Italy Church Joins the Church of God
Recently, Calvary Victory International Ministries of Cividino-Bergamo, Italy joined the International Church of God. National Overseer of Italy, Bishop Domenico Barra, Missionary Dennis Tanner, Bishop Edwin Amoah of Ebenezer Gospel Ministries in Rotterdam, Holland and Pastor Stephen Yaw from Amsterdam, Holland, were present at the ceremony.
Pastor Joe Decker came to Italy 21 years ago and began assisting in the establishing of a church in the Ghanaian community. In 2001, Pastor Joe and his wife, Harriet, left a successful ministry to establish Calvary Victory International Ministries in Cividino-Bergamo, Italy. This church has 160 members today.
In 2007, while attending the 10 year anniversary of the Ebenezer Church of God in Rotterdam, Holland, Pastor Joe met Bishop Mark Smith from Cuba, Missouri, who was the keynote speaker for the anniversary celebration. Bishop Smith was able to encourage Pastor Joe in his ministry and explain to him the opportunities available with the Church of God.
Pastor Joe invited Benelux Missionary Dennis Tanner to visit Italy and introduce him to Bishop Domenico Barra, the National Overseer of the Church of God in Italy. After meetings between Bishop Barra, Pastor Joe and his board, Calvary Victory International Ministries voted to join the Church of God in Italy.
The day was marked with great celebration as the members of Calvary Victory International Ministries rejoiced in becoming a part of the International Church of God.
(Source: Church of God World Missions)
