Italy Newsletter Feb/April 2012

Guido and Joyce Bassi

Montecatini Terme Italy

HE IS RISEN AMEN!!!  What an awesome reality we have that the God of the universe who not only raised Christ up from the dead has done the same for us.  What a hope we carry inside ourselves for a lost and dying world.  These last several months have been filled with many ups and downs but this one truth has been our sustaining grace.  We again want to thank you for the opportunity to share with you our adventures, send blessings upon you for holding us in prayer and maintaining us financially.  We know that these are trying times for many and so we appreciate that you turn your affections towards us as we labor together for the harvest.  May you be richly blessed with a double portion.

                                We much affection and love

                                Guido and Joyce Bassi

Sonshine…….

After months of literally freezing weather we finally were able to get out and pray the streets of Montecatini.  The Lord had instructed us to go to every street and anoint it with oil some months back and we did it.  It took us about 24 hours in total walking over a week but the weather was beautiful and as you can see from Guido’s open jacket warm for February.  We had a little spray bottle and were trying to be as incognito as possible putting oil on the corners in the main street with crowds of people or on private streets where there is little foot traffic  was quite a challenge.  People seem pretty suspicious of you praying and then pouring stuff out but we can now say we have complied.  I wonder if Jericho would have fallen if the Israelites would have just prayed from the camp.  He has called us to put action to our prayers so we continue to be obedient even if it seems bizarre to us to do amen.                      

                         

Onward And Upward

So having finished Montecatini we knew that the Lord still wanting us to start walking the other surrounding communities but where to start and when.  Jami told us about a job opportunity to pass out fliers from door to door so we applied for the job and got it.  Went to sign the contract and pick up the fliers & they gave us a list of the areas.  Can you believe it was the exact 11 communities (Valdinievole) that we had already gone and prayed at all the ancient wells a few years ago?  Very cool praying every street, every mailbox for 5 to 6 hours a day and being paid to do it.  We laid our hands on the fliers and started March 9^th & finished April 3^rd.  A total of over 150 hours given to praying blessing, grace and mercy in an around the Valdinievole.  It was hard, it was fun, it was tiring, it was battle, it was joy, and it was painful. It is totally unbelievable that we have put our foot all over this area and the attack came swift and sure a few days after we finished.  We were paid for the first 2 weeks but they haven’t paid us for the last few and they have been running us around about it.  5 trips at 26 miles each time to be exact.  We have declared in the face of the enemy that it didn’t matter if they never pay us because we were going to walk it anyway.  Now were just praying for them.  We were really not out anything and have gained in that we have covered all these cities in His presence amen.  They called a few days ago to come in and get paid and to pick up more fliers to restart the route again, yeah they were a no show again.     

In The Flash of a Moment

The youth at Marco’s church in Monsummano (Gesu e il Signore) decided to do the first ever Flash Mob for Easter here in Montecatini and in Monsummano.  There were so many participants of all ages from the Church including us doing He is Risen.  Easter Sunday it rained all day so when we got in the car to head to Florence for our service we just prayed that it would stop so that they would be able to perform.  They reported that as soon as they got out there the sun came out, praise the Lord.  The priest in Montecatini got so upset that the group was in the square that he called the Mayor and tried to get them to cancel it but he had already given them permission.  The Lord is opening doors no man can shut.  On Monday in the Open Market of Monsummano we did the Flash mob twice.  Since it was a holiday it was packed with people.   After each performance we passed out Bibles to the It was awesome fun and since we have been doing all this walking we were in shape.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BfcriWmCczA

New Name Same Goal

 On March 31^st we gathered to celebrate 2 years of 24/7 Preghiera Continua.  We have seen such fruit from this prayer Initiative.  Just in the community of believers here in Monsummano we have seen incredible growth in the area of prayer.  They like many churches filled their allotted day and even when churches dropped off during the summer moved to those days as well.  They have since started to gather 30 minutes before church to pray and now have 1 time a month where they gather to pray for the whole day.

 Now of course they have other prayer days however this one is specifically for the Nation of Italy and to join hearts with the 24/7 prayer movement that is globally occurring.  This year the group leaders decided to change directions and drop the 24/7 because they felt it was deceptive to say we pray 24/7 when in fact many hours weren’t covered.  We along with others tried to encourage the leaders to keep 24/7 and gave examples of other ministries that use 24/7 more so as a goal to reach for and a mindset and attitude of moving the nation in that direction. However, it was agreed that Toscana in Preghiera would be better suited for their goals.  At this time they will be shifting more of the responsibility of each church to be more involved in prayer & prayer groups & times vs. them trying to oversee and manage 168 time slots over many diverse churches which we agree is very tough.   The agenda remains the same, prayer, prayer and more prayer amen.  We encouraged them and commended them for having taken on a 2 year project of keeping 24/7 going in the mode they had because it really was a lot of work to maintain but the ball is rolling with churches more united across denominational lines and ethnic lines than ever before and we are certain that the Lord will continue to watch over His work. 

