Italy Missions Update - January 2012

Felice Nuovo Anno!  Please find our overdue update from Treviso.  We pray that the Lord is blessing you in abundance this new year!  Ciao!

Please find our January Italy Missions update below.

Hannah laments over her barrenness.

Mid -week Study:  We recently started our mid-week study in 1 Samuel and we're blessed by the core group of people come to hear the word.   Though we’ve only had three studies, it is proving to be challenging and insightful as we see many parallels between old and new testaments and practical application to our lives. Please pray for Nino, Mark and me (Bob) as we rotate the teaching schedule and pray for the Converso family as they open their home for the study each week.  Pray also for Valter and Veronica who attend and are not saved, but are showing growing interest in the truth!

New Believers:  Seeing the process of someone come to Christ by the grace of God is not something that we see often in Italy.  To most Italians, salvation is obtained by the works performed in a person’s life rather than by faith in Christ.  This past month was very different for us.  Two ladies from our fellowship have recently given their hearts to the Lord.  Frances and Rosanna.  Join us as we pray for God’s continued leading in their lives and for protection against Satan.

Christmas Luncheon:  For the second year CC Treviso went to Ristorante Polin for our annual Christmas Luncheon.  A variety of classic and seasonal dishes were enjoyed along with Tiramisu and caffe`!  This year seemed different from last in that the fellowship seemed deeper.  The smaller size of the group offered more intimate conversation while others enjoyed group activities.  In both, new relationships were strengthened.  It was a great way to kick off the week before Christmas and to say good bye to many who will be traveling during the coming weeks.

Mark and his father

Nigros visit to the States:  We’d like to thank you for your prayers for Pastor Mark and his extended family.  Mark’s father has been diagnosed with serious heart disease.  The Nigro's spent Christmas and New Years with their family in the States and returned to Italy just today!  We are thankful that Mark's dad is saved, that his health had improved prior to their returning to Italy.  Please pray for continued peace for Mark, Renata and the extended Nirgro family. 

English Club update:  Although the English Club is not formally meeting, several students gather together on their own to practice their English and we “mother tongue” speakers are invited to be a part of the night.  Recently, Massimo, a professed atheist, began a conversation about God and asked my opinion.  “IF I MUST”, I thought.  It’s exciting to see the Lord’s hand in this outreach to form relationships that lead to this kind of fruitful discussion.  For we know that “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” Rm 10:17.  We ask that you would continue to pray for more opportunities to share the love of Christ.


Thanks again for your ongoing prayers and support of this ministry.  We are looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us this new year and your part in praying along with us for His leading is greatly appreciated.


If you would like to help support this ministry financially, you can send a gift to the following address.  Thanks in advance for your encouragement and support!

Koinonia Fellowship

500 Main Street

East Rochester, NY 14445.

**Please attached a separate note that says: ‘For Bob and Lori Scata, Treviso Italy’

Bob and Lori Scata

Italy Missions

Prayer Requests:
For Mark, Nino and Bob as they teach the Midweek, for those who attend.

For the Lord’s favor on the Nigro Family in all areas (family, financial, leading the church)

For Massimo and the others in the English Club group and opportunities to share.

God’s leading and confirmation on a recent direction regarding our home in the States.

For Frances, Rosanna and salvation for Valter, Veronica, Gianni, Sabrina, Deborah, Andrea and Marta.

For our health this winter and for our entry into the Italian Health Care system.

Praise to the Lord for our 3rd and final meeting regarding our documents (2 more years).

Thanking the Lord for our teaching jobs that help to support this ministry and for the support received from Koinonia and other fellowships!

Tentative Missions Trip in May 2012.  God’s leading in all areas (Stateside and Italy).