Looking Back on 2010

It’s hard to believe that 2010 is almost done! This year has been full of exciting adventures as our family works towards fulfilling our calling to become missionaries to Italy. In February, all four of us traveled to Carol Stream, IL for our first training with TEAM, our missions sending organization. We learned a ton about TEAM and about church planting, and also had the opportunity to meet future missionaries headed all over the world!

During the spring, Stephen had the opportunity to coach Bryson’s baseball team and be the assistant coach for Laynie’s soccer team. Between 2 nights of practices each week and 2 games every Saturday, the ball field became our second home! But it was great experience for the sports ministry that we hope to start in Italy!

The first week and a half of April, we (Stephen and Brandy) took a vision trip to Italy, visiting 10 cities in 10 days, in order to see first-hand the spiritual need in Italy. We were greatly impacted by what we saw! Even though most Italians claim to be Catholic, 99 out of 100 don’t know Jesus as their Savior and Lord! Catholicism in Italy is more about culture and tradition than about a relationship with the risen Jesus. However, the good news is that God is working in the hearts of Italians! In every place that we visited TEAM missionaries opened up their homes to us and shared stories of what the Lord is doing to draw the lost in Italy to Himself. We came back to the States with a new determination to move to Italy as quickly as possible so that we can join in the work there!

Summer was a very busy time for us at work, but August ushered in many changes for the Verner family. Bryson started 5th grade (his last year in elementary school!) and Laynie headed into 2nd grade. The following weekend, Stephen had his first opportunity to share about our missions call at a church other than our own (Brandy’s grandparents’ church in Rainsville, AL). The very next day, Brandy transitioned from full-time to part-time in order to allow more time for raising the financial support we will need to fund our ministry in Italy.

Our schedule in the fall was soon filled with appointments to meet with people interested in becoming part of the vision God has given us to share the Gospel with Italians. We also had several speaking opportunities, which allowed us to share with larger groups about our future ministry. In between meetings, Stephen once again had the chance to coach – this time for Bryson’s flag football team. Laynie decided to try Girl Scouts instead of sports again, so Brandy has been busy helping start a new troop.

In October, we attended a missions training on educational options for our kids overseas. A couple of weeks ago, Mike Turner, long-time missionary to Nicaragua, met with us personally to train us in support-raising. The things he shared with us will be put to good use as we kick into high gear after the first of the year to raise the remaining amount needed for our family to make the transition to Italy and start our ministry there! Our target departure date is August 1, 2011, but we are praying for God’s perfect timing and provision!

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for and supported us during this process as we seek to fulfill God’s will for our family! We pray the Lord’s blessing over you in the coming year! Happy New Year!