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All I want for Christmas are friends like these!

It is hard to articulate how our expectations have been exceeded this Christmas season by the love of our home church. Obviously, we know that our parents will buy us something that doesn’t fit and maybe a gift card to shop someplace, but when someone unexpected lavishes your family with gifts it is a truly delightful blessing.

This week both our friends and team members have blown us away by their generosity. For example, Erika’s ladies prayer group sent her a generous check and displayed their knowledge of my fancy for superior white-colored machinery by presenting me with a one-hundred dollar gift card to the Apple Store!

So many great gifts from various friends. Our favorite gift? I am glad you asked...

Our favorite gift was Someone being made sin for us.
Who? The One who knew no sin. 
Why? That we might be made the righteousness of God in Him!

Merry Christmas!

Teaser Trailer

Our teaser trailer for the unprecedented introduction of the most incredible phenomenon ever to arrive on the internet. Coming January 2, 2009.

Getting it done...

This past weekend found us at Hunters Creek Baptist Church.

I noticed something as I walked around the church that really grabbed my attention. As I counted the number of missionaries they support I realized that there are more missionaries supported by this church than there are church members. To put this in perspective - I attend a missions-minded church where on a given Sunday 1,800 people will attend. We, however, would find it difficult to adequately support 1,800 missionaries.

To say the very least, I was thoroughly impressed by this display of their devotion to the gospel.

Hunters Creek will begin supporting us in January. I am glad we are part of their missions family.

When God is in it...

I am sure that any missionary who has traveled down deputation trail would mark the loathsome task of persuading pastors to schedule you to speak at their churches as one of the greatest nuisances known to man. Although most are extremely gracious and understanding, pastors are often apprehensive to hand out pulpit time. An impressive sales-pitch is often necessary before most will consider allowing you the privilege of a meeting, not to mention financial support. Consequently, we have been rather astonished over the past few weeks as several pastors have gone out of their way to contact us!

The first two pastors called to inform us that their churches would begin sending us financial support. Considering that close to a year had passed since we had visited either church, it was very unlikely that this would happen, making us all the more delighted to find that they were taking us on!

The third pastor had an even more surprising story. A member of his church had a burden for the people of Italy and was looking online for missionaries there. He came across our website and sent a link to the pastor. The pastor, liking what he saw, called and invited us to come and present our ministry to his congregation!

Through both the ups and downs of deputation God has faithfully shown us His ability to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Out of the ordinary events like these serve as little reminders to us that God is in control. We are simply vessels that He has chosen to use in order to accomplish His purposes. It is His glorious gospel that we desire to preach in Italy, and it is great to be reminded that only His providing hand will ever get us there.

Back with tales of adventure...

Car crashes... foreigners astray in nightmarish locations... buildings bursting into flames... Sound like tales of adventure? That is how our weekend went at Carleton Baptist Church.

Like every other time we are about to leave for a trip, we stop and pray as a family. This time, however, we are not sure that we prayed correctly.

Our destination was 183 Topaz Lane in Ottawa, Canada. As we neared the pastor's house, I called him and told him we would be there shortly. He disagreed! He told us there were two 183 Topaz Lanes in Ottawa and we were heading to the other. He told us he would call back in a minute with directions. As I anxiously awaited his call, I watched in horror as those little signal bars on my phone slowly disappeared... we had reached the boonies. We found a place I thought only existed in nightmares...a place with no cell signal.

When I finally got a signal an hour later the pastor kindly explained that we were hours away from his church. Interestingly Michael was the keynote speaker for their Christmas Banquet, which to our dismay was beginning shortly.

On we pressed...We ended up being late, but arriving in time for Michael to speak. He spoke of the characteristics of a great gift and how Christ’s gift on the cross embodies them all. He taught that we judge a great gift by the price paid, the person who gave it, the pleasure it brings, and its permanence.

On Sunday we kicked off with a bang... a bang right into the pastor’s daughter’s car! The collision resulted with many dented and broken things on the ground that were once attached to the cars. Nothing gets you more ready to preach in the morning than a fender-bender, so Michael was a little distracted - but the response was great!

Through the entire ordeal the pastor could not have been more gracious. He not once made us feel badly about getting lost, ruining the side of his daughter’s car, or catching his church on fire. Despite the adventure, the weekend really was delightful and we were able to reconnect with lots of friends.

(Just kidding about the fire, by the way.)

Una bambina?

Arianna or Mirabella (Mira for short) or Isabella?

Erika and I are having a hard time deciding which name we would like to name our new baby! Oh, did I mention Erika is pregnant? Well she is!

