Missionary teams celebrate the work of volunteers in Italy.

Italy (MNN)–88% of the people in Italy profess to be Catholics, although the number that regularly attend mass has dropped dramatically over the past forty years.

With its goal of establishing local, independent Baptist churches, the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism team is involved in Bible studies, teaching theology, teaching English, coaching sports teams, participating in local groups and clubs, and distributing literature.

A church plant in the suburb of Avigliana is experiencing steady growth, and a new work is in progress in Giaveno.

The ABWE team has also started an international church in the city of Torino. Missionaries Jim and Lori Spoto are grateful for the efforts of two teams of volunteers who came out in support of this work.

The teams came from a mission called “Construction for World Evangelism” and remodeled the church building downstairs.

Their work opened many doors for the Gospel to be shared. As a result, the church has expanded to be able to seat 250 people, and they have a built in baptistery.