Prayer Letter – April/May 2009

Those of Italy salute you!

As with churches everywhere, Vicenza Baptist looked at Easter as a unique opportunity.  Many invitations were extended; the church got a new coat of paint and good ‘spring cleaning’ and music specials were given by both our toddlers & teens.  Although disappointed that there were no 1st time visitors, we were pleased to see about 20 people more than normal as many returned.

One person we hoped to see was a soldier named Jeff.  He called one day from a Taxi asking directions to the church.  Although too late for church that day, Jeff & I met for lunch the next day.  He learned of our church through the web page and has wanted to visit for over three months; however, an aggressive work schedule has made that impossible.  We are keeping in touch and praying to see him soon.

Isabella and I have been praying about getting a larger (family size) car.  We were recently able to purchase a Chevy mini van.  It is VERY economical running on GPL (propane I believe), which is about half the price of gasoline; and of course the size is much more suitable for a family.

That purchase also allowed us to be a blessing to a family in the church.  They were in great need of a car & we were able to give them the Cinque Cento.  This greatly improves their job prospects as many interviews ended with a job being offered as long as they could arrive at work.  (The bus system is not adequate in most cases.)

John William is three months old and has doubled his birth weight, (from 7.5 to over 15 lbs.) He’s having his 1st experience with a cold this week but is handling it well.

The summer rush will be VERY busy.  This month brother Bob Vallier will be with us to look at our church financial records, preach on stewardship and give Biblical advice on financial matters.

In June, Brother Richard Rawls will be with us for a family conference. He was was a great blessing here a few years ago.

Also in June, we will have a visit from the Bloyds.  They are one of the missionary families supported by Vicenza Baptist.

The Bob Jones Musical Mission Team will visit in July.  They always bring visitors and provide an opportunity distribute tracts as people gather to hear the singing.

We will be in the States from July 16th to August 14th.  We will spend most of that time in Virginia visiting family and supporting churches; and one week in Colorado with Isabella’s brother Davide.  (He was used of God to bring the Gospel to his sisters.)   Brother Dave Mros and his wife will fill in during our absence.

In addition to the above events, pray for;

Soldiers to be saved

Others (such as Jeff) to be able to come out

Outreach to the civilian community

Revival among God’s people

Many thanks to all who pray and give,

Yours in Christ, the Drylie family

Our lastest Baptism

The man in the picture being baptized is named Mike.  He is a soldier who had attended this church several years ago.  He just returned to the area came to visit the church on a  day when we were having a baptism.   

Our Latest Baptism
The message that day explained the meaning of baptism, it’s symbolism and the fact that it was an act of obedience to be carried out after a person is born again, but that it contributes nothing to salvation. After hearing the message, and seeing the baptism, Mike became convicted that, although saved, he had never been scripturally baptized.  He and I talked after the service and he was baptized the following week.

Pastor Tim Drylie

Summer Musical Mission Team visit

Musical Mission Team 2009

Musical Mission Team 2009

Monday  & Tuesday, July 20th & 21st at VBC

Summer Musical Mission Team from Bob Jones University

New Baby in Town (Wednesday, February 4th at 1157 pm)

Greetings from Italy!

Our First Child "John William"

Our First Child "John William"

Great news! Our first child, John William, arrived Wednesday, February 4th at 1157 p.m. Mother and baby are doing well.

We extend many thanks to those who provided gifts to purchase baby things.

We found sales on some items; received a changing table as a gift, and other items are coming.

We will need to purchase a larger car as the stroller and infant seat barely fit in the Ford “Ka”.

We are looking for special sale on an economy car. Please pray we find one.

Visit by Pensacola Christian College

Pensacola Christian College

Pensacola Christian College

Three young people from Pensacola Christian College led our Christmas services. Nathan and Rebecca Olsen are the son and daughter of Matt and Diane Olsen. You may remember that name; the Olsen’s are missionaries in Aviano Italy, near the American Air Force Base.

For our watch night service we decided not have a film this year. We focused instead on fellowship, testimonies, and preaching. Our song leader Brother Rowland brought the message. Intense snowfall topped off the evening. Praise God there were no accidents as people went home.

Isabella and I had another opportunity to share the gospel with her father. He was hospitalized with pneumonia and we feared for his life. Even so he has not chosen to receive the Savior. God has graciously given him more time. Please pray for Roberto’s salvation.

My mother, Annabelle, has been diagnosed with Cancer and has surgery March 9th. Mom knows the Lord as her Savior. Please pray for her health.

We continue to invite people and receive many promises to visit; and continue to get many no-shows. We are not discouraged though. We have a friend on another field, who received only two visitors in six months after distributing 110,000 tracts. Yet they are not discouraged either. God has given us a task and we are to be faithful to that task trusting the results to Him. God will provide the increase.

Pray for the above requests as well as:

Soldiers to be saved

Gospel outreach to the local community

Continued good health of mother & baby

Yours in Christ, the Drylies