Our Heart Cry
When we first set out as missionaries in 1989, sent out by our home church, two cries lived in our hearts.
Firstly, we wanted to go, live, and serve in a way that would be worthy of God. We wanted to be “true blue.” We also longed to reach the searching hearts of Italy.
Even now, many years later, while serving as pastors in the Abruzzo region, these cries remain at the forefront of what we desire most.
Through the years we have been blessed to serve in various capacities, serving as pastors, church planters, counselors, and teachers. We have also worked with ministries to: families, children, youth, women, Individuals suffering from substance abuse, and refugees. But mostly, we have been blessed to see hearts changed by the Gospel and lives transformed by God’s awesome power!
Our Story
Sheila was born on a wooded farm in Michigan, while Mario hails from a tiny mountain village in southern Italy. We have been happily married for 49 years, and have two children and nine grandchildren.
We set out for Italy certain that God had called us to serve Mario’s people with only eight suitcases, no support network, no income or assets, and hardly any cash.
We have lived in some rather unusual dwellings, including a tent, a tarantula-infested camper, and an old chicken coop that was so cozy the chickens kept coming back!
We’ve experienced times of need but have also been immensely blessed. We’ve learned countless lessons along the way, not least that God is good and faithful at all times!
Pray for Us and Italy
When we were young Christians, we read the autobiographies of Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China, and George Müller, who cared for thousands of orphans in England. Despite the great needs of their ministries, both of these men had resolved to never ask for help, but to trust God fully to provide for them.
The stories of these men had a profound influence on our lives. Inspired by their example, we resolved to have complete faith in God and to never tell anyone about our needs. God has faithfully provided throughout the years, and we know that He always will.
Please pray for Italy, so that its people may also come to know and trust in this great and mighty God.
Mission Italia is a ministry of Open Door Church, Suffolk Virginia USA, which has faithfully stood by us through the years.
Mission Italia 