Marty & Gloria in

After almost eight intense months of ministry in Italy we are currently again in Spain for a week joining other missionaries of the C&MA from North America and Europe who have invited us. This is tremendous gift to relax, reflect and join other like-minded Christian workers who have reached out to support us in such a way. A sobering report of the European economic reality continues to loom with gloom, but the report here in Spain is that the evangelical church slowly grows, mostly immigrants. The situation in Italy is somewhat the same. May the Lord use these uncertain times and move hearts as Gods kingdom advances for His glory. On arriving back for our Sunday service, just heard of a strong earthquake in Italys most affluent region. We are thankful to be in this country for such a time as this. May He use us and our church, here is a report of our last months

Rome

Ministry teams and visitors coming to Rome in the next months More sport teams from Holland A Pastor from Brazil Friends from Belarus, Germany and Sweden Friends from the USA OMs Transform event in Rome Summer camps

The needs of our congregation are many and we have weekly pastoral prayers for those with specific requests and trials they are facing. Seeing those lose work and family members being ill are the main requests. We try to encourage them by helping them trust deeper in Gods faithfulness and receive the assurance that when we are in Christ all things work together for good. Specific prayer and constant encouragement by phone calls are also needed. We are very blessed to serve as pastors! Currently, we are teaching and preaching through 1 Peter, written to those in the midst of suffering.

Gloria has been teaching Evangelism from the Gospel of John both on Thursday and Saturdays with the girls. She also is also seeing the fruit of the organization of many of the Ministry Teams. Of course nothing is perfect and people are being challenged. Trying to better organize is one way of glorifying the Lord and His work.

On May 1st we had a picnic in a famous park in Rome. Many turned out even though we had rain. Later in the day it cleared up and we were able to join the Athletes in Action teams from Holland who were doing sports outreach. We made new friends and connected our people with the international body of Christ. We have a strong girls soccer team!
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Monthly we celebrate current Birthdays to eat together. This fellowship is something that also provides that day as a place to spend time for many of our members who usually have nowhere else to go. We love Sundays!

PRAYER REQUESTS for new believers in Christ

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At 18, Adriana joined her mother and aunt Melisa after being separated many years. She arrived in Italy pregnant making the reunion a tremendous time of confusion & difficulty. In the last months Gloria has connected with Adriana with the making of crafts. Adriana made a public profession of Faith on Mothers Day. Also her aunt Melisa will be baptized with her husband Bruno and Adrianas mother, Rocio on July 1st. God has done a redeeming work in this family.
Gloria, Adriana and Melisa

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Maximilano has been growing in grace since he came to Christ last December. He is now embarking with work on an Italian cruiser for the next 6 months. Praise God for this work, as so many young men are unemployed. Also pray for his growth and time of separation.

Maximilano, Magaly and Cynthia

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We always are happy to spend time with our dear friends Pastors Leo and Valeria and their church Breccia di Roma. Our church participated in cleaning up the neighborhood (St. Pauls Basilica) where a ministry connected to their church is based. Also a few weeks before Marty joined Leo and other churches in Napoli to testify near where St. Paul landed on his way to house arrest in Rome. * (Above photos) Thank you very much for partnering with us, for your commitment and sponsorship. We are very aware that we are not alone neither in the work for it is only possible by networking, united with one purpose: reaching Europe for Christ.

JUNE 6th The Italian language is still hard to speak, but we comprehend what we hear. Speaking with our hands also is a learning process. On June 6th well have our Italian language test. Appreciate your prayers for clarity mind on our written and oral tests. Prayer & Praise
! ! Always pray for our health, it has been good! Protection when we are in public transportation: bus, train, walking etc. Wisdom to pastor the congregation Be a witness to the landlord & neighbors Italian language tests in early June Praise for funds provided for a Computer & a printer Friends and ministry teams coming, pray for safety and good times together Continued funding for our work Thankful for our church offerings that pay its rent

Martin & Gloria Banzhaf

Gabi and Elliot are now living alone in an apartment in Cleveland, and Gabi is working three jobs. She is seeing Gods grace and help with Elliot. Thank you for you prayers for them. Gods goodness to our family continues to amaze us! She is living her faith and rising up in the midst of tremendous challenges. Elliot is a bright (Gabi says naughty) little guy who always is happy and exploring. He recognizes us on Skype and loves to clap his hands as we sing with him!
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