Lee and Jeannette and the Walti Family
Lee and Jeannette, married for 27 years with five children (three grown, two still at home) have served as missionaries for Jesus for over 25 years. For the first 13 1/2 years, Lee and Jeannette served with FamilyLife, a division of Campus Crusade for Christ, helping to save marriages and familes for Christ. They then served with Crusade Headquarters (now called Cru) and The JESUS Film in Orlando, Florida for three years, where Lee served as Marketing Director. In September of 2008, Lee and Jeannette were sent as missionaries with the support and encouragement of their home church, Metro Life Church in Orlando, Florida. Since then, their oldest children helped plant a church in Downtown Orlando called Crosspointe Downtown Orlando with which the Walti's have now been related for the last few years.
After training those first 2 years in language, adjusting to the culture and learning what it means to be church planters in Italy, they began their ministry in Chiavari, Italy, in September of 2010 with a hope of developing a model of evangelism and discipleship and a movement of churches, all geared toward a missiological model that seeks to give the ministry away to local, Italian nationals. Prior to serving as missionaries, Lee was a marketing consultant to the high tech industry for 10 years and Jeannette was a graphic designer for the landscape architecture and jewelry industries for 8 years. Ordained, Lee also received a Masters with honors in Biblical Counseling from Masters University in Santa Clarita, California, received a Certificate degree in theology from the International School of Theology, (Cru's seminary) in San Bernardino, California, as well as he has completed seminary coursework at Bethel West in San Diego, RTS Jackson (Ms) and Dallas Theological (Tx). Lee also received a Bachelors of Science in Marketing from San Diego State University while Jeannette, who also attended S.D.S.U., received a Bachelors of Arts in Graphic Design and herself has also taken numerous courses in general theology, bible hermeneutics, missions, and church planting and strategy. Jeannette has served faithfully and tirelessly as a wonderful wife and mother of five children, and in all ways, serving and keeping both her family and the ministry that the family does happening. She is also the backbone of the ministry, regularly demonstrating how her wonderful gift of hospitality can be used for the furtherance of the gospel! To learn more about the Walti family and their ministry Italy, click here: Who We Are
After training those first 2 years in language, adjusting to the culture and learning what it means to be church planters in Italy, they began their ministry in Chiavari, Italy, in September of 2010 with a hope of developing a model of evangelism and discipleship and a movement of churches, all geared toward a missiological model that seeks to give the ministry away to local, Italian nationals. Prior to serving as missionaries, Lee was a marketing consultant to the high tech industry for 10 years and Jeannette was a graphic designer for the landscape architecture and jewelry industries for 8 years. Ordained, Lee also received a Masters with honors in Biblical Counseling from Masters University in Santa Clarita, California, received a Certificate degree in theology from the International School of Theology, (Cru's seminary) in San Bernardino, California, as well as he has completed seminary coursework at Bethel West in San Diego, RTS Jackson (Ms) and Dallas Theological (Tx). Lee also received a Bachelors of Science in Marketing from San Diego State University while Jeannette, who also attended S.D.S.U., received a Bachelors of Arts in Graphic Design and herself has also taken numerous courses in general theology, bible hermeneutics, missions, and church planting and strategy. Jeannette has served faithfully and tirelessly as a wonderful wife and mother of five children, and in all ways, serving and keeping both her family and the ministry that the family does happening. She is also the backbone of the ministry, regularly demonstrating how her wonderful gift of hospitality can be used for the furtherance of the gospel! To learn more about the Walti family and their ministry Italy, click here: Who We Are
We Want You!
WE'RE NEEDING MORE HELP!!
Are you the next person or couple or family we will add to this list? We are looking for both long-term missionaries as well as short-term. All you need is a passion for Jesus, a love for others and a willingness to hear God's call to reach Italians for Christ.
Italy may seem like a romantic place and a wonderful place to travel to but as far as missionaries are concerned, Italy is desperate. It is considered the graveyard of missionaries as over 95% return after two years of service. And, though we appreciate their faithfulness...upwards of 85% are single women and the men are rarely to be found as missionaries, evangelists, church-planters, pastors, etc. We are looking for like-minded people who can serve alongside us as equal partners and Church-Planters. We are also looking for a Marriage and Family Coordinator, an Evangelism and Discipleship Coordinator, a Training /Mission Team Coordinator and much, much more! Consider praying and considering the possibility of serving as a long-term missionary with our ministry. You will be called to follow the way of the cross, giving your life up for the gospel, but praise God that you could join us in ministry that Italians might be saved by the gospel of grace, a gospel that 99% of Italians no nothing about...come visit us in Italy to start! We are awaiting your contact!
