The Italian Job

Jude Parsons | 15:00, 12 May 2014 

The promise of a trip to Europe in the spring is an enticing one for pretty much anyone. A fortnight in Italy – the country famous for its ice cream and coffee, is not one that you so easily consider turning down! With a chance to do children's work in a different context, an escape to the sun, and the reassurance that I would be welcomed by a very generous and warm-hearted couple, I embarked on a trip that would open my eyes to God’s providence and a realisation of how the church represents the idea of unity in diversity.

The idea of trusting God for all things is one that I have grasped in a new way. Having never travelled alone before, never visited Italy before, never met the people I would be living and working alongside before – I spent a lot of my trip praying earnestly that God would keep me safe and help me to be a blessing to all the people that I met.

Not used to relying on God for things as small as remembering the right metro stop, having good conversation starters and making sure I didn't get lost as I was contactless, I quickly learnt that God is as much a God of the small things, as a God of the big.

Perhaps I had been limiting God to the big decisions, the ones that literally shape my future, but in Italy I learnt that I could rely on God in every minute of every day! It's never too early to learn and appreciate that! The idea of trusting God for all things is one that I have grasped in a new way.

Probably the best thing about my trip though (apart from the gelato of course), was the opportunity to be a part of the International Church of Torino, headed by Huw and Alison Williams. From bowling with Africans, to picnics with Americans, to craft with the Dutch and coffee with Italians, I had a real flavour of a church that welcomes people with completely different backgrounds, some whose stay in the church is for only a matter of months, to unite together in worshipping God.

I experienced a drawing together of the congregation because of the wonder of the gospel. And in a world where differences are exacerbated and individualism encouraged, the unity of the church becomes something even more special. What a privilege it is to be a part of the family of God! Those we wouldn't normally engage or come into contact with - we can confide in, rely on, pray for, and ultimately worship with. And whilst the diversity may not be as stark here at Highfields, there is something wonderful to be seen when we look around at church of the family of God. Although we can be an odd looking bunch (!) – we represent a God who loves us all in an uncompromising and everlasting way. We represent the creator of the world who allows us to join in with his saving mission on this earth, and as a family we can draw together and support each other in the journey of being in a relationship with God.

So be encouraged by this church in Torino, our brothers and sisters in Christ, to unite as those individually called but united together in the service of our God as His family.