HOME in Sicily + Updates
Hello again, it’s been a little while since I sat down to write one of these, and every time I do it, I’m reminded how much I enjoy the process. I hope to get back to sending these more often again, as it’s always refreshing to not only collect my own thoughts but hear from you all as well. Just like I would say to you if you were at my front door —Welcome back and come on in :)
Farmhouse Transformation
As you may know, we're in the middle of an intensive farmhouse renovation that has taken seven years so far and is on the verge of being completed.
I joined Adam in this undertaking two years ago (our 2nd wedding anniversary is coming up this October!), and while it's been incredibly invigorating to help in the transformation process of redeeming this stunning old 1908 home, the stress has also been incredible. Isn’t that usually par for the course in this life? The most worthwhile ventures and joys can bring some of the most challenging and treacherous fights against fear, worry, doubt and just plain ol' trials.
All that to say, we are well. We continue to experience the great grace of God in our daily lives and young marriage, and we are excited to be close to the finish line with the project.
Our desire for this house has been that it would be a warm and inviting place for relationships to flourish in things like prayer, worship, discipleship and gatherings of many kinds.
While we work diligently on this current goal, we've also been given additional opportunities to partner with other believers as they follow Jesus into the unknown for the sake of the Gospel.
H.O.M.E. in Sicily
Adam and I have been invited to participate in a beautiful project in Sicily this October and potentially in the future as the Lord leads.
To summarize a rather lengthy, decades-long God-story, this fall we will be helping to dedicate and rehabilitate a former campground to the Lord
as the future location of
Heart of the Mediterranean (H.O.M.E.)) — a place for prayer, study of God's word, worship and discipleship in a place of deep-rooted spiritual darkness.
Ultimately, the vision of HOME culminates in training and sending missionaries into the least reached parts of the Mediterranean, Israel and beyond.
Starting in October and continuing on, this will be a partnership of many people from various nations, specifically with the churches of this Italian island.
To see more of the facilities and read more about the mission of this project, please take a look at the website
https://home-sicily.com/#about
Mission of our two week trip this October:
— helping to facilitate daily prayer and worship
— begin further assessment and repairs on 50 year old, weather-damaged buildings
— connecting with local churches and leaders
— sharing the gospel in evangelistic efforts
— working in unity with other believers as we obey the leading of God’s Spirit together
Although we’ve already invested our own resources, we’re also asking the Lord for financial provision in order to cover the remaining expenses for this trip, including sound equipment needed for this event.
We are confident He will take care of all of our needs. (Phil. 4:19)
Would you join us in prayer for this endeavor? There has already been opposition on many fronts, and we know we will see the glory of the Lord in it all!
More Music Ahead
As part of the bigger picture with the overall vision we have been given by the Lord, He continues to bless us with more original music.
Some are worship songs, others are worshipful in nature (but not necessarily congregational) and a few are just fun road trip tunes!
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I think that’s probably enough of an update for now. Thank you so much for joining us on this journey.
I’ll leave you with the invitation and admonishment I was reminded of recently while attending the funeral of my dear friend’s late husband:
Hebrews 12:3-12
“Consider Him [Jesus] who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood… He disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment our discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.”
With joy and thanks,
Staci and Adam
P.S. this song has enveloped my heart and drawn me deeper into Considering Him