Last November, our family had the pleasure of being a part of a team of eight sent out by Calvary Bible Church to an area about an hour outside of Florence, Italy. We spent our time with Youth For Christ–Italy missionaries, as well as a church body in Sovigliana-Spicchio, Italy. Our days were busy teaching English classes in various middle and high schools, which began relationships with hundreds of students and their teachers with the YFC-Italy team, and this has opened the door to multiple visits and programs since our visit last Fall. We praise God for all He has done in that ministry! 

The primary reason for our trip was to prepare and serve two American Thanksgiving meals, which the local church used as evangelical opportunities to invite their friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers to experience this cross-cultural event. The vast majority of the guests had never set foot in an Evangelical church, and this was the case for a man named Gennaro, who attended the first meal we hosted. Within days, while we were still in Italy, he contacted the pastor that invited him and said he would like to get together to talk about the Bible. They started meeting weekly, and in February, we got word that Gennaro came to faith in Jesus, and he’s been bringing his family with him to church! We are so blessed to see fruit from our trip!

When we left Italy, our plan was to take a year off and then, Lord willing,  go back a year later. But, because the Thanksgiving meals were so well received, the church is longing to do them again this year and has asked us to come back! We see many benefits to repeating the event this year, and while it wasn’t our plan to return so soon, after many discussions and many prayers, we feel called to go. We are thrilled to be going as a family, along with Steve and Cindy Thompson who also went last year, and 2-4 additional team members, for a total team of 8-10 people. 

Support Raising

This year, while we are being financially assisted and strongly encouraged to go by our church, the timing of the trip requires our team to organize and fund the trip on our own. This is a huge step of faith because logistically, this trip is no small feat, and financially, it requires a significant amount of money. As a family, we are committed to sacrificing and working hard to make it happen! Additionally, our prayer is that many of you will partner with us by giving what you are able. Small amounts can add up to make a big difference, and we would be so grateful for your support!

If you’re able to support us financially, giving can be sent directly to us through a variety of methods: Venmo (@Katie-DeYoung-4), PayPal (katiedeyoung4@gmail.com), and Cash app ($zachdeyoung).

You can also mail a check made out to Zach and Katie DeYoung:

9250 Stratford Woods Trl
Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Because we are self funding, we aren’t able to provide receipts for tax purposes. 

We are so thankful for another opportunity to return to Italy in order to support YFC-Italy and the faithful brothers and sisters in Sovigliana, Italy! If you would like to be added to the prayer team to receive regular updates regarding our trip, you can do so by filling out the form on this page, or by sending an email zachdeyoung@gmail.com and we will add you to our list!

With love and thanksgiving,

Zach, Katie, Elise, and Emerson DeYoung

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