Today we share with you a reflection from Pastor Alessandro Urso and Pastor Luca Raciti from the Church of the Nazarene in Catania, Italy. Together, they share their church’s Alabaster story and how faithful giving has helped create a place of worship, hope, and new life in their community.
“The work in Catania began in the post-war period, in 1948. For many years, until 1994, our church community gathered in a small building. Then, through the sale of properties the Church already own, the generous contributions of local believers, and the support of the Alabaster Offering, we were able to begin building a new church.
It took ten years, from 1994 until the church was finally inaugurated in 2004. Throughout that journey, we also received valuable help from Witness and Work teams. Looking back, we can truly see God’s hand in every step of the process.
Having our church in this particular location has also been a real testimony of new life and renewal. Part of the area where our church now stands was once an abandoned slaughterhouse. Today, it has become a place where people can come, worship, find hope, and experience God’s love.
Our neighbors, as well as people who live farther away, have come to visit us—sometimes simply out of curiosity, and sometimes because we invited them. And over the years, several of them have developed beautiful and meaningful relationships with our church family.
For us, it is always a joy and a privilege to contribute to the annual offerings for missions, and especially to support the Alabaster Offering. We give with a deep sense of responsibility, knowing that we are part of a great Nazarene family that extends across the world.
Through these offerings, our worldwide church continues to serve faithfully and lovingly, bringing hope, dignity, and new opportunities to people and communities in need. Every contribution, no matter how small, becomes part of something much bigger than ourselves.
We believe that the church is both a spiritual and a physical place—a place where God teaches us, shapes us, and heals us.
Having a place that is dedicated and consecrated to Him means inviting His presence to dwell among us. And when His presence is at the center of our church, we believe that He can richly bless every member, every family, and every person who walks through our doors.
As we look back, we simply want to thank the Lord for allowing us to be part of this great Nazarene family. We want to continue with grateful hearts and willing hands, knowing that every small contribution to God’s mission is like a brick that helps build hope, security, and a better future.
We are all called to take part in God’s mission. And so, we should never forget this: when the Lord calls us, He will also provide everything we need to accomplish what He has placed before us.
To God be all the glory!”
