We're a lot like those 'nasone' fountains...

LOGOI
Aug 4
2 min read

I was awed by all I saw and experienced in my first trip to Italy in July. I didn’t think the magnificent Duomo in Milan could be topped until I stood in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Perhaps I got a glimpse of what Solomon’s Temple must have been like.

"My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful bike ride along the Roman built Appian Way roads — perhaps the same ancient road the Apostle Paul walked as mentioned in Acts 28:15. We also visited a cold cell carved into a cave where, tradition holds, Paul was imprisoned by Nero.

Touring the incredible Coliseum and then one of the larger catacombs, our guides told stories of our Christian forefathers and the brutal reign of Nero. It was impossible to not feel the weight of all the early Christians martyred for believing in Jesus.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,” Paul wrote, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

This “great cloud of witnesses” took on new meaning to me as we heard stories of Roman rule and the suffering of early Christians. I returned emboldened by the opportunities God has given us of equipping God’s people to proclaim the Gospel.

"LOGOI’s ministry has never been one to make big headlines, so to speak. We simply, quietly, and consistently go about being the place Spanish pastors and teaching leaders go when they need biblical help, advice, and yes, much needed encouragement." Amazingly, Spanish pastors and leaders accessed our Bible resource center over 350,000 times last year. I think Paul would have rejoiced…but then he probably would have wondered, “Why only 350,000?”

We especially ask for your generous gifts during these lean summer months. Your prayers and gifts are a great encouragement and blessing to pastors and leaders all across the Spanish speaking world.

As we rode our bikes along the Appian Way, our guide came to a stop by one of the little water fountains called, “nasone,” which means “big nose” due to their nose-like spout. We

were told there are over 2,500 of them throughout the city. Each nasone provides clean drinking water from Rome’s ancient aqueducts.

It didn’t matter to me how much water I already had in my bottle. I always poured it out in exchange for the fresh, delicious, cold water. We’re a lot like those nasone fountains at LOGOI. Every time someone stops in to take a “drink” of our free Bible resources, they are refreshed by God’s Word. So from one nasone to another, let’s keep going!

Forever!