This
month we focus on Italy and our friend, Rosaria Vincenzi. In 2006 Rosaria opened a new mission
for the poor children of Italy by the name of Imparare Giocando (learning while
playing). She is the former
Executive Director of Casa Materna (home of a Mother's love) in Naples, Italy,
and when that mission closed in 2003, after 99 years of service to the
community, Rosaria sought other ways to work for and with poor children. It has been her lifelong passion.
Imparare Giocando, located in Villaricca, a poor suburb of Naples, provides a
safe place for children after school and in the summer when schools are closed. Rosaria and her staff (her
daughter-in-law, Maria Rosaria, and her good friend, Nora) provide healthy
snacks and cooking instructions, play time and homework assistance, computer
skills training and a daily Bible story.
The children arrive after
school and stay until about seven o'clock.
In
the summer the children take bus trips, play safely within the gated area of
Imparare Giocando, and learn about "another way of living with God as our Savior
and our Hope".
These words are taken from Rosaria's latest newsletter to us. She is excited about partnering with
Forest Grove in mission again because she remembers our 2000 mission trip to
Italy and hopes we can repeat our international experience once again.
Rosaria grew up at Casa Materna, met her husband there and began her journey as
one of God's faithful servants. Her
passion for helping children is alive and well and she speaks eloquently for
this cause. It is her intention to
visit the United States, and Forest Grove Church, in the summer of 2010. We look forward to hearing first hand
of the wonderful work she is accomplishing with the children and we ask you all
to give generously, as the Lord leads you, to continue the care of these little
ones in Italy.
If
you are interested in a mission trip to Italy, speak to members of your Mission
Committee ~ and pray about it!
.
