By Matt Looloian, September 2007

Francesco will be working with Team Italy One to launch a network of rapidly reproducing churches.

As a young man growing up in southern Italy, Francesco planned to follow the footsteps of his father and grandfather and become a Mediterranean fisherman. But economic hardship forced his family to move north in search of work. Arriving in the city of Bologna, Francesco and his family opened a fish stand. Years passed.

Then, in March 2002, Francesco traveled back to southern Italy to visit friends. These amici were the same men with whom Francesco spent his younger years drinking, gambling and talking Communist politics. But on this visit, one of Francesco’s friends didn’t want to do any of those things. He wanted to talk about Jesus.

Francesco was shocked. His friend was so different – a “holy roller.” But his friend’s new life was strangely compelling to Francesco. He asked his friend for a Bible.

On the train back to Bologna, Francesco read and read. He didn’t stop until he had finished the entire New Testament.

Shortly after arriving home, the fish-stand business failed. Francesco’s girlfriend of several years left him. With nowhere else to turn, he tearfully pleaded with God to save him.

God did more than save Francesco – God transformed him.

A new man, Francesco sought fellowship with other believers. Avant missionaries were helping at a local church in Bologna. Francesco joined and quickly matured in his faith – so much so that 18 months later, when Avant started a sister church on the other side of the city, Francesco was eager to help.

Tim was one of several Avant missionaries involved with planting this sister church, New Hope. Tim immediately recognized Francesco’s passion and potential and began mentoring and discipling him. As New Hope Church grew and matured, Francesco was actively involved in the church’s leadership.

Francesco developed an unmatched zeal for sharing Christ with fellow Italians.  Recently married, Francesco and his wife will partner with Team Italy One this fall as part of their Short-Cycle Church Planting® team.

Francesco is the first Italian national missionary sent by New Hope Church, which was established just a few years ago.  This is a testament to the power of the gospel, and it is the type of rapid spiritual multiplication Team Italy One seeks to emulate.

As the manager of the fish department in a local supermarket, Francesco is leaving behind a union-contracted job to become a missionary.  It is unheard of for a 33-year-old like Francesco to give up job security, but he is confident God will use Team Italy One to do great things.  He has already left his job and is preparing for ministry in Genoa.

Looking back, it’s no surprise God planned to use Francesco to reach his fellow Italians. He was supposed to be a Mediterranean fisherman; he has become a fisher of men.

This is the story God wrote on the heart of Francesco, and it is the story God will write on the hearts of thousands of Italians like him.

Genoa is one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean, serving as a passageway between North Africa and Western Europe. Because of Genoa’s location and industry, a network of Italian-led, rapidly reproducing churches will not only change the eternal destiny of numerous Italians, it will impact all of Europe and beyond.

Currently, there is no foreign missionary activity in this strategic city. When ignited for Christ, Genoa will become internationally influential for the Kingdom.

To date, Genoa has remained largely untouched by the gospel. According to local evangelical leaders, fewer than 1,400 of the city’s 700,000 people have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Learn how you can help Francesco and Team Italy One ignite Italy for Christ