Linda and Andy Brucato Update April 9, 2009

Linda’s update April 9, 2009

Dear Friends,

Today I want to share with you, not about Andy, but about me! As some of you know Andy, after about a 2 year process, was able to get his Italian citizenship (without renouncing his American citizenship) based on ancestry. All the boys were also able to get dual citizenship through him, which is a great advantage to Luke who lives here, and to Mark who is planning to return as a missionary. In these past 5 years or so getting missionary visas is becoming more and more difficult. We are beginning to wonder if Italy is trying to close the door to evangelical missionaries. I have been here under a missionary visa, as was Andy until last year. Each year the permission to stay in the country must be renewed and the renewal process is also getting crazy. My last permission took over a year to get back, which means I was here without a valid permission all that time. Now my current permission is also expired, and I am preparing to leave the country- not a recommended idea if you want to be sure to get back in!

One of the first things we were planning on doing upon our return in January was to put in my paper work to be recognized as a citizen based on marriage. Obviously we have had other things to think about since we got here. So, this week I finally got my birth certificate translated and planned to take it to the citizenship office yesterday. Before I went I called to see if they were open and the woman told me that I needed a special form which I could get online. So I downloaded the form and read it!!! Help!! I needed other documents which I did not have, and a current, valid permission!!! My heart sank.

Andy suggested I just go down to the office and pray that the Lord would provide someone to help me. As I took the bus into the center I prayed. I asked the Lord for mercy and grace to open up a way for me where there seemed to be no way. But, even as I prayed I admitted to the Lord that I had no right to demand His grace; I had not fulfilled the requirements of the law and He could give me justice, not grace. He owed me nothing.

At the office I found just what my heart had asked for, a helpful secretary. She took my birth certificate and began filling out the request. After a few minutes she announced that all that was needed was a tax stamp, and told me to run down to the tobacco shop and buy one. When I got back she said it was all done and that I was now an Italian citizen!!! She never asked for any other document! Needless to say I went on my way rejoicing that my heavenly Father gave me “grace” not the “law”!

Once again my Father spoke into my heart, reassuring me that He WANTS to lavish His grace upon me; that was the whole point of Calvary. Jesus satisfied God’s justice so that I might receive God’s grace! I still come to Him with no merit of my own. I cannot demand His grace, but I can receive it based on the merits of Jesus. This is the gospel. And this is what we celebrate this holy week. The God of grace!!

Marveling at His goodness and grace, that we have also received through you!!

Linda