PMI Missionaries
Joel & Jessica Rinn
Ministry Area: Italy
Responsibilities: Church planting, theological education, translation
E-mail Address: joelmatthew.rinn [at] fastwebnet [dot] it
Joel graduated from Covenant with an M.Div. in 2003 and is ordained in the International Presbyterian Church, a small European denomination. Jessica has a BA in Bible Theology and is a native Italian. Besides taking care of their children and opening their home for ministry, Jessica does translating and editing work for a Reformed publishing house in Italy called Alfa & Omega.
After spending three years in the city of Ferrara, Joel and Jessica are now in the city of Verona. Verona is a fairly large city in northern Italy best known as the hometown of Romeo and Juliet. Although there was historically a Protestant presence in the city, currently there is little in terms of Evangelical witness.
Joel and Jessica moved to Verona to plant a gospel-centered Presbyterian church. They are also conducting Bible studies for the International Students/University ministry.
Latest Report: (updated 5/14/2010)
Dear Friends and Supporters of our ministry:
We have had a very busy past few months. In November and December we were in Trent for a couple conferences. Jessica did the translation for both. In November Lou Priolo did a conference on the family. It was quite good and many people who attended have told us how God has used this in their family life.
The other conference was with Carl Trueman, a noted scholar on Calvin and author of several books including The Wages of Spin. The conference with Carl Trueman was on Calvin, his influence, and ways that Calvin speaks to our present age. It was excellent and Trueman said things that although true, are not normally are not said in an Italian context. Both Jessica and I were pleased. There is a good possibility that Jessica will edit the translation of this conference and get it ready for publication. Praise God for these conferences. Pray that God would continue to bring to the minds of the hearers the things they heard.
In our last letter we mentioned that a young woman from the States would be studying here in Verona. She has been a blessing for us and has invited many people to Bible studies and to church services. Please pray for her in her studies here that God will bless her efforts to be a witness to other students. One of those students has been asking a lot of questions about Christianity and has read several books. He recently became a believer. Praise God for this conversion and pray for this young man as he begins a walk of faith.
Another of the students who has been living in Verona since September and has been faithfully attending Bible study. I have been getting to know him and we have had several good conversations together. His family situation is difficult this has made his coming to faith and his growth in grace more difficult. I have seen progress in his walk of faith and we are praying for him. Pray for this young man that God would deepen his faith that his love for God would continue to grow. He has been speaking to his friends about Christ. Pray that this would continue.
There are other students who have come to the Bible study, all non-believers. Pray for them, pray that God would use the study to draw them to himself.
Jessica and I have spent a lot of time and energy trying to invest in our community. This is beginning to bear fruit. We are building friendships and we have had many opportunities to witness. Pray that the Lord would open doors to share the gospel. Pray that the Lord would lead people to us whose hearts would be prepared to hear and to receive the gospel.
Something that has been a bit of a disappointment for us is that we have lost numbers in our worship service. That is somewhat to be expected when you start a church, but when the numbers are small, it is hard. Please pray that the Lord will bring more people to our worship services and that they will be the right people. I am asking God for 20 new people by the end of the year, at least 7 of whom will be men. Please join with us in praying for this.
We have continued to make progress on our worship location. There are a few small things that need to be done, but the major work is completed. We now have a sign out front that says who we are.
I have been doing a lot of work for the IPC. Please pray for the IPC. We are growing. We are planting churches in various places in Europe. Pray that God would grow these churches. Pray that God would use the IPC to reach Europe for the gospel.
Nico and Emeline are all doing quite well in school. Not only are they getting good grades, which is a good thing, they are also giving a Christian example in their actions. This causes us to rejoice.
We will be coming to the States this summer and will visit some of our supporting churches (those who don't receive a visit this time will be first on the list for our next visit). Thank You for your prayer and support of our ministry.
Thank you for your prayerful support.
In Christ,
Joel and Jessica Rinn
Presbyterian Mission International
12330 Conway Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63141
Telephone: (314) 434-4044
Fax: (314) 434-4819
