When we left the UK for Italy, we embarked on a journey into the unknown. The life we left behind was stable, predictable, and blessed. In England, we lived in a home that was perfect by worldly standards: a new build where everything worked seamlessly, in a country where honesty and efficiency often underpin daily life. We had security, opportunities, and an ease that allowed us to provide for our family without much concern.
But therein lay the subtle danger. In comfort, it’s easy to forget the source of the blessings. God was always there. When I went from Naples to the UK, when I met my wife, when I found faith in Him, and when I built a family. Yet, in a world where most needs are met through efficient systems and ample resources, God’s provision can sometimes feel distant. And with little challenges, one may fail to grow, too.
That changed when we moved to Italy.
Here, blessings come differently. They don’t flow primarily through a secular system of abundance but they can definitely come through the hands and hearts of His people, if they are willing. And the Church did eventually become the channel through which God’s love and provision reached us in tangible, undeniable ways.
In the early years, we faced significant struggles, even crises. Life was so different to what were used to, and it was really hard to adjust. Finding a home that felt like ours became a deeply felt need. Our house in England was more than a shelter; it was a cornerstone of our family’s identity. But in Italy, we lived in a place that didn’t feel like home—a place we didn’t love, that didn’t reflect who we were or who we were becoming.
And yet, God was working behind the scenes.
A house that had been on the market for years dropped to an almost unbelievable price. Even then, affording it seemed beyond reach. But God moved again, providing additional funds right when we needed them. One day, after resigning ourselves to walking away from the property, a financial blessing arrived the very next morning. Piece by piece, the barriers fell, and we saw God’s fingerprints all over the process.
When we finally stepped into what would become our new home, the work ahead was daunting. The property needed significant refurbishment before it could truly feel like a home. Professionals handled the first major steps, but the remaining tasks felt endless. And that’s when the Church became the hands and feet of Christ in our lives.
A Home Built by Fellowship
From the very beginning, brothers and sisters surrounded us with love, prayer, and practical help. Cesco taught me how to sand walls efficiently and fast. Emanuele, another brother from our local church, took a week off work to help me paint the upstairs walls. We spent long days working side by side, sharing laughter, fellowship, and a sense of purpose. Sisters from the church joined my wife, cleaning and preparing rooms with care and dedication. Francesco made sure we had flooring in our kitchen.
Even our relatives from Naples, Italy got involved. My wife’s cousin came to help. My father- and brother-in-law also came, lending a practical hand. My 80-year-old dad travelled up a couple of times, too. Others pitched in to install lights, scrub floors, and make spaces liveable. Each contribution, big or small, felt like a divine reminder: You are not alone. This is not just your home—it’s God’s house.
And then there was the Davis family, with their Projects 4 Missions. How we know each other alone is a miracle. Through mutual Christian friends in the United States—friends I had up to last year only met “virtually”, we ended up working together on a mission project in France in 2023. Fast forward one year, and they were on a mission here in Italy with us!
This missionary family, along with Brother Stefan from France, poured their time, energy, and skills into transforming our house. Over just eight days, they accomplished what would have taken months—or perhaps years—on our own. They repaired façades, worked on bathrooms, and transformed the outbuilding into something beautiful. They painted walls, laid tile, and turned chaos into order.
But their contribution was more than physical labour. They brought joy, grace, and encouragement to every moment. I remember walking around the house, seeing their faces filled with determination and kindness. Whether it was Isaiah with his jackhammer “destroying things with a smile”, Micah with his quiet diligence, or the laughter of Chester, Amy, and their children, each moment became a memory etched into the walls of our home.
Now, when I walk around the house, I don’t just see paint and plaster. I see fellowship. I see God’s provision manifested through His people. I hear Emanuele’s banter. I see young Josiah tired yet still diligently working through his tasks. I see Amy and my wife kneeling for hours on end in the bathrooms, laying tiles with a smile. I see the faces of them all, the emotions, the dedication, the commitment. And I see God’s love in all of it.
A Reflection on True Blessings
It would be easy to reduce this story to a tale of financial blessings. And I am sure some have. After all, we saved tens of thousands of euros because of the generosity and hard work of others, and I have no shame in admitting that. But—believe it or not—that’s not the real story. God could have dropped a windfall of money into our laps. He’s done it before. But He chose a better way.
The true blessing lies in the fellowship, in the bonds formed through shared labour, in the laughter and love that filled each room.
The most striking aspect of this journey has been the deeply personal way we have been loved. Those who came to help didn’t work with half-hearted effort or a sense of obligation. They gave their time, energy, and care as if they were building their own home. The Davis family, in particular, showed us what it means to pour oneself out in service. They worked tirelessly, from early mornings to late nights, until every corner of the house was touched by their labour and kindness. They never slowed their pace, and yet somehow managed to carry out every task with a smile, grace, and encouragement.
Their family dynamic was equally inspiring. Watching them work together was like witnessing a living example of what it means to serve God as a family. Each member had a role. Chester was a steady anchor, always ready to answer questions with gentle direction, offering wisdom that guided not just the practical aspects of the work but our hearts as well. He never seemed rushed or irritated, no matter how complex the task or how many interruptions came his way. Instead, he led with patience, encouragement, and a quiet strength that made everyone feel valued and capable.
Through their example, the Davis family reminded us that serving the Lord is not just about completing tasks—it’s about how those tasks are done. Their kindness, unity, and dedication have left a profound impact on us as a family. We find ourselves reflecting on their example, striving to bring the same spirit of love, unity, and joy into our own service.
This home, built on the foundation of their love and the love of so many others, stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. And as we continue to settle in and make it our home as well as a place of rest, learning, and fellowship for others, I pray that everyone who steps through the doors will feel what we have felt: the deep, personal, and transformative love of God, expressed through His people.
Because this isn’t just our house. It’s God’s house. And it was built by His hands, working through those who loved us so well.
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