If you would like to know more about our ministry, please contact us at [email protected] or if you want to apply to become an ESL Teacher, contact us for our application for ESL Teacher. To complete the reference forms necessary to complete the ESL Teacher Application, click here for the form: ESL Teacher Reference Form.
Are you the next person or couple or family we will add to this list? We are looking for both long-term missionaries as well as short-term. All you need is a passion for Jesus, a love for others and a willingness to hear God's call to reach Italians for Christ.
Italy may seem like a romantic place and a wonderful place to travel to but as far as missionaries are concerned, Italy is desperate. It is considered the graveyard of missionaries as over 95% return after two years of service. And, though we appreciate their faithfulness...upwards of 85% are single women and the men are rarely to be found as missionaries, evangelists, church-planters, pastors, etc. We are looking for like-minded people who can serve alongside us as equal partners and Church-Planters. We are also looking for a Marriage and Family Coordinator, an Evangelism and Discipleship Coordinator, a Training /Mission Team Coordinator and much, much more! Consider praying and considering the possibility of serving as a long-term missionary with our ministry. You will be called to follow the way of the cross, giving your life up for the gospel, but praise God that you could join us in ministry that Italians might be saved by the gospel of grace, a gospel that 99% of Italians no nothing about...come visit us in Italy to start! We are awaiting your contact!
If you would like to know more about our ministry, please contact us at [email protected] or if you want to apply to become an ESL Teacher, contact us for our application for ESL Teacher. To complete the reference forms necessary to complete the ESL Teacher Application, click here for the form: ESL Teacher Reference Form.
Teaching ESL in Italy!!!
Our ESL teachers usually come for a 3-month commitment to serve (though you can serve for two semesters with a break in-between, which always helps for building relationships with Italians). They teach ESL to Italians and foreigners here in Italy, hoping to reach them with the gospel. The idea is that those here in Chiavari, Italy, will see your heart to love them by serving them and as a result, they will want to know about the hope that is within you. I Peter 3:15 says, "In your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." ESL teachers have constant opportunity to be asked about their faith and to share the gospel through one-on-one meetings for caffe' or meals, through the bible programs or courses we offer or through the many activities we hold for our students to get together and get to know each other better including: mountain hikes, beach days, bowling, craft night, short film night, game night, trips to Cinque Terre, American breakfast, birthday parties, and Thanksgiving meal. Please pray for each of our teachers as they seek to use their time and their gifting for God's glory and for the furtherance of the gospel.
Below are some pictures of some of our activities from semesters past, photos and bios of current and upcoming ESL teachers as well as testimonies from both teachers and students!
Below are some pictures of some of our activities from semesters past, photos and bios of current and upcoming ESL teachers as well as testimonies from both teachers and students!
Nando and Cindy Irizarry - ESL Teachers, Fall 2018
Nando and Cindy Irizarry will be serving this fall 2018. As usual, their cover job will be teaching ESL. But their real job will be developing relationships and building them so as to share the gospel. They will be engaging with others outside of the ESL classroom by going bowling, hiking, have a short film night, eat Italian food, have an American breakfast, Thanksgiving dinner, meet for cappuccino, eating gelato and looking for opportunities to initiate Spirit-led conversations with the intent of sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ alone. In addition, they are both Spanish speakers (originally from Puerto Rico) and therefore, will be able to engage with fluency those who may be Spanish speakers themselves. They are excited about serving this fall, from September 17th until December 13th here in Italy.
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Carri Ware - ESL Teacher, Spring 2017
Cari, the sister of our oldest daughter's hustand to be, is from Orlando, Florida. She has a huge heart for people and has been involved in trying to help North Koreans escape their country. Cari is 24 years old and has always wanted to come to Italy.
It was an exciting time to have Cari as she lived with us for a few weeks and unlike the past 9 years of ESL teachers, she lived in an apt by herself. However, everything went great and she thoroughly enjoyed relating the students. Cari was especially gifted in sharing her faith, meeting with students, and even pointing them to the Scriptures. Thanks Cari!
It was an exciting time to have Cari as she lived with us for a few weeks and unlike the past 9 years of ESL teachers, she lived in an apt by herself. However, everything went great and she thoroughly enjoyed relating the students. Cari was especially gifted in sharing her faith, meeting with students, and even pointing them to the Scriptures. Thanks Cari!
