AVANTI ITALIA

WHAT IS AVANTI ITALIA?

The Avanti Italia, meaning forward Italy, was initiated in 1986 by Howard Bybee who was a missionary in Italy for 25 years. While he was working in Florence in the eighties he had close contact with young people studying at Harding University’s international studies program there. He observed that the spiritual awareness of these students grew because of this foreign experience. This was caused in part by their worshiping with the Italian church and discovering that there is only one congregation of the Lord’s church for every million and a half Italians. It became apparent to them that Italians need a personal relationship with Christ and an understanding of the simple Gospel message. Bybee began challenging these young Christians to make a commitment to return to Italy for two years to work with the church after they graduate and before they go into their careers. Those who took the challenge returned and brought growth where there had been virtually none in years. Graduates from various Christian and state universities have committed and are committing to Avanti Italia. Graduates from Harding University, Abilene Christian, Freed Hardeman, York, Faulkner, Louisiana State University, The University of California, The University of New Mexico, North Texas State, Texas Tech and many others have been a part of this program.

Jesus said, "If any man would come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." Avanti Italia offers an opportunity to make a sacrifice that God will inevitably turn into blessings. Two years experience in a foreign country and mastering a foreign language gives great possibilities for the future of these young Christians even in the job market. It will make them more active and evangelistic young Christians to become directly involved in world evangelism regardless of their career choices. The main goals of the Avanti program is to:

Spread the Gospel through personal evangelism,

Encourage the church in Florence and throughout Italy,

Instill a greater world view in the church.

At the Bible school free individual English lessons are offered using the Bible, since English is now considered the international language, offering these lessons in private and group settings, interests the majority of Italians. Students who come to the lessons know beforehand that the text will be the New Testament. In fact, some have indicated they are more interested in studying from the Bible than learning English. Several good contacts have been made throughout our "English Using the Bible" program and they are attending an Italian Bible study about the basics of Christianity on Tuesday evenings. Avanti members who have reached a level of proficiency in Italian have one-on-one or family involved in Bible studies in the Italian language.

Florence has been a great launching pad for the Avanti Italia program. The Florence Bible School building where the workers live during their language training, is a valuable tool. It is a 22 room apartment building, located in a suburb of Florence, with easy bus access to the heart of the city. This property, which belongs to the College church, makes it possible to sponsor a number of Bible studies, seminars and conferences. Many Italian Christians gain insight and encouragement as a result. Avanti members are also involved in community services that can range from helping the elderly to coaching the local boys basketball team. Members try to use all of their talents to reach out to others and proclaim the message of God. These services help increase our credibility in the community, produce contacts, and show others the real message of Christianity - love in actions. One young lady joined the local band and ended up converting the band director then marrying him. She consequently is still in Florence. She and her husband are strong members of the Florence congregation. This program has been in action since 1986.

If you are interested in more information about Avanti Italia we recommend that you visit their website.

www.avantiitalia.org