Alla scoperta della vita!

The OM Italy Leadership Team planned to share something with us in person before we left, but didn't get the chance. Maybe that's all for the best...this email arrived this week, with the words, "Perhaps it's actually the perfect time to hear something encouraging from your friends in Italy..." Encouraging indeed...read on:

"Many years ago, when God started planting in the hearts of many the dream of an Arts School of Mission, He already had each one of you in mind.  So in a way He had planted you in our hearts so that today we could gather in this place and bring Him honor and glory together, for His ways are perfect.

"You are certainly the fulfillment of a promise, but also the promise of a new era.

"A new voice arising; a gentle whisper, a loud yell in the midst of battle.

"In the last 2 months we have seen Beauty. The indescribable beauty of our God, as it becomes tangible, more and more in each one.

"You have inebriated the Valley with a banquet for the senses, a feast of color, sound and movement.

"We have been awakened from the numbness of our senses and are keen to embrace a new language. We don’t want to miss it! God is speaking and all that He asks from us, is that we bring our ear close to Him and listen. We plead with you to never stop being a channel of His voice.

"Thank you for your obedience. For shining from this Valley like strong beacons of light into a firmament of Darkness.

"Thank you: your presence here has made our load light, has multiplied our joy, has reinvigorated our tired hands.

"We are certainly one, not just together, but bonded by veins, tissues and junctures in one body, and despite of our destinations, let us be faithful to our calling so that wherever we may go we will continue to operate as one, honoring each other, lifting each other up as we continue our walk; discovering life: Alla scoperta della vita!

"With much love and appreciation, your brothers and sisters of OM Italy."

PSALM 29

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name: worship the Lord in holy splendor.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters: the God of Glory thunders,
The voice of the Lord is powerful: the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.

He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!” The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.

May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!