Casa Mia, “My House” and Imparare Giocando, “Learning while Playing” are the two missions in southern Italy we are supporting this month.

Casa Mia provides an after school program where children get help with homework and find a safe environment.  The summer program allows elementary and junior high aged children who live in crime filled cities to hear Bible stories, enjoy exercise, singing and healthy food – similar to our VBS program.  Casa Mia has been providing Christian love to needy children for 20 years.

Imparare Giocando was started by our friend, Rosaria Vincenzi,  just a few short years ago.  Her staff of two, and some neighborhood volunteers provide after school care for about 50 children.  She is able to provide some computer training, cooking lessons, athletic activities, homework help and a daily Bible story for them, as well as a safe place to play.  In summer, Rosaria plans several trips to sights in Italy where these poor children could never afford to go.

The children of southern Italy live in poverty for the most part.  In Ponticelli where Casa Mia is located, as well as in Villaricca, where Imparare Giocando is located, the crime rate is very high – these are suburban cities outside Naples.  Children spend many hours on the streets in these cities and the missions offer a hopeful alternative.

Give as the Lord leads you this month, remembering that helping a little child to find a better way of life is a blessing to you as well as to him.