As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves once again pausing—not to take stock of our efforts, but to recognise the Lord’s faithfulness. We have learned, sometimes the hard way, that what truly matters is not how much is done, but how much is done in dependence upon Him. Being a busybody doesn’t translate to an effective Christian life. Only living by faith in all things of life will.
A season coming to an end
Earlier this year, we approached the end of the renovation works on the house we bought last year. At least when it comes to the actual house renovation (garden and land next! 😅).
What has been a long, demanding season—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—is slowly but surely coming to completion. With that chapter nearing its end, something else began to open up: space. Space to breathe. Space to listen. Space to refocus.
A shift of focus, starting with family ministry
That practical shift had spiritual consequences. For the first time in quite a while, we were able to lift our eyes beyond immediate needs and begin thinking again about ministry with greater clarity and peace.
Our intention was never to “restart everything at once”. Instead, we felt it wise—and biblical—to move gently, in the will of God. The first focus was our own household. We have small children, and they need to be ministered to daily, patiently, and intentionally. Scripture is not lived out first on platforms or pulpits, but around tables, during bedtime prayers, and in the quiet faithfulness of ordinary family life. We have committed to weekly Bible study and prayer with the kids and—more generally—to a life of being “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). And we have seen great improvements in our relationship with our children, and also in our marriage.
Desires fulfilled
In that same spirit, the Lord has also graciously opened a door for Manuela to express a long-held desire of her heart. Last year she became part of a local classical choir, and this year the adventure continued. While it is not an explicitly religious choir, its repertoire includes a selection of sacred and religious masterpieces.
Through this, Manuela has been given the opportunity to use the voice God gave her to praise and honour Him, even in a setting that is not formally ecclesiastical. And with that, opportunities to share the faith also arose. It has been a quiet but profound blessing—another reminder that worship is not confined to designated spaces, and that God delights in being glorified through the gifts He Himself has bestowed.
Trusting God with the rest
As for the rest, we chose to trust God with it. We committed to faithfulness in what was immediately before us, confident that He would do additional work as He saw fit, in His time and in His way.
And He did.
Beyond our home
Outside the walls of our home, the Lord opened several doors. There were more chances to build new relationships in town and at work, and share our faith with them. There were increased opportunities to preach in our local church, along with a structured series of Bible studies on Israel, a topic close to our hearts and often neglected or misunderstood. We were also able to travel to England, where we preached in two churches, including our home church in Kent, a place that remains deeply significant in our spiritual journey.
Personal milestones
This year also marked a personal milestone: Vince’s first contribution to a book was published. It was not something we chased or planned aggressively, but something the Lord allowed at the right moment, as part of a longer path of study, writing, and teaching. In the same vein, the long season of formal theological study is now nearing completion, with the MA in Theology approaching its final stages.
Fellowship beyond our local boundaries
In the spring, we joined an Easter retreat with a group of international brethren based in Northern Italy. That time of fellowship, teaching, and shared life was deeply refreshing, reminding us once again that the Church is far broader, richer, and more interconnected than our local contexts sometimes allow us to see.
We’ve also had the blessing of visiting a South American congregation in a nearby town, which was holding a special service for Christmas. Service in Spanish, a Christmas play, presents for all the children, and a great celebration around food. Another gift from the Lord: we were looking for a handyman, and found (also) a dear brother from Guatemala, who then invited us to fellowship with his congregation.
Early fulfilment of our vision
Yet perhaps one of the most striking developments this year has taken place not through organised activity, but through simple hospitality.
One of the visions we have carried for some time is that our home would be a place where people come both to bless us and to be blessed by us—without contrivance, pressure, or programmes. Over the past months, that vision has quietly begun to materialise, with no specific effort on our part.
After the summer, we were able to host several people: two families of brethren from our home church in Kent, some blood relatives, and a brother who was once part of our local congregation in Italy and has since moved abroad. In every one of these visits, we saw the hand of God at work.
Friendships were deepened. Testimonies were shared. We were enriched by hearing how God has been working in the lives of others, and in turn we were able to share scriptural insights and personal testimonies of His faithfulness in our own journey. We worked side by side—sometimes literally, harvesting olives together—sharing life in ways that went far beyond conversation.
None of these occasions was merely a holiday or a social visit. Each became a moment of mutual edification, encouragement, teaching and learning. Exactly as we had hoped and prayed, our home was used not only for rest, but for spiritual purposes as well.
Faithfulness rather than force or efforts
Looking back, we are reminded once more that the Lord does not ask us to build His work through force or ambition. He asks us to walk faithfully in what He places before us, trusting Him to bring fruit where and when He chooses.
A prayer for 2026
As we move into a new year, our prayer remains simple: that we would continue to recognise His hand, submit to His leading, and rejoice in whatever He allows us to be part of—whether seen or unseen.
To Him alone be the glory.
PS
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all!
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