Knowing that God wants to bless us with another girl we have been trying to think of a name for (her). Does anyone care to cast their vote?

After you cast your vote by leaving a comment I have one more request. If you think of it, please pray for us. As excited as we are about Erika being with child, this blessing also provides new challenges on the deputation trail. Pray for the baby to be healthy, Erika to be stress free and her to have the strength required for the demands of deputation.

OK - so leave a comment with your vote - Arianna / Mirabella / or Isabella

If we choose the name you pick, you win a brand new ipod. OK, not really.

An Unexpected Blessing

It is so amazing when God does something so incredible that only He could get the credit. This week we got to experience this!

We stopped by the Honda dealership to get a routine oil change. This has become pretty “routine” for us being that we drive 3000 miles pretty quickly these days.

The Honda guy...Dustin (why I remember that I do not know), came out and said that our tires had no tread on them and looked like NASCAR tires. He stated he was uncomfortable with us driving the car because they were so bald. So, reluctantly I charged new tires for the van, not knowing where the money was going to come from. I hate spending money like that.

Two days later I looked at our financial report and saw almost the exact amount of the tires was given to us by supporters of ours. Crystal and Kevin Elworth (who by the way are missionaries to Mexico) had told us that they were sending us “a little extra this month.” The amount could hardly be considered “little.”


This couple is a huge help, encouragement, and example to us of what missionaries should be. They just redid their website and it is worth checking out! www.sakeofthecall.org

Thank you Kevin and Crystal. Thank you for being used of God to supply a huge need. And thank you for teaching us that missionaries should be givers.

Southwest Baptist Church

One day I was checking my email - something I do every now and again - and received an email from someone who found our website. He stated that he was impressed with our ministry and would talk to his brother about getting us into his church. Shortly there after his brother Pastor Greg Davis contacted me inviting us to his annual missions conference at Southwest Baptist Church.

The theme of the conference was “Jesus for Every Nation”

There were missionaries represented from Rock of Ages prison ministry, Ecuador, Italy and Kenya. It is always a blessing to hear each missionary present their DVD and speak from their heart about the field they were called to.

The thought came to mind during one of the presentations that there has been so much talk leading up to the elections and afterward about God’s future blessings on America - but it was great to be reminded that God is not just an American God - He did not die for “...one nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” - John 11:52

Pine Grove Baptist Church

Our time at Pine Grove was a blessing on many fronts. When we arrived, Erika and I grabbed a conference brochure and started flipping through it. Immediately we got excited when we saw that missionary friends of ours were going to be at the conference with us. It got even better when we met another couple from Canton Baptist who we connected with like we were old friends! The entire week was a wonderful time fellowshipping with Brad and Trisha Henderson and Jon and April Flowers.

For my birthday Erika arranged for us guys to go into downtown Atlanta for a day of fun. Erika went out with Trisha and April for some window shopping and lunch at the "famous" Truett's!


It was a blessing to minister with these other young missionary couples and to be encouraged that God continues to send forth His people around the world. Both the Hendersons and Flowers will be on their fields in a few short months. We wish we could spend more time with these friends...and will have our wish granted - in eternity.

Twin City Baptist Church

Today finds us in Lunenburg, Massachusetts at Twin City Baptist Church. Upon arrival at Twin City Baptist Church there was another care package waiting for us. I must say we have the best friends in the whole world. It was filled with all kinds of fun treats and practical items for us travelers!


Lets just say watching Ellia eat a Sour Patch Kid was the highlight of our week!


On Sunday morning we did children's church. Cute group of kids. I asked them to think of foods from Italy - my first three answers were

1. Tacos
2. Rice
3. Salad

I tried to explain those are not really Italian foods but great answers.

Later on a young girl answered a question and finished with a sassy "By the way - tacos are an Italian food!" I guess she told me.


Tonight I present our ministry to the church and will also preach.

Name in Lights

Exhausted would be a good word to describe our condition when we arrived at Jones Creek Baptist Church in Atlanta. We quickly forgot how tired we were when we saw this...



I know - this probably should not amuse us - but when you are on deputation - it does not take much!

The church is blessed with a gorgeous building and a very balanced pastor. I loved playing some offertories on the beautiful grand! Michael preached the message Sunday AM and then presented our ministry in the evening, also entertaining questions. Thankfully no one asked any questions pertaining to the solar system.

In the morning the pastor took our family to Chuck E Cheese. Ellia was all smiles and Natalia enjoyed “some” ice cream.


