When Stefania was younger, her family owned a house by the sea in Sicily, Italy. She noticed that every morning a neighboring family with five children met outside to read the Bible and pray together. One morning they invited her over to join them.

“One of the brothers, Andrea, was particularly wise and also made me laugh. He was kind and totally different from other guys our age. So we started to date, and eventually he became my husband.”

As they dated, Andrea taught Stefania about Adventist principles. She started attending the Adventist church and felt welcomed. After studying and praying, she was baptized.

In 2016, Stefania’s congregation in Ragusa [rag-oo-sah], Italy, appealed to Adventist members around the world to help them build a new church.

Another church member, Marco, remembers how difficult it was to worship in their old space. They occupied the bottom level of a large building. The neighbor upstairs was constantly complaining that they were disturbing him.

“He would often hit his floor with a stick to let us know he wasn’t happy. But one time, he came downstairs and shattered the front glass door with the stick.”

Thanks to your 13th Sabbath Offering contribution, this congregation was able to build a stunning new church!

“It’s absolutely beautiful to be here in a place where we can be free to worship God without the anxiety and fear that we will upset others.”

“Sometimes I come into the church before everyone else, because I’m responsible for music and worship. I come to test microphones and prepare. Sometimes I just stop and gaze at this beautiful space, and tears come to my eyes.”

The Ragusa congregation hasn’t wasted any time putting this space to use. They conduct a variety of activities and programs focused on serving others.

“One way the Adventist Church has impacted my life is by giving me the possibility to give back. To give back part of the blessing that God has given me. Not just in terms of money, but also in terms of time and service dedicated to people.”

An often underserved population is the immigrant and refugee community. Adventists in Ragusa use their new space to conduct Italian language courses that help new residents qualify for jobs. The church’s support helps these individuals make friends in a social environment and gives them confidence to navigate their new home.

“At the end of the course we have a party for everyone who passes the final test. We have the party here at the church. A lot of people have the opportunity to know the church, its members, and its message.”

Adventists in Ragusa want the love of Jesus to be felt by everyone. So they host events where the physically disabled can feel comfortable and have fun.

“My dream is that this church may become a totally inclusive church. That everyone who comes here knows that Christ died for them.”

Thank you for providing a safe place for church members in Ragusa to serve their community more. Your contribution to this 13th Sabbath Offering project in 2016 has impacted countless lives.