By Nina Schaafsma, JMI Missionary in Italy
“Diego! Diego! Diego!”
We cheered for Diego as he took the Olympic torch and ran. We followed him, cheering him along, and people joined in. The excitement was electric. As the crowd ran with him, I heard someone say, “Who is that?” Someone replied, “I don’t know, but they are all yelling ‘DIEGO!’” And they joined in.
Across Italy, excitement has been building as the Milano–Cortina 2026 Games approach. Crowds lined the streets just a mile from our home. I drove our friend Diego to the meeting point for his part in the festivities. Finally, the day was here! The Olympic torch was running through our area as part of the celebrations. In many ways, these Games began years ago, as athletes trained (some since childhood), cities planned and built, and competitions paved the way.
We have watched road deviations and seen stadiums built. Then, a week ago, we and more than 61,000 others gathered at the iconic San Siro stadium to open the games. It was thrilling. Our land takes pride in representing this country’s beauty with class and artistry. Just yesterday, we watched two Italian teams win Gold medals in the luge! So much is happening right here around us!
Believers across Italy and from around the world have been praying, going out, and making plans. This winter has brought heightened awareness to our city. Once again, we see Milan on the world stage, and we are thankful for the people who join us in prayer and evangelism for this beautiful land. As Max, our son, has been meeting with Diego and the group coordinating outreach efforts around Milan, we have also been preparing at the church.
A few weeks ago, we had the “evangelism book bus” on the streets near our church, and our team was out every day talking with people about Jesus. We invited people to come to a Spaghettata at Punto Luce. “Spaghetti, Concert, and Conversation” was the menu.
We were thrilled to have people come in literally off the street to hear about Jesus. Perhaps we should not have been surprised when, just a few days later, the bus was vandalized. A brother in the church said to me, “San Giuliano seems to have an excessive amount of spiritual battle.”
While walking in the city, we hear people talking about Jesus on the streets. We know of churches like ours that are seizing the moment to open their doors. When Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel,” His plan was for people to meet Him. We are full of joy that for this season, the whole world is coming here. Watch parties, coffee hubs, and street preaching are at the forefront.
Next week, our church, Punto Luce, is hosting an event in the park in collaboration with a Swiss outreach group. We are modifying our summer “World of Fun” games into “Experience the Olympics.” We will have games that simulate Olympic events. The goal? Not just to have fun. But to make Jesus known.
The challenge to the church is to “run the race marked out before you.” To spend our lives living for Jesus and bringing His light. Just as the goal of the Olympic organizers is to build enthusiasm and draw people in, our heart is for others to watch us and ask, “Who is that they are talking about?” And have the answer be, “Jesus.”
May they follow along with us, running toward loving Jesus and knowing Him more.
Please pray as we go out and share Jesus. Please pray that the torch of eternal life would be seen, and that many will meet Jesus as their Savior as a result of the many efforts across our city.
304 44th Ave. N
