Francesco Interview 2

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In the Spring of this year, Francesco and Claudia Arco moved to Genoa to work alongside Team Italy One. Their passion for the Gospel and credibility as national believers has sparked some of the most exciting opportunities and stories of the past year. All told, “Fra and Cla” have led 17 people to the Lord in less than a year of ministry. I had the privilege of interviewing my colleague Francesco about some of his experiences and insights.

Dustin: What have been the most special moments you and Claudia have had in Genoa?

Francesco: There were two specific weeks in which we tirelessly shared the truth with several people. Four people came to the Lord, of which 3 began attending our home cell church. We saw the hand of the Lord in a way that was very strong and we desire to see it again.

Another special moment was when 3 new believers decided to be baptized in the Mediterranean Sea and the joy that they had in that experience. Glory to Jesus Christ!

Dustin: In your opinion, why does Genoa need missionaries.

Francesco: Genoa has about a million people, but presently there are only 22 churches. Many of them have stopped growing, are not reproducing, are not bringing people to Jesus, have given in to liberal or extreme charismatic theology, many of the believers have lost a vision for missions… In this context where less than 1 percent of the population are disciples of Jesus, I believe that missionaries are indispensable and a breath of fresh air.

Dustin: You mentioned that a cell church is meeting in your home. Can you share a little more on this?

Francesco: Moving along with the vision of Team Italy One, we’ve decided to recreate a cell church model of planting churches described in Acts 2. We gather around the dinner table, share a meal together, talk about what has been happening in our lives, encourage and pray for one another and for the city, sing to the Lord, read and meditate on the Bible, and take the Lord’s Supper.

Dustin: In Italy, and most of western Europe, Christianity is on the decline. Churches and missionary efforts are struggling. Why do you believe that in only 5 years so many people can realistically come to the Lord and an explosive network of churches can be lit?

Francesco: I believe that the Bible is clear that if we sow abundantly we will reap abundantly. And we can’t reap what we don’t sow, which is sadly what happens far too often. And just because the reaping doesn’t happen in one day doesn’t mean that it won’t happen. I come from a farming family on my mother’s side where everyone was a farmer. They would spread seeds across their land, work hard all year, and finally see a rich harvest. This was a great example for evangelism that Jesus used repeatedly. Unfortunately most believers today live in the city. They have never been on a farm and can’t understand Jesus’ most profound examples of how evangelism works.

God searches for harvesters and I believe that if we are constantly sowing, while also being an encouragement to the existing believers, that God will cause growth and we will see abundant fruit.

Dustin: Is there anything else you would like to say?

Francesco: Claudia and I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity that he has given us to know each other, to serve Him, and to be able to work with a team of missionaries. And we are ready to receive everything that He wants to use for our spiritual growth and edification.

An Interview With Italian Partner, Francesco Arco (Part 2)

By: Dustin Mahoney

Dec 15, 2008

Tim and Francesco walk the streets of Genoa.

Hitting a Homerun With Italians

Several months ago from their high apartment building, the Paces saw what appeared to be a youth baseball team practicing on a near by soccer field...