Italy is the center of the Roman Catholic Church, but the church is
 steadily losing its influence.  Many are searching, but few are turning to
 Christ.  A shortage of workers means that many never hear the gospel.
 
 Italy is located in southern Europe.  It is a boot shaped peninsula in the
 Mediterranean Sea and two islands - Sicily and Sardinia.  The terrain is a
 combination of mountains and plains.
 
 The population of Italy is approximately 58 million.  Most (over 90%) are
 native Italians.  There are significant cultural and economic differences
 between northern and southern Italian people.
 
 Italy is a member of the European Union.  Northern Italy has more industry
 and is wealthier than southern Italy.  Rampant crime coupled with
 government inefficiency and instability has hampered economic growth.
 
 Italy became a nation in 1861.  After a series of authoritarian rulers,
 Italy became a republic following defeat in World War II.  However, the
 elected governments have typically been unstable and short-lived.
  Corruption and crime are widespread.  Much of the power in Italy lies with
 organized crime.  These organizations have such influence that the
 government has had little success against them.
 
 The Roman Catholic Church lost its position as the official state church in
 1984.  Although it still dominates, the Catholic Church has lost a
 significant amount of influence since World War II.  The number of members
 and priests has fallen rapidly in recent years, and many are disillusioned
 with the church.
 
 Unfortunately, most of those who have left the Catholic Church have turned
 to New Age thinking, the occult, or groups like the Jehovah's Witnesses.
  Evangelicals account for approximately 1% of the population, and there has
 been some growth in the last 20 years.
 
 We can praise the Lord that Protestants are no longer persecuted as they
 once were.  However, the church has significant needs.  There is a lack of
 native Italian pastors and much infighting among those who are pastors.
  Pray that the Lord would call more men to the ministry.
 
 Italy needs more evangelical missionaries.  Italy is a difficult place for
 missionaries to work.  There is much opposition to the gospel and
 significant cultural differences.  Unfortunately, only 10% of missionaries
 return to Italy after their first term.  Pray that the Lord would send more
 missionaries with the grace to stay for the long term.
 
 Pray for the ministries of Christian radio and TV.  There are abundant
 opportunities to reach people through these means.