When in Rome

We had been planning an evangelistic series in Rome, Italy, for several years. But a few months before the meetings began, we realized that someone did not want to see the three angels’ messages proclaimed in the Eternal City.

The mother of our local evangelism coordinator became gravely ill and required her full attention. An arson attack damaged the largest church involved in the series, meaning an entire congregation would not be able to participate actively.

Certain individuals began verbalizing their antagonism not only to public evangelism but also to evangelism of all kinds, and several very supportive church leaders became ill. It was clear the devil did not want these meetings to take place, meetings that would be held just three-quarters of a mile from the Vatican.

But God did want the series to take place.

People of all backgrounds came out to the church night after night. One man drove across Italy to attend, traveling 130 miles from his home on the Adriatic coast before driving the same distance home again. He would let nothing prevent him from learning the truth of God’s Word. A radio station operated by the church broadcast the presentations to all of Rome, and the series concluded with more than forty people requesting baptism. People streamed to the front of the church when altar calls were made, pressing their way out of the crowded balcony and finding their way to the platform. In the weeks following the meetings, numerous people approached the pastor and stated that they wanted to study the Bible in preparation for baptism.

The Bible makes it clear that, even in challenging circumstances, God can reach people with the gospel. A young slave girl influenced a Syrian army captain when she suggested Naaman should visit the prophet Elisha in Samaria.

Nebuchadnezzar was moved by the witness of Daniel and his friends. No city or territory is outside the reach of God. He says, “I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 2:27).