Some times missionaries do not have the privilege of seeing the reward for their labors. Some times the results will only be revealed in eternity. But then there are other times when God grants a missionary a time of rejoicing when seeing visible fruit of their efforts. Such was the case for AGWM personnel, Terry and Marsha Peretti, when Terry was invited to preach at the first baptismal service in the newly constructed facility of the Assemblies of God church in Acqui Terme, Italy.
The Perettis started the church in Acqui Terme in 1980. In Terry's own words, "It was slow going, and difficult, and wearisome." They pioneered and pastored this church until 1991. Finally, after many years the church has blossomed into a strong indigenous work with a national pastor, and a complete board of elders. The church has brand new facilities, bought and paid for, for the most part, by the congregation of about 120 people. Only $20,000 came from outside of the congregation. Today the church is vibrant, victorious, and very visible. The new church building is located on the main highway and only a ten-minute walk from the city center.
A congregation of 120 people in the European context is a good strong congregation. The pastor, Lino and Anna Brancato, are fully pentecostal and the church is a strong testimony in the city. The church is also the "mother" church of the "Sfida Giovanile" drug rehabilitation centers located nearby. There is a boys center and a girls center.
What a day of victory and rejoicing for the Perettis to see their church plant now in full bloom.
To God be the glory!
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