16 April 2025

Eurasia Region

Italy

Italy has always been important in the European geographic landscape because of its central location in the southern part of Europe. For nearly 800 years, the Roman Empire ruled much of the known world but fell in the 5th century to the invasions of many of the neighbors it had once ruled. For centuries, it was a puzzle of small independent kingdoms or city-states, but in 1861, it became a nation when its states were united. In World War I, Italy fought on the side of the Allied powers to restore order in Europe, but in World War II, it waged war against the Allied forces in the promotion of a fascist regime under the leadership of Benito Mussolini. Defeated, Italy began to emerge economically, socially, and politically as a democratic republic in 1946. Just two years later, the Church of the Nazarene entered Italy to officially begin its work there in 1948. A predominantly Roman Catholic country, the work of evangelical protestant denominations has been slow to develop. Yet, the Church of the Nazarene is not only present but purposeful in its efforts to share the Good News of Jesus and spread the message of scriptural holiness. La famiglia (the family) is important to Italian culture, and through the church, La famiglia takes on new meaning and breadth.

336 Members

6 Fully Organized Churches

3 District Licensed and 8 Ordained Ministers on 1 District

Food Solidarity Vehicle Makes a Difference in Italy

Nazarenes have significantly impacted Moncalieri by funding a special project called the “Food Solidarity Vehicle.” As a result, a new vehicle has been purchased to facilitate food donation and distribution efforts managed by the local Nazarene congregation. The addition of this vehicle has profoundly transformed the logistics of food distribution in the area, greatly enhancing the outreach capabilities of the congregation.

One volunteer expressed gratitude for the generous contributions that made this project possible, stating, “The pick-up and transport, which used to be carried out with our own vehicles, has become considerably more agile with the new vehicle; instead of several trips and manual loading, it is now possible to directly load the pallets of foodstuffs and allow someone else to carry out the sorting already between trips.”

The new vehicle has not only improved the efficiency of food distribution but also enhanced the church's ability to connect with the community. Another volunteer shared, “God has answered our prayers, blessing us with this van, which we hope to fill more and more; this also gives us the opportunity not only to serve food but to testify of the Church's presence in the neighborhood, but above all to talk about Jesus. The good witness we give makes some people ask us why we engage in this service; they are intrigued by our community, and also through other gatherings, we really manage to give witness to the neighborhood.”

This project, like so many engaged in by Nazarene congregations around the world, exemplifies how community service and spiritual outreach go hand in hand, showcasing the Church of the Nazarene's commitment to meeting both physical and spiritual needs. Together, we continue to witness the transformative power of God’s grace in the lives of individuals and families in Moncalieri.

Could You Serve?

Is God calling you to join in his mission on the Eurasia Region? For more information, click here.

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