As you read this letter we are back on the road again. At the end of July we left Denver, CO headed east to attend the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of Cindy’s aunt and uncle; for a special conference to learn more about interpersonal skills; for Cindy to study and take the state board exam for her counseling license; and then to make a quick trip to Italy to take care of some important documents in mid September. We try not to let too much grass grow under our feet!!
It has been a profitable time spent in the Colorado area, and it has given us a lot of opportunities to touch base with folks who know us, as well as start new relationships. Besides speaking in a number of churches in Colorado, Cindy has been doing some Italian cooking classes at our sending church. The classes have been a great way for us to get to know some new people and communicate the spiritual need in Italy. There were 4 evening classes and 4 morning classes over a period of 5 weeks, and we had about 50 people come and participate. Cindy taught recipes for appetizers, pasta dishes, meat and vegetable dishes, and dessert dishes. Everyone really enjoyed learning about the Italian culture as well as the great need for the Gospel in Italy.
We have also spent time on the phone and visiting personally with ministry partners and friends. We thank God for each one. Out of the various meetings and encounters with people we have been able to add a few new financial partners, for which we are thrilled. Keep praying – we still have a ways to go. In July, after conversations with our mission and with our sending church, we were granted permission to extend our time in the US until the end of the year. We had been scheduled to return to Italy in September, but since we have not yet reached our financial goal we will be staying in the Colorado area until December 31 to visit new churches and individuals and present our ministry. We are trusting God that our financial support will all come in by the end of the year. We would ask you to continue to pray for this need, that God will supply. Thanks!
We have had some exciting news from Italy! The Push the Rock sports group was in Mestre in July and they had 80 young people sign up for the basketball camp. One young boy prayed to receive Christ! Praise God! Pray for further contact with the kids and their families, that more would come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus. We also heard that in Trieste, where our TEAM coworkers are, 3 people were baptized this summer, the result of them receiving Christ into their lives last year. God is at work in the lives of Italians in that city. Also in Bologna this summer there were great ministry opportunities among the young people. A group of teens went to Bologna from a church in Wheaton, IL and participated in various outreach activities, one of which was to paint the outside of the local city municipal building. It was a great testimony to God’s love as the young people served the community. If you would like to see a video of their time in Bologna, you can go on the internet to this web link: http://www.flashvideo.it/video/scheda/1251/. Each summer there are numerous ways in the cities in which we work in Italy for groups from churches in the US to help us in the ministry in Italy. This would be a good time to plan for next summer!

Thank you from our hearts for your faithful praying on our behalf and for encouraging us. We consider you a valued member of our team.

Building up the Kingdom of God together with you,
Steve and Cindy Thompson