John Paul and Sue Aranzulla have served in Bologna since 2008, where they planted Forte Torre church in 2010. After months of reflection, conversation, and prayer, they believe the Lord is leading them to move to Genoa, the capital of the Liguria region, in early 2027. Their desire is to make themselves available to him to plant a new gospel work from very few resources — much like the early days of Forte Torre. They share three reasons why they believe it’s right to take this step of faith.

  1. The future of Forte Torre
    After more than 15 years, we are deeply thankful for all the Lord has done at Forte Torre. The church is financially stable, owns its premises, and has established the healthy practice of funding its pastor. When we arrived in Bologna, there was very little evangelical witness; today there are several faithful churches in the city. The Lord has workers here.

    At the same time, we increasingly sense the next stage of growth requires Italian leadership to step forward more fully. Two of our former deacons have already planted churches. John Paul has invested greatly in the next generation, but we’re aware that our continued long-term presence could unintentionally delay a necessary transition.

    For this reason, we have carefully planned a gradual transition period from November ‘25 to January ’27, through which we have developed a training course called Leaders for God’s Church. We are encouraged ten men are receiving instruction, and we’re already seeing signs of genuine willingness to step into greater responsibility. Our hope is that the course will help both individuals and the fellowship discern clearly whom the Lord is raising up for future leadership. We are praying a faithful pastor and elders emerge — while remaining open, if necessary, to considering an external candidate. We trust the chief shepherd to care for his flock.

  2. A continued calling to Italy
    Our move is not retreat, but a renewed commitment to Italy. For years, at our daily prayer meetings and on the annual day of prayer for Italy, we’ve prayed not only for Bologna but for every region of this country, especially the regional capitals. We have long desired that Forte Torre would be sending out workers into Italy’s harvest field — a church that holds the nation in its heart.

    We feel we have spent nearly two decades sowing, praying, and labouring in Bologna! Now we sense the Lord giving us the opportunity for a second season of service in another region. The timing also feels significant. In 2026 we’ll be 54-55 years old. Considering the time needed to settle, build relationships, and patiently begin a new church work in Italy, we believe that if we are to do this, it needs to happen soon. The window of opportunity is limited.

    Spiritually, we also recognise that it is healthy to begin again ‘from scratch’ — to lay down recognised roles and salaries and trust the Lord afresh. We go not seeking security, but desiring to see the same gospel take root, in new and needy soil.

  3. A door opening in Liguria
    Liguria is a region with very limited evangelical witness, even by Italian standards. In particular, there are very few churches of strong evangelical conviction. Over the past year we’ve had encouraging conversations with Lux Evangelica Church in Genoa, including time with pastor Matt Johnston. Through these meetings, a genuine partnership has begun to emerge, with shared theological and ecclesiological vision. Having always wanted to work in close collaboration with an existing trusted church in the region, we are deeply grateful to God for his evident provision. This extended hand of gospel fellowship has brought us joy.

    The aim would be to work closely: Lux Evangelica continuing its ministry in central east Genoa, while we would likely focus on the western side (Genoa’s population is 570,000), praying that over time faithful churches might develop along both the eastern and western coasts of the region.

    We have also been deeply encouraged by Rocco and Desy, a young Italian couple who know Genoa well and are willing to join us from the outset. Their readiness strengthens our faith that this step is of the Lord.

Please pray for wisdom as John Paul works closely with Forte Torre through 2026 to manage the transition well. Pray for clear and recognised leadership to emerge within the church, and for the Lord to provide both for Forte Torre and this new venture in Genoa.