January 2008

Happy New Year and Happy Everything!

We are just into the New Year and already news from all around the world is far from being good…….

The stock market is yo-yoing and the economy of the western world could be on the brink of a mighty plunge. The British Home Secretary declared publicly that she feels unsafe to walk in London at night……..

Uncertainty, confusion, contradictions are the mark of the day. We may go on with a negative note, but what does all of this actually mean?

Years ago the Lord gave me a word that the spirit of confusion was going to be unleashed into the world, attacking political and religious leaders, so that men would feel compelled to turn to Him and put their unconditional trust in God and not in human powers. It seems that it is exactly what is happening now.

Should we be discouraged or worried? Actually not: for the true believers this is the time to lift up our heads because our redemption is drawing near. The apostle Paul exulted in tribulations because he expected more grace to be poured from heaven. David experienced violent rejection from the king he served, from friends turned enemies, but then he was established as King. Later he was opposed even by his own son, but his spiritual and political authority was strengthened as he learned more and more to depend on God. We should not spend too much time and energy looking at past and recent disappointments, but rather we should expect something good, better and higher to come our way during this New Year.

We also sense that, as we mature in our understanding of God as a loving, protecting and providing Father, we move from the attitude of totally dependant, but ineffective, toddlers to the full stature of a man, like Jesus, dependant on the Father but able and determined to do His work, for His glory. In the same way all of us, as grown up, responsible and mature believers, in perfect obedience to the Father and dependant on Him, we should now be able to take initiatives, responsibility and risks with the authority delegated to us through Jesus.

There is a test ahead of us too: we are sons and daughters, therefore siblings working together to foster the coming of the same Kingdom. The test will be in our ability and willingness to manifest our brotherly love not just in words, but in giving preference to one another in honour, recognizing each other’s gifts and calling, integrating our own gifts and roles with those of others, working along side each other and encouraging each other in the ministry.

Report on recent activities

1. At the end of November Catherine spoke and ministered at a ladies’ conference near Leeds.  It was the first time she appeared in a significant event on her own, bringing a message of encouragement that every believer is called and can be equipped to do all the works of Christ. She was greatly supported by the main speaker and the organizers of the event.  

2. At the same time Giancarlo was ministering for the second time in a year at a church in Cornwall. What a wonderful, enthusiastic congregation, open to all the works of the Holy Spirit, with much anointed worship. It is a delight to minister there, surrounded by sailing yachts, quaint little shops and restaurants.

3. The first days of December we were in Berlin, where we held a Father’s heart seminar. We loved the setting of the church, with a large sanctuary laid out like the sitting room of family home.  No chairs, but sofas to relax on and plenty of open space during the worship time. Wonderful!

The second evening of the seminar we had a mighty visitation of the Holy Spirit. The most impressive sign was to see teenagers and preteen children powerfully touched by God. One girl was in profound, ecstatic, adoration for a long time and then, in the mist of tears and strong emotions, she described her personal encounter with Christ... While we stayed in Berlin we had more quality time to spend together and deepen our friendship with the leaders. Two dear friends helped us with the ministry and then we had a full day together to explore Berlin, a crucial place to see and understand the prophetic signs of God’s direct intervention on recent human history. 

4. From Berlin we went to Milan, to minister for the second time at an International annual conference. The conference was centered on the connection between Israel and Italy and its prophetic significance for the last days. We shared the platform with our friends from Israel. They were brilliant, not only with the messages they brought but also with very significant and moving prophetic actions. A dear friend of ours came with us and helped valiantly with the ministry.

5. From Milan we moved to Florence for a Father’s heart seminar. It was the first time we ministered in Florence and we loved it. We met many new pastors and ministers and enjoyed the fun filled, joyful fellowship.

6. Back in London we visited again the ecumenical group.

It was a great way to finish an intense but good year of ministry.

The New Year started with our visit to a church in Sunningdale, Surrey. Well, it was a great way to start again! It is a wonderful congregation and I must acknowledge the kindness of the leaders toward us. I realized that my first sermon of the year lasted 52 minutes and Gary was gracious enough to let me go all the way. If anyone feels so inclined, you may listen to it by going to their web site at www.mscf.co.uk and click on “Press on towards the higher goal”. I tried to listen to it, but it was too long. There was enough material for three separate sermons! My New Year proposition is “from now on be brief and to the point”!

Giancarlo & Catherine