Hey Everyone,

We are having a great time in Italy! After having gone for three years in 2002, 2003, and 2004, I am excited to see that we are picking up right where we left off. We have been mingling with many of the Italians in Montefiascone- both in the church and in the community at large. It has been such a blessing to be a part of the church for the last few days. It is incredible to see the things that the Italian church cares about, and it puts things into perspective when considering the unimportant issues that become a problem in American churches. The people of the Italian church are so passionate for Jesus Christ, and it has been a blessing to be a part of that.

English camps begin tomorrow. As I mentioned, we have been mingling with the Montefiascone youth and have been advertising the English camp. That will be our main starting point for relationships and conversations about faith. I am excited to see how God works this week. We have already met a lot of kids and seen a lot of people from past English camps that are excited about our trip. We look forward to reporting more once camps begin!

God bless,
Ryan June

In Italy!

We are here, and we are already a few days in! Yesterday we spent all day in Rome, seing unbelievable sights of the past, places where Paul was inspired and wrote, and even the Colloseum, where the Gladiator dominated.

We are having a wonderful time in this beautiful place, full of wonderful people. Internet access is spotty, so there might not be many updates, but keep praying! Englsih camp starts Monday, but tonight we are going out to meet Italian teenagers and stir up interest.

All are well!

Zack

In Cincinnati ...

The Italy team has arrived at the Cincinnati airport where we are currently enjoying the best the place has to offer: Starbucks and chili.

Pray for our flight to Rome, and keep us in thought and prayer as we head over to English Camp 2008!

Love,

Italy Team 

NOLA details for leaving

Please join us for a meeting and prayer time for NOLA on Friday, July 11, the night before we leave for the trip. We are going to meet at Fox Run Park by the Stella Rd. entrance, rain or shine at 6 pm. Invite friends, family, etc. We have 90 people on this trip as of today, and we could have a powerful time of prayer that night!

The next morning we will meet at the NEW church office, 1840 Deer Creek Rd., right off of Woodmoor Drive towards the highway. We need to be to the airport early, so we are meeting at 6:30 am, and leaving no later than 7 am to get there. We have the baggage figured out for the way up, too - but we need volunteers with big cars to help us get back on the 19th, because we won't have our bus that day!

Leave a comment to volunteer your mom's soccer bus as a way to get home!

Flight details, for those on our group flight.

• United 1601, leaves 10:09 AM on 7/12

• United 1469, arrives 7:57 PM on 7/19

NOLA packing list

Packing List - NOLA

You really don't need anything crazy. It is HOT in the South, it's humid and you will sweat. A lot. Keep that in mind when you pack clothes.

Clothes. Modest clothing, nothing too special. You need one "church" outfit, but it can be shorts and a shirt, skirt and a shirt for girls (just no denim for either that day). 3-5 sets of work clothes, or however many you personally think you'll use. Clothes for nights and off-project times are just casual and normal.

Work gloves, closed-toe shoes for work projects and Second Harvest.
Kingsley House - no low-cut shirts on girls or anything, the little boys are pretty crazy there! T-shirts and shorts are good.
Street ministry - casual clothes are fine.

Bible, journal, pen and stuff like that.

iPod and phone are Ok, but we're going to ask you not to be on them all day, you can use them at night. Your Bff and Bf and Gf can wait to hear about your LOLs until the night.

Bathing suit (we ask that girls have a one-piece and that no boy wears a speedo. ever. Not just on this trip).

Toiletries: sunblock is a must. Bug spray is a good idea. Bring a toothbrush, I guess. Oh yeah, boys - wear some deodorant.

Leave comments below if you think that I forgot anything!!

Italy Money

We leave in about 24 hours! We paid for our plane tickets 6 weeks ago, and have to send our ground money over today (most food, materials cost, etc.). The cost of the plane tickets was about 1400 each, and the ground costs are 765.65 apiece, making the trip total 2165.56. 

A quick note is that some of the difference of the original estimate is due to gas prices. But, also, the word estimate is always an important one to consider here. Anyway, hope that we can all get that money over.

And if you happen to be reading this, please get me your passport copies and testimonies today!

Can't wait for tomorrow!

Check this space for updates while we travel, for those of you praying for us at home.

Zack

Italy Flights

We leave on Wednesday morning - are you packed yet??

Delta Airlines, June 18 (Wednesday)

Flight 3944 to Cincinnati, 11:05 am - arrive at 3:43 pm

Flight 32 to Rome, 7:30 pm, arrive on the 19th at 10:45 am

RETURN

Delta Airlines, July 1

Flight 33 to Cincinnati, 10:45 am - arrive 3:15 pm

Flight 45, 5:00 pm, arrives in Denver at 5:52 pm

Money, Money, Money, Money ... Mon-ey

Sorry to do this, but we sent $27,000 to United today for plane tickets. We've only collected about half of that, and we still have hotels, rental cars, and other stuff to pay for. It's all budgeted and everything will work out in the end, but the sooner we can get paid up the better!

Mardi Gras Night THIS Sunday!!

Please come help us out at Mardi Gras night at Creekside, this Sunday the 8th from 5-8 pm! This is our major fundraiser for New Orleans, and we need not only your help, but for you to invite your friends an neighbors, even the creepy guy down the street. The more the better, because they need to shop for us to do any good. Thanks be to Doug for taking care of this event for us all.