Tiana Lacey

Student ministry in Turin, Italy

Only 1% of Italy’s population is evangelical — and only 25 GBU* groups exist in the whole of Italy.

Turin, a city of 2.2 million people in northern Italy, is home to a thriving student population of around 120,000. With over 10,000 international students from around the world, including many from countries with little gospel witness, the city is a strategic place for Christian ministry. Although many Italians are indifferent to faith and evangelical churches are small, the university environment offers unique opportunities to reach young people with the good news of Jesus.

Vision

Over the past few years, I have felt a growing burden for young people in Europe to hear the gospel and have been praying that God would give me opportunities to serve students in this context. During the past year, I have had the privilege of serving as a UCCF Relay Worker in Exeter, supporting the Christian Union in its evangelistic outreach and meeting many students who are asking big questions about faith.

One of the greatest joys of this year has been building friendships with international students and seeing God’s heart for the nations reflected on campus. Through these experiences, I have become increasingly passionate about student ministry and helping young people encounter Jesus during a formative season of life.

As I look ahead to Turin, I am excited by the opportunity to support both international and Italian students as they explore the gospel. My vision is to see students equipped and encouraged to share their faith confidently with friends, coursemates, and others across the university, so that more students can come to know Christ and become lifelong disciples.

About Me

I will be serving in Turin as an InterAction Worker with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), partnering with the local Christian Union, the GBU. In this role, I will be involved in the regular activities of the GBU, including weekly meetings, Bible studies, and ministry among international students.

Alongside these responsibilities, I will have the opportunity to disciple Christian students, help train student leaders, and equip them to study the Bible with others and share Jesus with their friends. I will also support the practical and day-to-day needs of the ministry as we seek to strengthen the witness of the GBU on campus.

I am grateful for what God has taught me through my year in Exeter and look forward to using that experience to serve and encourage students in Turin.

*GBU — Gruppi Biblici Universitari