Florence, City of Angels

At least that is what we call all the wonderful students and people we have had the privilege of hanging out with for the past 6 months.  It has been the most incredible time for us to grow in our gifts.  We have been able to pray with many of the students, have them lead worship, get their testimonies and share from the pulpit as well.  The Ps. Left us alone for 2 weeks to run everything, wow we feel so honored. Guido continues to teach on our identity in Christ, who we are.  Nicola from South Africa shared as well about our Identity.   I did my first ever Easter Service where I shared how he wasn’t a victim but a willing participant in order to redeem us back to Himself and the Father.  I shared about His great love towards us.  I finished by showing this clip from YouTube.   We were all teary eyed while taking Communion.  This past Sunday when Ps. Tuula spoke and told the group how blessed they were with us the whole group broke out in applause and then the youth all prayed for us adults, it was awesome.  Who would have thought we would be teaching in English while living in Italy.  Remind me again why I had to learn Italian. In May we will take a whole bunch of them to the beach before they all head back home.  It is bitter sweet but it is our joy to see the next generation stand and take their place in the Kingdom.

The Call Italy? 

Well I think it is no accident or mistake that Lou Engle and his family were here in Italy for a conference with a group calling themselves Generazione Senza Confini (Generation without Boundaries.)  www.generazionsenzaconfini.  They also made a stop by the first ever HOP Italia down in Caserta.  Giuseppe Conti of Voce di Sion along with the Narducci family have partnered with Kansas City House of Prayer to see their dreams realized in this Nation.  God is actively moving in this Nation in a mighty way these days and we are so blessed to see so many Italians rising up and taking the Kingdom by force for this Nation.  There is a youth movement and prayer movement that has slowly been building but has gained huge momentum just in the last few years.  We’re hoping to go down there soon and be a part of their pray movement as well and try to hook up as many youth from our area with them in order to pull it back up here to our area.  Since we have had the 24/7 prayer for the past 2 years in our area I would say it is time!!!!   Check out this YouTube video as the youth of this Nation start to cry out for more.  These are some excerpts from their conference with Lou as well as other conferences pieced together to make a cool video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6NYfuxuPzA&feature=relmfu

• If any of you would like to partner with us in prayer please send us an email
• If you want to partner with us financially and you don't need or want a tax deduction you can hit the donate button at the top right of this page. If you need or want a tax deduction make checks payable to:

             New Life Christian Church (Clearly label (post-it or cover letter): For the support of Italy Missionaries)

           1265 B St. Hayward, CA 94541

           510-889-1304

           www.newlifechristianchurch.com

Italy Dec/Jan 2012

Dearest fellow sojourners,

So 2012 has arrived and with it yet another opportunity to advance the Kingdom of our Lord in the earth.  As the year started the Lord told me it was time to dwell in 2012, very nice, it rhymes and held many possibilities of what that meant for us.  However the Lord just a few weeks away had me read Ps. 91 and there it was, “he who dwells in the secret place”, I finally had meaning and the doors totally opened up to what the Lord was saying. 

As we said goodbye to last year and welcomed in this year it has become increasingly obvious that many we meet and fellowship with have come to the end of business as usual in the Kingdom.  Many don’t want to keep doing it the same old way and getting the same old result even if they were good results.  Many are saying what we are now saying “I want to see your face; unless you go with us we aren’t going anywhere”.  It seems to be the heart cry of the church in this hour.   As we set off embarking on a direction which we feel the Lord is calling us to embark on in this nation and which was prophesied over us years ago.  Plant a church and then another and then another.  This city needs a church as do many other cities in Italy but unless you go with us we won’t go at all.

We invite you to journey with us through the past and into the future.  We are truly grateful and blessed that you have been with us and continue to stand strong with us.

                Guido & Joyce Bassi

Saying Goodbye

December was a month of goodbyes at the Florence Gospel Int. Fellowship as many of the students left.  As you remember we started co-pastoring back in August at a church in Florence and it is 99% students who come from mostly the United States to study anywhere from 3 months to 3 years depending on the school.  We made so many new friends and were so blessed by the first 3 months that we didn’t even think how hard it would be to let these kids go back.  Our last night together I really felt led to lay hands on them and anointed them & send them back into their nations as flaming arrows.   I started on one side and Guido the other, however as I came close to Guido he wasn’t laying hands and anointing them he was prophesying over them, so I passed over him and anointed and Guido finished up overlaying my tracks.  It was such a blessing and double portion for the youth.  The next week there basically wasn’t anyone left.  Those who didn’t return to their countries basically took off with friends or family to see parts of Europe.  What a precious opportunity but sad not so see their faces, Thank you Jesus for Facebook and eternity to be together.

