This week we are praying for Martin & Fran Russell who serve on the National Leadership team for Agape Italia in Florence, Italy.

1. Give thanks for Brian who will be taking over Martin's Operation Leadership role from June. There is a lot for Brian to learn so Martin will need to stay involved for the following months. Please pray that the transition will be smooth and for good communication and understanding.

2. Pray for Fran and the CaraDonna team of staff and around twenty volunteers as they hold a follow up creative event on May 30th. This event and others planned are an opportunity for not yet Christians to hear more about Jesus, This also gives the believers in the group the opportunity to share their faith. Please pray for meaningful conversations. 

3. Give thanks for the recent Agape Italia Bible training conference that Fran and Martin attended. They studied Psalms. It was a real privilege to take time out of their usual weekly responsibilities and concentrate on God's word. Being in English made a big difference as well. Praise the Lord.

4. Give thanks for the many women Fran has the opportunity to share her faith with. Many of her friends and contacts ask her for prayer and see the difference that Jesus has made in her life - Pray that this will lead to deeper spiritual conversations .

5. Both Fran and Martin have been challenged by learning the Italian language. After 13 years they still don't feel very fluent. Now Martin will have fewer responsibilities; he will return to language classes, and Fran too. Pray for them as they work to improve their language skills during this year.
 
6. Pray for the teams across Italy mainly based in Rome, Bologna and Florence. Pray for open hearts and minds among the audiences of Athletes, Artists, Students, Families and refugees. Please also pray for relationships amongst staff, for love and grace to win out and the love of Jesus to be seen in our friendships and working relationships. 

7. Some of Fran and Martin’s ministry partners' circumstances have changed, which has affected their financial support, and they are currently looking for more ministry partners to join their team. Praise the Lord, He has provided everything they have needed during these 30 years. Please pray for them, for enthusiasm and energy as they discover the additional support to continue their work in Italy.