ROME, ITALY – As always, it is a thrill to hear about the work of Christ throughout the world. On January 25, 2026, the congregation of Grace Immanuel Bible Church in Jupiter, Florida was privileged to hear from missionary pastor David Standridge who was sent out by GIBC in 2013 and now pastors the church plant Vita nella Grazia (Church of Grace) in Rome. Additionally, the Standridges also oversee a publishing ministry called Voice of the Gospel which reaches thousands in Italy, many without direct access to a local church.

During his visit in January, Pastor Standridge shared about the need to relocate their fellowship to a new place of worship. The goal was to begin meeting someplace near the center of Rome. Most of the congregation already lives near that area, and an additional 300,000 people live within a few miles. Added to this are the facts that there are no other churches in the area and that the overall costs for the congregation will be reduced – making the move a prudent one. In January, Pastor Standridge estimated the move to occur around April, and in his recent missionary newsletter he shared an update.

On May 30, 2026, during a special evening service, the congregation of Vita nella Grazia gathered together to celebrate the inauguration of their new place of worship. According to the newsletter, roughly 50 people were present for this amazing evening. What makes their new location particularly special is that the renovated facilities were once the site of another church planted by Pastor Standridge’s own father over six decades ago. That church continues to thrive in another location to this day, but it seemed only appropriate that its originally location would now serve as host to another congregation seeking to grow in Kingdom impact.

During the night of the inauguration, Pastor Standridge preached from Matthew 11 – the key text being, Matthew 11:28-30:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (KJV).

It is the sincere hope of the leadership at Vita nella Grazia that all who come to the church will come to know the rest that only Christ can provide. As the letter put it, “Our hope is that in this new location we will be able to invite people to come to Jesus and know Him.”

In the first several weeks in the new location, the church has already seen visitors from Spain, England, and the United States. They have also enjoyed the encouragement of being in a location much more accessible to the people of Rome. As they continue to press forward in ministry, their prayer requests include salvation for those visitors who come frequently to their church without knowing the Lord, for faithful discipleship of new members and leaders in the church, for new members who will soon join the church, and ultimately to maintain a heart of gratitude for everything the Lord is doing to grow the church.

We are so excited and thrilled for the congregation of Vita nella Grazia! The Lord is faithful to build His church for His glory, and we can not wait to see what He will accomplish through this local body. May they be blessed!

References

Disclaimer: Vita nella Grazia is not affiliated with and does not sponsor Thrive Christian Press or The Believer’s Byline. Small portions of the original newsletter were cited or quoted for review purposes only and in keeping with the limitations of fair use. All opinions expressed are those of the author.

The inauguration service of the new facilities of Vita nella Grazia can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5hON0z525Y

Non-Italian speakers will need to turn on subtitles in the appropriate language.

Photography Credit

The featured image is by lolsanches from Pixabay. Used by permission. Thrive Christian Press makes no claim on this image.

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