Death of Pope John Paul II (April 2, 2005)
For Such a Time as This…
Dear Family, Friends, and Faithful Supporters,
Wow. What interesting days to be living in Italy! I’m sure by now you all have heard of the death of Pope John Paul II. We were actually out prayer-walking with a volunteer team from FBC San Antonio last night when we heard all of the church bells start to toll around 10:15. Given the fact that it was not on the hour, we assumed that it meant that the pope had passed away. It was not a surprise to anyone, as his condition had been worsening for some time. Along with the group, we made our way downtown to the Duomo (the main cathedral in Milan) and found it literally packed with thousands of people who had gathered immediately after hearing the news of the pope’s death.
Over the next few days there will be many people in mourning. We have already heard people saying things like “now we have no hope!” and “who will we look to now?” We know that being over here during this unique point in time will present us with some opportunities to engage in spiritual conversations with Italians. Many are feeling a void in their heart and are looking for answers. In the book of Esther, we see how God placed Esther at the time and place where He needed her to be in order to accomplish His purposes. I can’t help but think that God has placed us in Milan, Italy “for such a time as this.” This is a historical event that has had, and will continue to have, a large impact on Italians. Our prayer is that we will allow God to use us to accomplish His purposes for the people of Milan of this generation.
Please join us in praying:
· that we would be sensitive to opportunities that will arise in the days to come.
· that the next pope may be a man after God’s own heart, and that he may point his followers to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
· for our IMB colleagues serving in Rome.
We rely on your prayers!
Ciao and God bless,
Jason (for the three of us)
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