View this email in your browser

Amy Hernandez's
February 2018 Update

Ciao tutti! Hello everyone!
I hope you are all having a wonderful start to the New Year and are growing in the grace and knowledge of our wonderful Savior. I am SO excited to share that in 6 weeks, I will be heading out to Northern Italy as a full-time missionary. Praise God for His faithfulness! From my first time in Italy nearly 4 and a half years ago, I can attest to God's provision, grace, goodness, and everything in-between during this time of preparation to full-time missions.

As I have shared with many of you, I am going to Italy with the expectation of being there long-term. The Lord has graciously opened the door to go to Ferrara, Italy in March 2018, to come alongside some dear friends in ministry. While there, I will be focusing on learning the language and adapting to the culture, as I learn from missionaries who have been on the field for quite some time. I will also be serving at Calvary Ferrara, helping with whatever need there may be.

Spring 2017- the last time I was in Italy!

Missions in... Italy?!

The first time I went to Italy for bible college back in 2013, I was surprised to hear there were missionaries in Italy! Why does Italy need missionaries? Isn't it a religious country? If you find yourself thinking this, I completely understand- I've been there! But did you know that in the entire country only 1.1% profess to be evangelical Christians? The reality is that Italy, although full of beautiful cathedrals and books written on its church history, is today full of people who do not know Jesus as their Savior in a personal relationship.

Yet I am glad to share that there are more and more coming to faith in Christ in these last days. Praise God! He is growing His church throughout the country. In fact, there have been quite a few people who have reached out, begging for a pastor to be taught the Word of God in their towns. Not only that, but Jesus tells us to "make disciples of all nations". Discipleship is an imperative part of the Christian walk with God and, unfortunately, it is often lacking in the churches.

It is my joy and privilege to be an ambassador of Christ in Italy, to proclaim the gospel to those who do not know Jesus, and to walk alongside those in Christ through discipleship.

My life group from Calvary Chapel WestGrove

A Time of Preparation

I'm grateful to say these past few months of preparation have been full and blessed. There are many practical matters I have attended to-- visa documents, apartment searching, finishing work here in the States-- but I have also enjoyed the fellowship of my church family, friends, and former/current missionaries.

The transition out of American life has been full of ups and downs, with some days bringing more of one than the other. The gospel calls us to die to ourselves and more than ever during this transition have I seen the reality of it. We are to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. For some (like me), this looks like leaving your home country, doing away with everything that you do as an American, and embrace that you are a sojourner and pilgrim on this earth. This is not a natural process for us, but isn't that what biblical Christianity is? We come to Christ losing our lives that we may find it, and declare God as the Lord over our lives. So although it has been a difficult transition, I must admit it has been beautiful learning to trust in the Lord and His leading, leaving all of my plans and desires in His hands, allowing Him to make of my life what He wills. We do this knowing that we have a Father who loves and cares for His children, who gives us grace, faith, and JOY. It results in a freedom that is so unique to those in Christ.

Therefore, I can fully enjoy each season I am in and see it as a blessing. I am taking in each day, each conversation, and each moment as my time in America comes to an end.

Prayer requests:

My Visa! I have my appointment to obtain my 1 year Visa next Friday, February 16th.
Dessert gathering! There will be a small gathering at my church where I will share my heart for Italy. This is where most of my financial and prayer support will come from, so please pray that God would divinely orchestrate this time together. (p.s. you are invited if you are in the OC, it will be March 3rd at Calvary WestGrove at 6:30pm!)
Financial and prayer support! Please be praying that God would bring partners in the gospel as I serve Him overseas.

Thank you to all who have taken the time out of your day to read this update and pray for me. It would be impossible to walk by faith without the encouragement and fellowship of the body of Christ. I can't thank you enough!

For His glory,
Amy

Should the Lord lead you to partner with me financially, please go to www.ccwg.org and click on "Giving - Support a Missionary", where you can create a simple account (only the first time) and can choose to give recurrently or just once. Please know that I would be absolutely blessed by your giving.

Amy Hernandez's February 2018 Update

Amy Hernandez's
February 2018 Update