Click Here for October 2020 Newsletter PDF
Greetings to you, friends and supporters of the ministry of Act Now Ministries. Summer has ended and autumn is already here with the leaves turning for a majestic display of God’s creation. With the new season, we adapt to the cold weather coming upon us; thankfully it’s the same in Sicily as it is here in the States.
This past September, we would have been in Sardinia with a team from Michigan ministering there and participating in the baptisms of six new believers from the church in Quartu Sant‘Elena near the capital city Cagliari. We were there three years ago where we ministered in five local churches and many refugee camps. Giuseppe was able to visit a year ago in preparation for the September 2020 trip, before COVID-19 happened and everything changed.
Still, it was a blessing to see and hear about the baptisms and we rejoice with our brothers and sisters in Sardinia. We hope to go back in 2021 and rekindle the fellowship started in 2017. Pray and consider to come and be used for God there or in Sicily. Carlos from Spain was also supposed be there at the beginning of September for a week of ministry with Giuseppe, but again, all changed because of COVID-19.
On a positive note, the Castronuovo were able to travel from Switzerland to Sicily and southern Italy for a 10-day sightseeing trip to pray for the upcoming future ministry in Sicily in partnership with us. Even with COVID-19, they were able to travel in the EU; Giuseppe still can’t travel there yet due to restrictions imposed on Americans flying from the States.
The COVID-19 cases are resurfacing again even in Belpasso and the Catania province. Giuseppe’s mom is stable in Castelbuono where she is a resident in a retirement home; thank you for praying for her. Giuseppe and Pennie were able to celebrate their 39th wedding anniversary, minus any big gathering because of the pandemic.
It is good to know that ministry does not stop because of COVID-19; God is at work wherever we might find ourselves. The coworkers in Sicily under Giuseppe’s guidance are continuing part of the ministry and preparing for future ministry once he can rejoin them. Giuseppe and Isidoro are helping families in need and creating opportunities to evangelize them. Our main contact at the Navy base is eager to see Giuseppe return for an opportunity of service while being stationed in Sicily.
Even in the midst of a crisis, ministry does not stop. The daily bible studies are made possible because of many platforms that we are able to use, such as Zoom, Messenger and WhatsApp.
After four years, we reconnected with Wesley M stationed in Japan on Saturday morning when it was 5 a.m. Sunday in Japan. He was part of a bible study that Giuseppe had in Sicily while Wesley was stationed there. The big world became a smaller world!
We pray and hope for you that this crisis has increased your relationship with God and spurred growth in your faith. In 1Samuel 7:12 when Israel camped in Ebenezer: “Thus far the Lord has provided.” It is so true to see His hand at work even in the midst of a crisis. Let’s pray that this crisis might bring people closer to God and a revival in our churches. Let’s not forget that His calling is for all of us, not the few of us.
The fields are ready for harvest. There are few laborers for a great harvest. Pray to the Lord to send more servants to do His work.
We want to thank you for your love and support in a new season with new opportunities to serve Him.
As always: Let’s go fishing (really) for One more for the One.
God bless you.
Serving together,
Giuseppe and Pennie Collesano.
Ciao for now.