“Okay. Say this piece of pizza is you. And this other slice is God.”
This was the beginning of the Gospel story Marco heard in the mensa at the University of Florence this past summer. As he listened patiently to the explanation that the knife that could bridge the gap between the two slices of pizza was Jesus Christ, he was moved to tears.
We all know the Gospel is powerful. It has affected each of us in a profound way. But when the contents 
of a lunch tray can portray the message of salvation to a willing heart—the glory of God feels new and fresh again.
Marco’s journey isn’t over, in fact, that fateful mensa meeting was just the beginning.
Ryan Turner has been walking with Marco through his tangled web of questions and doubts about Christianity. Marco is reserved, thoughtful, and on a serious search. Sometimes they talk about computers, other times about Marco’s thesis on economics, but mostly they discuss Christ.
In the fall, as we all read through Acts and saw the apostles center their message on Jesus and His resurrection, Ryan was prompted to follow suit. He asked Marco the following questions:
Do you think Jesus was a real man who walked the earth?
Do you believe He said He was God?
Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead?
Marco’s answers were not unlike many Italians. He didn’t think Jesus was God. But more importantly, Marco didn’t think that Jesus ever claimed to be God.
Over the Christmas break, Ryan challenged Marco to work through a Bible study on what Jesus said about Himself in Scripture. Marco not only read it on his own, but when he came back he told Ryan, “ I
should be more careful about what I say and think about Jesus in the future.”
Two pieces of pizza and a knife might not seem like anything special, but for Marco they were the beginning– the first steps on the most important journey of his life. He has taken steps toward that knife named Jesus.
Please pray for Marco as he continues to take steps toward the cross. Pray for Ryan as he guides conversations and leads Marco to confront Truth. Pray for Marco to see Jesus Christ as Savior and recognize his need for Him. 
Thanks Sarah for this article from Agape Italia monthly update!
As Simona entered my apartment the other night for our bi-weekly Bible study she didn’t even bother to take her jacket off before she made the obligatory round of baci to everyone present. If she didn’t know someone, she took time to introduce herself and after about five minutes she was able to unwind from her scarf and settle into the evening—now that the introductions were finished.As I watch her go through this same routine every other Tuesday I have started to wonder, “Is there more to Simona’s behavior than just being polite?”As we learned from Elfi last month, Americans tend to value individuality more than Italians. This affects us in a wide range of areas–from our outlook on life down to our clothes. To take this thought one step further this month, we wanted to look at how our independence can affect relationships.Do we end up disregarding community because we value individuality?
The more I think about it, Simona is not only honestly sweet to everyone-even strangers- but when she enters our full apartment she isn’t thinking about herself. Her focus is on the group.Examples of this community-centered mindset abound in Italy. In the education system, the success of the whole class is of utmost importance. The teacher pairs up kids who are struggling with the kids who understand the lesson so that everyone can learn. The Galloways witnessed Italian community in a unique way in the hospital. Shared rooms, families caring for the other patients, and an overall sense that it is more enjoyable to share the experience with others.
Marti Sanders learned a lesson about community on a recent train ride. The elderly woman across from her pulled out a bag of cookies and before eating one herself, promptly offered her snack to the three strangers sitting around her. Marti appreciated this thoughtful and yummy gesture, but didn’t think too much about it. Later, she was traveling with a group of Italian friends and bought a snack for herself. After eating the entire helping, 
her Italian friends kindly told her how strange it was that she never offered what she had to the others. After slight embarrassment, Marti now understands. It’s not about the food, it’s about being aware of those around you. “Even if it’s as little as offering each person in my train car a piece of gum or a cracker. It communications a wealth of caring to those around me,” she says.As we try to build movements everywhere they will take place in community. It is vital for us to understand what community means to our Italians friends.So, the next time you enter a large group, don’t stand in the corner only talking to the people you know. Embrace the Italian perspective. Get to know everyone there. Not only will it kill that wallflower image, it will express genuine friendship and care.Oh, and share any snacks you may have on you. It can’t hurt. 