  

An abundance of provision

As Christmas was fast approaching I was a little nervous that there wouldn’t be enough to actually have a Christmas dinner and gifts.  Although Guido and I rarely ever buy each other anything for any occasion we still have 4 children and a grandchild we like to bless when we are able.   We just want to thank all of our supporters who not only continued to meet our needs during this season but we were also double portioned in the monthly giving.  This allowed us to send a little money to our boys via Pay Pal for the first time in years and to have a beautiful Christmas Dinner which we shared with Pastor Maurizio & Tuula from the Florence Fellowship.  Tuula is from Finland and she said she has never seen a whole turkey in real life.  Jami, her fiancée’ Alessandro and Chloe as well as our good friend Stefania came over for dessert & to open presents

   

Nothings is too big or too small for Him

Chloe wanted the Woody and Bullseye talking dolls.  I had for a few months been searching for them, but they 
were way too expensive.  I basically gave up for this   year getting them, but on December 14^th late around 2:00am I felt the Lord said search again on Amazon and there was woody and Bullseye for a fraction of the cost so I bought them.  Our friend had sent money especially for Chloe so they ended up costing very little.    Later that afternoon I went back on line to show Guido the price for them but they were already back to nearly triple the price.  Father really does meet all our needs even the desires of our heart so it is important to listen and  respond even if it is 2:00am. She was blessed

Reestablishing the ties that bind us

We were able to go to Asti in January to visit Marc King and his family.  They were the group that came down a few years ago when the Bethel group was here.  Marc has been doing Sozo training as it is a very vital tool to have here in Italy.  Christian counseling is virtually non-existent here so were hoping that in the future we will also be able to participate in the training as well.  It was awesome to see the work the Lord is doing in that part of Italy and to go and meet the people of the new Vineyard church they have opened.  The Lord has richly blessed them for their faithful labors in Italy (17 years) with a beautiful building and awesome believers.  We were so blessed to have people pray, lay hands, and just bless us.  We love the body of Christ.  Nothing beats a good hug. 

Snow snow go away!

Upon our return it started snowing and hasn’t stopped, in fact many of you have seen we are in the worst winter ever, however I prayed it wouldn’t snow here in our zone like it did last year and with the exception of one evening it hasn’t.  What did come was all gone by morning and hasn’t been back (exception of the mountains where there is usually snow). Everyone around us is getting snow.  In fact the map shows it is over, under and to the side of us but we in the center are only suffering freezing temperature and wind gusts.  Yeah it may be a fluke but hey I believe.  Now I’m pray for sun because frankly were tired of being cooped up in the house and want to get out into the streets for prayer amen.

New season new faces

Now that the new semester of school has started we are seeing new faces.  We are already up to 65 young people and the last 2 services have been totally awesome.  The young adults who have been here for a while are now encouraging and challenging the new students to stay in fellowship during their time here in Florence.  We were blessed to have brother Nehemiah from the Florence Gospel Choir got up to encouraged them which led into more worship.  The Holy Spirit had taken over the worship and the time of sharing so there wasn’t even time for the message.  It was truly awesome and encouraging to see.  After everyone came up and had tea and cake, exchanged emails & addresses and no one wanted to leave.

Our joy is complete…..

Back in October while practicing with the Evangecube with Chloe she told us she wanted Jesus to come live in her heart so we prayed.  For several months after she kept asking us when we were going to baptize her.  It is winter and has been extremely cold so we finally decided to just fill the tub and go for it.  She truly loves the Lord.  Her school teaches her all kinds of Bible stories.  We have taught her to pray and lay hands on people who are sick.  What we truly cherish about this is that her asking to have Jesus and being baptized is all of her desire and didn’t come from our prompting. Grandchildren are our inheritance as the Bible says and this was truly our joy complete amen. 

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.  Need more people to complete our team for a church plant

2.  Wisdom to be in the timing of the Lord regarding how to proceed, i.e. home, building, both?

3.  Better weather to complete our prayer agenda of prayer walking and anointing every street in our City as well as

     Evangelizing.

4.  Release of finances for gas to be able to get to each of the prayer points along the green line. (Coast to Coast).

5.  Strength to run our race effectively with more discipline and diligence then we have ever had before.

6.  That the Lord would enlarge and increase our love for the Italians beyond our own natural love.

7.  Our ears to be fine-tuned to continue to hear the voice of the Lord and to be obedient to all the strange things

     (outside our box), He seems to keep asking us to do.

8.  Protection as we continue to step into the enemies’ camp to claim it for our King.

9.  Still need an Italian discipleship program that is already in outline form for presentation.

·         If any of you would like to partner with us in prayer please send us an email.

·         If you want to partner with us financially and you don’t need or want a tax deduction you can hit the

          donate button on this page.    If you need or want a tax deduction make checks payable to:

            New Life Christian Church (Clearly label (post-it or cover letter): For the support of Italy Missionaries)

           1265 B St. Hayward, CA 94541

           510-889-1304

           www.newlifechristianchurch.com