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| Avanti Italia challenges college students to commit two years to ministry in Italy after graduating and before becoming involved in a career. Avanti Italia is beneficial to the Kingdom in at least three ways: 1. It draws many people into mission work. It puts people on the mission field who otherwise would not go, at less expense than is customary and it directs funds from family and friends which might not otherwise be given. Participants of Avanti Italia often return to the States with a passion for missions which helps churches wherever they go. 2. It helps Christians understand the Biblical concept of the priesthood of all believers (2 Peter 2:9). Since every Christian is a priest, every Christian can help spread the Gospel. Service and evangelism can be learned only by doing. When young Christians devote themselves to sharing Christ for two years, they learn how to do it effectively. They come to understand their priesthood, and they are more likely to remain active Christians the rest of their lives. 3. It increases the long-term mission force of the church. Some people who participate in this program for two years become so interested in cross-cultural ministry that they decide to return later for long-term ministry. About ten of the almost 100 people who have already participated in this program have made that decision. More about Avanti Italia I believe we are finally waking up to the potential existing in our young people. The College Church in Searcy, Arkansas has taken the oversight of a program designed to challenge college graduates to give two years to mission work before going into their careers. The elders of this church believe this concept represents a great potential for strengthening the church, both at home and abroad. Participants who commit to the program must raise $1,000.00 a month to cover their expenses. We encourage them to seek a monthly commitment from family, friends and churches where they are known. Before workers leave they are given two weeks of intensive training in Searcy, AR, with classes in evangelism, doctrine, atheism, Christian evidences, cults, group dynamics, and cross-cultural communication. They then go to Florence, Italy and live together in a villa that has long hosted the Florence Bible School. They continue their training, immediately begin language study, and begin evangelistic work, guided by the directors. Contact us for more information. Please present this challenge to every young Christian you know and consider helping financially those who commit. You can request information from Howard Bybee, phone (501) 268-7717, howard@avantiitalia.org. Or you can write to: Advancing the Dream College Church of Christ 712 E. Race Street Searcy, AR 72143 U.S.A. |
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