Spring Break in Milan

Some of you may remember my trip to Milan, Italy in the summer of 2007. I was there as part of the first summer project there, pioneering a way to start up a campus movement for the students of Milan. For the past few days I returned to Milan to help out with a spring break trip of 7 Dartmouth students to continue the exploration of Milan and bring the gospel to the very friendly Italian students. It was a great experience for me to be back in the city and be reminded of the huge need there. I was also really stretched from my comfort zone as Italian culture is very different from both American and German culture. It was a joy to meet and minister to these students, even if only for a short time.

I've met many American students in the past 3 weeks and I've been extremely encouraged by how they have all taken steps of faith to go and bring Jesus to people who have never really heard or don't really understand. I'm reminded of Romans 10: 14-15,

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" "

Whew...

Wow! So far, this month has been quite the ride. First of all, Campus Meets Berlin went really well. One day last week Amanda and I went to TU to go sharing and we saw them there and I was just so encouraged to see German students sharing their faith on my campus - awesome!!! At the last evening session of CMB, the students shared a little of what God taught them that week. I was amazed as I heard students say how their hearts have grown for evangelism and how they wanted to take what they learned this week back to their universities and also share their faith with their friends. It doesn't get much cooler than that. Praise God!

Part way through CMB, five students and two staff arrived from Illinois catalytic Crusade back in the states. The picture is of Andy, me and their team. This great group of people chose to invest their Spring Break in eternity and come to Berlin to reach German students as well as gain a vision for international university ministry. Andy and I lead them this past week in navigating the city, culture/evangelism training and taking them sharing on the campuses. I had a blast getting to know them and was so encouraged by their fresh perspective, willing hearts and boldness. I saw God do a lot in their lives this week and it was definitely sad to say goodbye. This week we have about 35 people from IU, Bradely and Purdue doing the same thing over their Spring Break. How exciting to have so many people reaching out to the students of Berlin this week - please pray for God to do big things.