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 8/19/2008)
Dear friends:
A highlight of the last few months was the camp I helped with in Trent. The camp was organized by some of the members of the Evangelical Church of Trent and was made up of children from that church plus Nico and Emi. In all there were 13 children. They asked me to help with the camp and to do the messages. The theme had to do with the life of David. The weather was not the greatest, but we had enough sun do some of the outdoor activities that we had planned. The camp was in the Alps on one of the mountains called Monte Velo. A highlight for me was a hike on one of the nearby peaks. When we got to the top there was a sharp drop with a beautiful view of Lake Garda. (No, we did not allow the children to go close to the edge.) It was an interesting area because there are some tunnels and fortifications from World War II. There is also a large cross up there. We had the kids sit down near the cross and spoke about David's faith in God as he, on two different occasions, spared Saul's life. It was not planned, but the location was perfect.
In May we had some visitors. This provided an occasion for us to have another church service here in our home - the second church service of the Presbyterian Church of Verona. We had 20 people from three continents. Several of the people in attendance are gifted musically, so the singing was very nice. It was a good second service.
In our past letters we have asked you to pray for a location for worship services. We would like to modify that and ask you to pray for a location for our Bible studies. We have been having an Italian language Bible study in the home of a member of our core group. She has been having some serious family problems and this has led to her asking that we have the Bible study somewhere else. Although I do not see this as a bad decision, it has left us in a bit of a bind. There were non-Christians who had been attending and we don't really have a suitable place where they can come. We will be having it in our house for the time being, but this is a bit far for some of those who were attending. Please pray that we would find a good place for our Bible studies.
I have had a lot of counseling situations recently. Some of them have been very intense. I have dealt with some serious marital problems where there has been emotional and physical abuse. In another situation there is intense battling between family members. There have been other things, maybe less intense, but still serious. As you can imagine, these things can take a lot of time and energy. Every situation is different and the way in which the Gospel is applied is different. It has been especially hard because some of the people involved are friends. We have ordered some counseling materials and there are more on the way. Please pray that God will give me the strength to be involved with these people and ask God to give me wisdom.
Collaboration with the church in Trent is continuing to go well. I am still doing the Bible study with the international students. Jessica and I have recently spent a lot of time with one student in particular who is from Singapore. She has had a hard time adapting to Italian culture. This has caused her, at times, to doubt God's goodness. She is the only believer in her family and there has been a lot of opposition to her faith. She has often asked why things have to be so hard. Jessica and I have tried to show her love and give her spiritual counsel. Please pray for her continued spiritual growth.
I recently took a trip to Northern Ireland to speak with some pastors there about our ministry. I was invited by a man who works with a ministry called Coram Deo. This ministry is committed to supporting the work of the church here in Italy. Coram Deo is developing a new publishing ministry and it is funding church planting. Interestingly, they are working with a church plant in the city of Mantua, which is only 1/2 hour from our house. I have met the two men involved in that work and we hope to develop a solid working relationship.
Jessica is continuing to build friendships with different mothers in our village. Please pray that the Lord would open doors to share the gospel with these people. We have had a young man from Mexico join our Bible studies. He is here studying and found us through our website. Please pray that the Lord will bring others and will open doors for the gospel.
Family wise, we celebrated Emeline's 8th Birthday in May, Etienne's 2nd Birthday in June and Anaelle's 5th in July. The children are done with the school year, received excellent report cards and are all healthy and happy despite the hot summer days.
We thank all of you for your prayers. We realize how weak we are and how much we need you as you lift us up in prayer. Thank you!
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
