ALLIANCE MISSIONS TRIPS

We are taking a team to Italy to:

• Strengthen the evangelical center at Isola Del Gran Sasso by assisting in an ESL camp, providing labor for a few key work projects, supporting the staff, and engaging in evangelism with the local community.
• Strengthen the evangelical church in Italy through prayer and the ministry of presence.
• Expose the members of ABF to the great need for the gospel in Italy.
• Develop our member’s grasp of church history by visiting some key spots in the development of the church.
• Strengthen our church’s culture for missions and evangelism.

Romans 1:15 – “I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.”

To many people, Italy is the epicenter of Christianity. The landscape has been filled with crosses and cathedrals for the past 2,000 years. And yet, the need for the gospel is great. Italy is one of the few European countries that never experienced a Reformation. Evangelical Christians make up less than 1% of the entire nation. While Catholics and Evangelicals share the same vocabulary, they are entirely different religions. We desire to support the evangelical church in Italy as they spread the gospel and sow seeds of Reformation.

ABF members or regular attenders who have a vibrant walk with the Lord and a heart for foreign missions. Team members must be able to travel, work long hours at the camp, and work well in a team. Every team member must have all travel documents ready at least 30 days before departure.

The mission’s committee will receive applications through the month of December, prayerfully select a team of 24 people in early January, and announce the team on Monday, January 15. At least six spots will be reserved for youth who are 16 years of age and have a growing relationship with the Lord. Children under 16 are not permitted on this trip.

While special skills are not required, the mission’s committee are looking for people who are experienced in teaching ESL, working with youth, and/or can provide skilled labor.

The age limit for this trip is 16. While we encourage families to expose their children to foreign missions, the specific nature of this trip is not suitable for young children. If you have a child 16 or older we encourage you to consider joining him or her on this trip.

The total budget will be $3,600/person. This will cover airfare, lodging, and food throughout the entire trip.

To develop the greatest amount of buy-in, the mission’s committee will pay for 1/3 of the cost, the team member will pay for 1/3, and the team member will raise support for 1/3.

Yes and no. We plan on reserving at least six spots for students in our youth group who are 1) at least 16 years of age, and 2) have a vibrant relationship with the Lord. We are excited to take a church-wide mission’s trip that involves a variety of ages and skill sets.

While this is not a requirement, we hope that team members will desire to develop a basic grasp of the Italian language. Team members will have extended contact with local Italian children and limited contact with their families. A few of the staff members at Isola speak English, so translation is possible. But most of the staff members only speak Italian.

Team members will be required to attend six training sessions to prepare for this trip. They will learn about God’s heart for missions, the need for the gospel in Italy, the ministry at Isola Del Gran Sasso, the differences between Catholicism & Evangelicalism. They will also learn how to prepare for traveling, leading an ESL camp, and work projects.