The Joys and Challenges of Being a Missionary in Italy

Being a missionary in Italy is both a wonderful and challenging experience. On the one hand, Italy has many beautiful and historical places. The people are generally warm, friendly, and welcoming, and the food is top-notch. Life here tends to move at a more relaxed pace compared to the hustle and bustle of places like the Tri-State area in the U.S. Italians know how to enjoy life's simple pleasures, like gathering around a table for a long meal with friends and family. However, I’ve noticed that lately, people seem busier than ever. That being said, it's still a good place to live, with a good quality of life.

Ministering in Italy, on the other hand, presents several challenges. The country is predominantly Roman Catholic, with Catholicism deeply embedded in its culture, often causing resistance toward evangelicals, which is sometimes seen as foreign or even cults. Many Italians identify with Catholicism culturally but are indifferent to religious practice, making conversations about personal faith difficult. The evangelical community is a small minority (1-1.5% of the population), with most congregations being small and fragmented, limiting their visibility and influence. There are also legal and bureaucratic challenges. For example, the Bible school where I work provides a bachelor's degree that is accredited in most European countries but is not accepted in Italy! Because of the small numbers, there are also many financial constraints. An increased secular attitude also adds to the difficulties.

Despite these challenges, however, I’ve found that perseverance pays off. Ministry here is slow and steady, but over time, it does yield meaningful results. I see this at the Bible school where so many of our students go on to serve the Lord seriously after they finish. It's very important here to build relationships, offer a consistent witness, and serve the community. Though the work is difficult, the reward of seeing lives transformed makes it worth it.