By Sandra Klaus, Fall 2007

The legacy of pioneer missionary Arthur Wiens continues to significantly impact Italy today.

In 1950, Arthur Wiens returned to the land that had captured his heart as a young soldier in World War II. Wiens was a pioneer, opening Italy and all of Europe as a new field for Avant Ministries (then known as Gospel Missionary Union). Before Wiens' efforts, the mission had focused on Third-World countries in Latin America and Africa.

Art surrendered his life to the Lord in 1939. Three years later, on the day he was to leave for Bible college, the draft board called his name. As a conscientious objector, Wiens served as Chaplain's Assistant in the 70^th General Hospital in Italy. God used those Army days to imprint His design on Wiens' life. Italy called.

After the war, Wiens immediately enrolled at Wheaton College. He and Jim Elliot were classmates. Elizabeth Elliot recalls the two "pleading together with God to call students to missionary work all over the world." She would later describe Wiens as "a man whose heart was set on following Christ at any cost."

While at Wheaton, Wiens corresponded with the Italian pastors and American missionaries he had met during the war. Each one echoed the other ... "Come! Come! Come to Italy! There is a place for you to preach our Savior and His salvation for our people," they said. "The need is staggering - so many to reach and so many so ready."

Erma Plato arrived in Genoa, Italy, as a young missionary three months after Wiens. They met in language study at the University of Florence, married, moved to Modena and dedicated the rest of their lives to sharing the gospel in their beloved Italy.

One overwhelming principle guided their every move - the best method for reaching the unreached was to train Italians to witness to their own people. Once a few people were saved and taught the basics of the Christian walk, the church plant became an Italian endeavor - encouraged by mature Christians of any nationality, but led and supported by Italians. The principle is evident in Avant's current Short-Cycle philosophy: churches are established without creating a dependence on North American resources.

Erma passed away in 1997. Wiens retired, and lives with his daughter in Italy. Their influence continues through generations of new missionaries. Phil and Sylvia Schroeder served with Avant in Italy from 1982 to 2006 and adopted the same philosophy of planting Italian-led churches. Today, the Schroeder's daughter, Amee, and her husband Tim Kroeker serve as team leaders for Avant's new Team Italy One.

The calls from Italy are still the same: "Come! Come! Come to Italy! ... The need is staggering - so many to reach and so many so ready." The team leaves this fall to begin a Short-Cycle Church Planting ministry in the port city of Genoa, where Erma Wiens first set foot in Italy.

CONTINUED:
Read the full story of Art and Erma Wiens' ministry is told in Italy, Land of Searching Hearts by Evelyn Stenbock-Ditty. Order online at the Avant Ministries Resource Store.

Read more about Team Italy One in Genoa.