It was such a much needed time of refreshment. The girls had a blast and we were able to enjoy some fellowship and relaxation.

Westwood Baptist Church

Most of the churches we visit are very missions-minded. Very few have been as missions hearted as Westwood Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. They are so interested in missions and are serious about praying for and giving to the missionaries.


Each night there is a "meet the missionary" time where many people from the church have come to ask questions and hear our heart for Italy. Last night Ellia stole the show by waving to everyone during the presentation and making cute noises by strumming her finger to her lips.

This is a praying church as well. Each night after the service the Pastor has asked the missionaries to kneel at the altar while church members come lay hands on us and pray.


This church also is very giving. On Sunday they had the missionary wives come up and they honored them. Each wife was handed a $200. gift card for their own spending. Monday night they brought up missionary children! Each was given a special treat of a Wal-Mart gift card to buy toys! The Missions Pastor Jim Osborne (Uncle Jim) has really taken to Ellia and been so sweet to her.


This is such a wonderful conference! Both Erika and I are looking forward to what God has in store for the next two days!

Care Packages!

Upon arrival at the last three Missions Conferences from Connecticut to Missouri, we have been pleasantly greeted by a care package! There is nothing better than showing up to a church after a long trip in the van, to be welcomed by a hug from home, in a box.

The sweet friends in my prayer group back at home have been so thoughtful as to put packages together knowing that we were embarking on our longest road trip yet. Then just yesterday a large box was admired by other missionaries as we were seated for a conference dinner. I will admit that my family is blessed to have the best Team and friends from our sending church!

Last night we let our excited girls open the most recent package that came here in Missouri for Natalia and Ellia. This box came from their Aunt Katelyn who filled it to the brim with Dora bandages and backpacks, stickers, a First Book of Italian Words, Wall-e blanket, coloring books, lollipops and even gum! The girls were beyond ecstatic opening everything!



I share all this first to show how much we appreciate all of our friends who love us and have taken the time and thought to put a package together for our family. We will never forget such thoughtfulness. And for those of you who may not know us well, I want to share the joys of having such a great church family! We are so blessed!

Gateway Anabaptist Church

Over a year into deputation - and we continue to have new church experiences.

Yesterday we were at Gateway Baptist Church. Michael presented our ministry and then entertained questions! That is when the fun began. The church was the most inquisitive church we have encountered so the question and answer time lasted the longest we have ever experienced!

It is really the anticipation and suspense of not having any idea what you are about to be asked, in front of a crowd, that makes this stressful. The people asked all kinds of questions about our ministry, who we are, and what we believe.

Some of the questions Michael was asked include:

On which day of the year did Mary give birth to Christ?

Does the earth rotate around the sun or does the sun rotate around the earth?
After responding that the earth revolves around the sun, it was quickly explained to him how he was mistaken and how he has adopted a modern day lie!

Although I questioned the relevance and importance of some of these questions, the pastor did ask a very important question of a potential missionary - “What is the gospel?”

I am surprised that up to this point, we have never been asked this. There are so many interpretations and false gospel presentations - it was a great question to have us clarify.

This was a nice little church with a great spirit. We are glad the Lord open the door for us to visit with them.

Freedom Baptist Church

Due to a last minute cancellation I had an opening yesterday. The first person I thought to call was Pastor Calloway of Freedom Baptist Church. I asked if I could come preach and reconnect with him and his people and he graciously accepted.

Because of the distance I decided to go to the church without the family. Texting a friend and listening to sermons made the long drive go by pretty fast. Not safe, but fast. After preaching I got to hang out and talk with the church for quite a bit. They are very friendly and conversational.


Pastor Dale and his wife are the type of people you really want to be around. I wish I could spend more time with him - so refreshing.

Millheim Baptist Church

There is much that can be said about yesterday’s meeting. I am not really sure where to begin.


After what has become a short drive (4 hours) on Saturday, we arrived at Millheim Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio. Pastor Lawrence quickly mentioned that the church was in a position to take on only one new missionary family for the year. He informed us that there were other missionaries the missions committee was considering on top of us and another missionary scheduled.

So as we went to bed that night we did not think there was a chance of support from this church, but still knew that God had us here for a reason.

In the morning Sunday School hour Michael presented our ministry and vision. Much to our delight Pastor Lawrence immediately got up and said “That was one of the best missionary presentations I have ever seen!” What a compliment!

Next was the Sunday AM service were Michael preached his heart out. After finishing the sermon - Pastor got up and asked the congregation if they were interested in partnering with us! Many “Amens” resounded throughout the church. We could not believe that out of all the missionaries they were considering - he was asking that question!

