ITALY...
a mission
field ?” What about all those great churches and
cathedrals? Isn’t there a rich Christian heritage in the country?
“Occultism, magic, and superstition are rampant in Italy with over
$4 billion spent on fortune telling. An estimated 100,000 licensed
witches, 3 times the priestly population, contributes to Italy’s
reputation as a graveyard for missionaries (less than 10% of them
ever returns for a second term).
In the words of one missionary: “In Italy you need two callings…one to come and one to stay!” There are less Evangelicals (0.73%) than in India, Africa, Russia, Japan or China. Divisions among evangelical churches is a reflection of what goes on in government with over 32 political parties, and a chaotic state. Pastors are the first to admit: “we are few and well divided”!
As in most societies, the upper echelon of society may have experienced a great deal of worldly success, yet many are also experiencing a deep emptiness, with lives devoid of meaning and love. they are spiritually bankrupt...So the answer to the initial question is a resounding YES!