Allen Family Update: We Are Excited! (March 2025)

"And we know that for those who love God

all things work together for good,

for those who are called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28

To our family and friends,

It’s time for the much awaited update!

After months of meetings, planning, and prayer, we’ve officially secured our Overseeing Congregation for the mission work we’re preparing for in Padova, Italy. We’re excited to announce that Lake Cities Church of Christ has partnered with us in this mission to spread the Gospel in Italy. They’ve been doing incredible work in Italy for years, and we’re honored to join them in this mission field. It’s a huge step for our family, and we’re humbled by the trust they’ve placed in us.

The road here hasn’t been quick or easy, but we’re thankful for the journey. The past several months have been quite full of adventures—full of meetings with committees, elders, deacons, and mission organizations. It has been a lot of driving, a lot of conversations, and plenty of planning. But through it all, we’ve been reminded of the bigger picture: the mission we’re called to, the people we’re doing this for, and the God who’s been paving the way. *If you would like to financially partner with us for this mission work, either this year or for 2026 and beyond, then we would be greatly appreciative of you! Click here if you would like to look over our information packet or download it to share with others. We are trying to reach our target of expenses by May, so that we could potentially move in June.

Any contributions that you would like to make could be sent to our Overseeing Congregation through 2 options: Online: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lake280226

>Click "Italy Missions Padova - Allen" in the Fund Menu

By Mail: Lake Cities Church of Christ

280 Indian Creek Drive

Trophy Club, TX 76262

Made Out To: Lake Cities Church of Christ

Memo line: Italy Missions Padova - Allen

Unity In Christ

Since late July and August, we’ve been on the move. We’ve visited numerous congregations—not just here in Texas, but across the Southeastern United States. Each visit has been a blessing, an opportunity to connect with other believers, and to see the bigger picture of God’s work across the country. From worship services to Bible classes, the fellowship has been refreshing, and we’ve been encouraged by how many of you have been so curious, supportive, and interested in this mission. Here’s a list of the wonderful congregations we’ve had the chance to worship with on Sunday mornings, evenings, and Wednesday evenings:

• Brown Street Church of Christ (Waxahachie, TX)

• Eastridge Church of Christ (Rockwall, TX)

• Burleson Church of Christ (Burleson, TX)

• West President Church of Christ (Greenwood, MS)

• North Cherokee Church of Christ (Waleska, GA)

• Rhome Church of Christ (Rhome, TX)

• West Freeway Church of Christ (Fort Worth, TX)

• Riverside Church of Christ (Kerrville, TX)

• New York Avenue Church of Christ (Arlington, TX)

• Lewisville Church of Christ (Lewisville, TX)

• Grapevine Church of Christ (Grapevine, TX)

• Prestoncrest Church of Christ (Dallas, TX)

• North Main and South Main Churches of Christ (Weatherford, TX)

• Lake Cities Church of Christ (Roanoke, TX)

• Legacy Church of Christ (North Richland Hills, TX)
  

In addition to those visits, we’ve also spent time meeting with several wonderfully helpful and wise people. From their experiences, connections, and advice, we’ve gained valuable insight into what lies ahead. A big thank you to:

• Truitt Adair (Sunset Bible Institute, Lubbock, TX)

• Great Cities Missions (Addison, TX)

• Jeff and Tia Brauer (Former missionaries in Padova, Italy)

• Dan and Ravvy Wilson (Former missionaries in Italy)

• Jim and Jane Cox (Current missionaries in Vicenza and Padova, Italy)

• Ron and Chuck Moore (Former missionaries in Italy)

• Dudley Chancey (Mission work and former professor at Oklahoma Christian University)

• Jay Walls (Harding University professor and former missionary)

• Family and friends across Georgia, the Carolinas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, and overseas.

• I'm sorry if we've missed anyone. There are way to many to list, but we have loved talking with everyone of you even if you're not in this list.
  

If we’ve had the chance to meet with you or share our vision, thank you. It’s not easy to put everything on the table and ask for support, but the conversations we’ve had, whether by phone or face-to-face, have been incredibly encouraging. Your willingness to listen, pray, and invest has meant the world to us. *There will be an additional blog post in the future that acknowledges the amazing people and congregations who have offered us financial support for this work in Italy. There have been several so far from Nebraska, Texas, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. The church is truly connected, and it has been a great thing to experience this family that transcends borders.

Life in Transition

Alongside all of this, life has kept us busy. We’ve made moves—literally—by staying with family in Fort Worth, TX, and then Weatherford, TX, as we prepare for our transition. It's been a blessing to have a solid support system as we get ready for what’s next. Here’s a breakdown of what we’ve been up to:

• I’ve had the opportunity to preach and teach Bible classes at a few congregations. Every time I get to open and teach from the Scriptures, it is an absolute honor.

• My wife and I both picked up some daycare work to keep things moving while we prepare for the mission field.

• I’ve been working part-time at a gym, and using my Personal Training certification to help others meet their fitness goals.

• We updated our website, which has been a place to share not only updates but also articles like my "Church Words" series (click here to read). It's been a way to share thoughts, perspectives, and insights on our journey. There are a variety of other posts in our Blog section as we strive to share our passions of "Faith, Family, and Fitness". Please feel free to click here to browse the other articles.

• We’ve been growing our Etsy Shop—every order helps support the mission work in Italy. It’s a small thing, but it adds up, and we’re thankful for each purchase that helps fund the work ahead. Please click here to visit our shop and see if there's something you'd like to buy for yourself or a loved one. Maybe a mug, tshirt, or puzzle of Vicenza or Padova that you could assemble with your family or buy as a gift for a loved one!

• I also started co-hosting a "Faith and Fitness" podcast—mixing faith and fitness in a way that challenges people to grow spiritually and physically. The podcast is available on all platforms, but click here for the YouTube page! Season 2 will begin soon!

• My wife has been doing some calligraphy and graphic design jobs on the side—using her creative skills in ways that support our family and our mission.

• We’ve drove to South Carolina for a family reunion and to Greenwood, Mississippi to support a friend in his directorial debut of A Christmas Carol—a good reminder to stay connected with family, especially if we won't be seeing them for a few years.

• We connected with some new members of Avanti Italia in Scandicci, Italy—it’s always encouraging to see that the work in Italy is growing and people are excited to be part of it.

• On top of all that, I sent my self-published novel out to literary agents. This has been a "loose-end" of mine for several years now, so it has been a relief to try and submit it before the next chapter in our lives.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Purpose

As we move forward in this mission, we’re filled with gratitude—not just for the people who’ve supported us, but for the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. God has led us here, and we trust He’ll continue to guide us.

The road ahead won’t be easy, but it never is. There’s a lot of hard work ahead as we finish preparing and move to Italy. But we know that the mission we’re called to is worth it. And we’re ready for whatever God has planned for us.

In this season of preparation, we’ve been reminded of several verses that continue to fuel our drive:

• Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” This verse has been a constant reminder that though the work may be hard, the rewards come in God’s timing.

  
  

• Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

• Romans 8:28- "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Conclusion

For those of you who are also in the midst of pursuing God’s call in your life, we want to encourage you to keep moving forward. Whether you’re facing obstacles or feeling the weight of your own mission, know that God has not forgotten you. Press on. Keep your eyes fixed on the goal, and don’t grow weary in doing good. His purpose for you is real, and He will equip you for every good work.

Thank you to all who have come alongside us in this journey. Your prayers and encouragement mean more than we can express. Please continue to pray for us as we take these final steps before we head overseas. We look forward to sharing more soon.

With respect, gratitude, and anticipation,

The Allen Family