After the service he told us that he needs the missions committee to approve it, but that we should hear back from him in a few weeks.


This is was great lesson and encouragement for us. God is in complete control and is blessing us so much more than we deserve!

What Missionaries Do Not Want You to Know! - By Slava Fesyuk

I always wondered what a day in the life of a missionary was like...so i decided to make a few sacrifices and embark on a journey with the Barone family to Connecticut.

Our adventure began as we arrived at our hotel for the next two nights. My expectations for our room was nothing more than the essentials: two mattress’ and a bathroom. As i opened the door, i realized that my preconceived notions where way off, as i marveled at the modern, Starbucks-like room...overflowing with “non-essentials.” Unless of course, your definition of “essentials” include a t.v. the size of an SUV and an exquisite L-shaped sofa in the second room.

But all the bliss at the time, would never prepare me for the following day...when I was convinced we would feel the “hardship” of a missionary. We awoke Sunday morning ready to tackle the day, when I noticed my dress shirt was wrinkled. Although provided with an iron and a board, it was quit useless, since I had never used those two before. Things only got worse, when I came to the sad realization that I had to tie my own tie. Thinking quickly on my feet, using the hotel’s high-speed wireless, I googled my need...“how to tie a tie?” That really didn’t help. Luckily, Michael had “some” experience in this area - so off to church we went.

The service went really well. We began with 45 minutes of prayer. The people were very friendly. Kind. Loving. They made us feel right at home. Many were interested in the mission to Italy. We were approached like celebrities at the Academy Awards.


As church was coming to a close and I heard my stomach begin to growl...I quickly discovered the first possible hardship of the day. Would there be any food to sustain us for the day? Umm...yes! The pastor and his wife unexpectedly asked us to join them at a restaurant of our choosing. That was a great time. Afterward - Ice cream followed....a whole lot of it.

It was here that I finally saw the problems missionaries have to encounter and the burdens they bare. For example, I couldn’t finish the 3 pounds of vanilla underneath the snicker-bar crumbs. The ice cream was melting and the napkins were limited.

I’m now beginning to see the bigger picture....my prayer life for missionaries has changed forever.

p.s. If I can be serious for a mere 2 minutes.....the truth of my experience was more along these lines: I am deeply grateful that I was given the opportunity to take a glimpse into the life of a missionary. The service was an encouragement....as Michael came up to preach, it was evident that God was gonna have His way. He easily connected with the people, as he presented his burden for Italy, preached from the Word of God, and shared his experiences during deputation. I have a much greater appreciation for missionaries, their families, their struggles, their needs, but also their joys and many blessings.

Oasis Baptist Church

Well...there is never a dull moment for a missionary on deputation...and the past 24 hours proves that!

Yesterday we were at a rapidly growing church called Oasis Baptist Church. They are currently meeting in an unfinished new facility (that will become relevant in a minute).

Michael got up and spoke about our ministry to Italy. Then he introduced the video. The video started and as the introduction of the video was nearing an end....

BOOM! Lights out. Pitch black in the church. No power. All you heard was the sound of the fans turning off. Then...moments later. The lights came back on! Fans turned back on. Everything was back on - well, except the projector playing the DVD. That took some time to start and then warm back up! Like ten minutes. An awkward ten minutes.

Some well-meaning member thought it would be good to kill the lights so people could see the DVD better. There was one problem with that. All the electrical power is currently connected to one switch while they are building their new church! That well-meaning member - used that switch.


Other than that...the night was great! Pastor Neal seemed to really take to us. We are excited for this church's future and their willingness to have us in!

A True Champion

Today we had dinner at a family’s house from Paradise Church - Chris & Tracy Byrd.

Chris Byrd is the former heavyweight champion of the world. You would never know it though. He and his wife are the most down to earth couple I know. In fact, Chris might be the humblest person I have ever met.

Tonight was such a wonderful time of fellowship. We talked about the Lord, ministry, and life the whole night. Both Chris and Tracy have great personalities and are absolutely hilarious.

Chris shared a lot about the opportunities he has had to witness to people as a result of the gift God has given him. For example, he received an email recently from someone who lives in Australia who has an inoperable brain tumor. The email asked if Chris could write him a short note to encourage him.

Rather than write, Chris called that man tonight in Australia. They talked boxing for a few minutes and then Chris transitioned to the gospel message.

As you walk around their house and you see his Olympic medal and championship belts it is easy to think - this guy was a champion. But after you hear him use his notoriety for Christ - your realize he is a champion.