Samuel Mitrofan Genova

Dear pastor Ted,

We arrived back from Italy where by the Lord’s grace we have been able to have two Spiritual Bootcamps Introductions in the time period of 26 thru the 30 January 2017.  In a very interesting area where there is a mixture of many cultures because of the influence of the international trade there. We were called to help some churches there and to equip them to be better in their testimonies and to have a better impact there with the gospel. I really had a strong desire to expose them to SBC teachings so we had one SBC conference in Genoa and another one in Alessandria.

Genoa is the capital of Liguria, located in the Gulf of Genoa and is the sixth largest city in Genoa. Genoa is one of Europe's largest cities on the Mediterranean Sea and the largest seaport in Italy. Genoa is set in a mountainous area with large elevation changes in its urban area and has been nicknamed la Superbad ("the Proud one") due to its glorious past and impressive landmarks. It is the birthplace of , Niccolò Paganini the famous musician and Christopher Columbus  (1451 – 20 May 1506) who was Italian explorer, navigator, colonizer and citizen of the Republic of Genoa. Under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. Those voyages and his efforts to establish permanent settlements on the island of Hispaniola initiated the European colonization of the New World. During his first voyage in 1492, he reached the New World instead of arriving at Japan as he had intended, landing on an island in the Bahamas archipelago that he named "San Salvador".

His voyages led to the first lasting European contact with the Americas, inaugurating a period of European exploration, conquest, and colonization that lasted several centuries. These voyages had, therefore, an enormous impact in the historical development of the modern Western world. Columbus himself saw his accomplishments primarily in the light of spreading the Christian religion.

Genoa, which forms the southern corner of the Milan-Turin-Genoa industrial triangle of north-west Italy, is one of the country's major economic centers. The city has hosted massive shipyards and steelworks since the 19th century, and its solid financial sector dates back to the middle Ages.

In this interesting town in a Waldese Church that hosted the event we have had 27 people participate in the SBC training and it was very challenging for many of the participants. Because of the demanding jobs they have, many were struggling with their disciplines like Bible Study, Bible Reading, fellowship, involvement in serving others.

The pastor that organized the details for us encouraged us a lot and was very thankful for our help in exposing the people from that area to the SBC teaching. Some of the people continued after the event to talk with us awhile and especially the young people felt really encouraged and eager to apply the principles in their lives. They invited us to come back in March because they want us to be part of a celebration they have organize when it will be also a baptism. Praise the Lord!

Samuel Mitrofan    

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