the two congregations in Northern Italy (Arco & Treviso):

their passion for seeing young people grow in their relationship with the Lord.

It took shape in the form of the first Italian Church of God Youth Camp, assisted by Three Worlds. Let us walk you through how this camp came to be and what it was like to be there. Because it was incredible!!


Setting the Stage
In August of 2015, we accompanied Marcos Lovaglio to Bulgaria. The purpose was to visit the Bulgarian Youth Camp, as Marcos had a vision of hosting a youth camp in Northern Italy.

There had never been a youth camp for the Italian Church of God in the north before. Thus, Marcos arrived with wide eyes, making notes and asking Dave & Kathy Simpson a plethora of questions.

Costumed-up for Talent Night @ Bulgarian Youth Camp 2015
Retired missionary Dave Simpson giving instructions @ Bulgarian Youth Camp 2015.

Marcos and his family (the Lovaglios) pastor two thriving Church of God congregations in Northern Italy (Arco & Treviso). Marcos' father, Nicolas Sr. serves as 'pastor' to the congregation in Arco. Marcos' older brother, Nicolas Jr. serves as 'pastor' to the congregation in Treviso.
Nicolas Sr., Jr., & Marcos Lovaglio (L-R)

Marcos leads worship in both congregations, and has built up a very active youth group in Arco.

Between summer 2015 and summer 2016, we had regular skype meetings with Marcos, tracking with him as he put plans into motion for the inaugural Italian Church of God Youth Camp.

And then during the first week of July 2016, we were present in Italy with Marcos as the youth camp he had dreamt about came to reality.


Typical Three Worlds Work
Disclaimer: This is not about the Kihm family. We simply provided resources and helped ensure all necessary details were being considered. Marcos and his team in northern Italy did the lion's share of the work. But this is one illustration of how Three Worlds works. Rather than similar ministries happening in isolation, we knew that Marcos dreamt of a youth camp in Italy. So, we brought him to Bulgaria to learn from what the Bulgarian Church of God was already doing. And then we provided mentoring to this emerging young leader.

If you would like to help support the work of Three Worlds or specifically the work of the Church of God in Northern Italy, please click on one of these links which will take you to the Global Strategy website:


and



Behind the Eight-Ball
It is difficult to attract and reach 'youth' in secular, post-Christendom Europe.

It is even more difficult to do so in Italy. Yes, the stereotypes are accurate: The Catholic Church basically has a monopoly on the 'faith market.' To be a Protestant evangelical Christian in Italy is to be different. And just like anywhere else, to be different is to be strange and suspect. And yet, in the midst of this deeply secular, Catholic and yet Post-Christendom environment, the youth ministry of Marcos Lovaglio and the Arco Church is exploding.

Marcos and team; These individuals also are a part of the 3W Leadership Network;


Really, it is astounding how fast the Arco Church has grown. This is a major victory. And this is something that we at Three Worlds are trying to perpetuate. In fairness, we didn't start the fire, but we are trying to fan the flames for even greater Kingdom results.

Location of the Camp
The camp was located in an amazingly gorgeous part of the world: high in the Dolomites of northern Italy. The precise location was about 2 hours north of Arco, or Lago di Garda. We were treated to amazing natural beauty. Especially in settings such as that, I always ponder how someone could not believe in God!!

The clouds came from deep in the valley and just rolled their way up the mountain. Really amazing to behold!!!

We had games & devotions before the descent.

A rare non-selfied Kihm Family photo!

The descent has begun

Focus of the Youth Camp
Most youth camps that I have participated in (either as a student or a leader) are 'fun'-heavy. Yes, there are some very serious spiritual components (worship service and discussion group or time of singing), but a good portion of the day is spent on the games and activities! As a kid, these were some of my favorite parts of a youth camp! And in the games and activities, oftentimes there are lessons: Lessons on working together, lessons on exercising faith, lessons on friendly competition, etc.

But the focus of the youth camp in northern Italy was quite simply: Experiencing God.

Of course, there were games and fun times.

The joys one can have with shaving cream...

Relays: Ball-knock-over with panty-hose-head.

Classic Water Balloon Toss


But each day began with devotions and prayer in the dorm rooms!

Coffee yet to be drank. Some feet barely touching the floor! Wakey wakey!

After breakfast, there was a 2-3 hour worship service. Here's a brief video:  Worship song 1

The worship team was absolutely top-notch. Amazing in talent. Amazing in passion. Amazing in dedication.


And in the evening, after dinner, there was a second 2-3 hour worship service: Worship song 2

A few of the afternoons were filled, too, with discussion groups (either guy/girl, or everyone to think about questions that had been submitted anonymously).

The preaching themes were:

  • Who is Jesus?
  • What is Salvation?
  • Who is The Holy Spirit?
  • Importance of The Holy Spirit.
  • Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
  • Evangelism: Love your neighbor as yourself.

At the close of each sermon, there were at least a handful of persons responding by coming forward to pray. These were not overly-emotional or manipulated actions. These were sincere hearts crying out for more of the Lord in their lives. It was a privilege to be one of the speakers, and to get to pray with these youth.




Participants
This was a very ecumenical and international youth camp!

In addition to the youth from Marcos' congregation in Arco, he worked with two main other congregations. What's amazing is that none of the leaders were interested in "stealing sheep," or promoting their doctrinal preferences. It really was an illustration of Dale Oldham's old hymn:

"Let me see Jesus only."

To say that it was international is not an understatement. While Italian was the common language, English and Spanish were also regularly used for communication. The youth and leaders were from: Italy, USA, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon, El Salvador, Brazil, China & Burkina Faso.

Even in the midst of such cultural diversity, there was no racism or prejudice. Everyone treated one another like family. Really. At meal times, in conversation and sharing food. At play times, in inclusion and playing fairly. It was very impressive to watch!

Group shot;


Wrap-Up
Really, this youth camp was a sparkling success. Very little, if anything, could have been improved on. And yet we have many notes and thoughts with which to help future youth camps build on this success!

One way you can be of help is to bathe this ministry in prayer. Really, pray not just for future youth camps. But pray for Marcos and his fiancéé, Katherine. Pray for the Lovaglio Family. Pray for the Church of God in Italy, our three congregations in Ostia (Rome), Treviso, and Arco.

Another way you can be of help is to financially support this ministry. Really, this is a tremendous need. And every gift helps! The Church in Arco is in need of a larger facility to meet in, but they are severely restricted by finances. To put in perspective how much they have outgrown their present location, look at this picture.

Dr. Esther Cottrell, State Pastor of Ohio Ministries visiting in June 2016.


Yes, it is a picture of one parking space in a garage. That is the location where the children meet on Sunday mornings. Imagine up to 15 elementary-aged children having Sunday School in exactly what you see in the picture.

That is the present reality for the Church of God in Arco, Italy.

If you are able to contribute toward the Italy 3W Expansion (42.40530) Project, know that there are some very real needs that you can help address. And there are some very real potential Kingdom works that could come about precisely because of your contribution! Really, the potential is so large in Arco. The sky is the limit. But there are practical barriers that must first be crossed.

Please pray for the Church in Arco, the ministry of the Lovaglio Family, and Three Worlds.