Kevin O'Brien - ESL Teacher, Fall 2012
Kevin, a friend of our oldest daughters, Bethany and Hannah, is from Cocoa Village, Florida along the east coast of Florida near the Kennedy Space Center. He attends Sovereign Grace Titusville, a part of the Sovereign Grace movement. Kevin is 24 years old and came to us with a big heart to be a part of church-planting, to learn what this is all about, as well as to serve an ESL teacher to Italians. Kevin served with two other teachers while here in Fall of 2012.
Kevin almost didn't come. He had all sorts of fears and doubts. But he pushed through, God raised his support and before leaving, Kevin shared with us that he has changed in a positive way through teaching ESL and developing relationships with Italians so as to share the gospel with them than in any other time in his life. Kevin will be sharing his testimony of his experience in this space shortly!
Kevin almost didn't come. He had all sorts of fears and doubts. But he pushed through, God raised his support and before leaving, Kevin shared with us that he has changed in a positive way through teaching ESL and developing relationships with Italians so as to share the gospel with them than in any other time in his life. Kevin will be sharing his testimony of his experience in this space shortly!
Carissa Cisar - ESL Teacher, Spring 2012
"I miss Italy! And all the students. I'm also so glad that Katia [one of the students we were able to reach for Jesus] was able to return to Chiavari with a teacher contract and stay with you all for another year! Well, I read almost every update that Lee writes and am keeping up with the three new teachers this semester [Fall 2012). Of course, I wonder if the three of them combined are almost as fantastic as me? Haha, solo un scherzo! [only a joke]. Miss you all...and I think of Chiavari often. Being an ESL Teacher and developing relationships with Italians was a wonderful experience for me! And the Walti Family but especially Jeannette does such a great job at making the teachers feel loved and warmed by her presence! I highly recommend this experience! I'm so glad that I did it."
Carissa came to us from one of our sister churches (Sovereign Grace Ministries) in St. Petersburg, FL, her dad being a pastor. Carissa served with us when she was 20 years old and is a talented photographer and has literally built her own business from the ground up. Carissa thoroughly enjoyed her opportunity to minister in Italy and served with us here in Chiavari in Spring 2012.
Carissa came to us from one of our sister churches (Sovereign Grace Ministries) in St. Petersburg, FL, her dad being a pastor. Carissa served with us when she was 20 years old and is a talented photographer and has literally built her own business from the ground up. Carissa thoroughly enjoyed her opportunity to minister in Italy and served with us here in Chiavari in Spring 2012.
Rachel Knowles - ESL Teacher, Spring 2011
"I went to Chiavari, Italy for three months in Spring of 2011. I miss it tremendously. Not only is it unbelievably beautiful (I have wonderful memories of walking along the river, driving on the autostrada between the coast and the mountains, and traveling to other cities), but the relationships I continued and made while there will hopefully last a lifetime.
The Walti family graciously hosted us (my sister and me) for three months, and we made many wonderful memories with them teaching English, traveling, and hanging out around home and town. We taught Intermedio (Intermediate) and Avanzato (Advanced) English three evenings a week to mostly Italian but also Romanian, Polish, Moroccan, Bulgarian, Albanian, and Guatemalan students!
We also had all sorts of fun activities including park and beach days, bowling nights and hosting the students for an American Breakfast and Spiritual Short Film night. And it was during these activities that our students often got to hear the gospel and the love that God has for them. Through it all, we quickly became friends and loved spending time together, especially getting a caffe or eating gelato (amazing!!), or just walking around the town of Chiavari.
I've been changing over the past few years in stepping outside of my comfort zone, and this trip really encouraged it even more. I had to stretch myself and my teaching and leadership abilities, and even risk sounding stupid or offensive trying to communicate across both linguistic and cultural barriers (and all of this experience is now serving me well in nursing school).
Through it all, the Waltis, our students and the townspeople were so kind to us. Our students were always so eager to learn, patient, understanding, and giving. One lady who was a student, who I especially enjoyed and talked to that semester, even brought me chocolate during the last class, and was clearly at the point of tears that we were leaving to go back to the states. Another friend was crying with us the day before we left and showering us with all sorts of blessings.
I still talk to my new friends from Italy whenever I can, helping them with English, or even trying to talk to them in my broken Italian. Some of my experiences there were difficult, but I feel like they were hand-picked by God for me and I feel so blessed and enriched as a result of having gone through them. I have become so much more aware of the people that God not only lovingly created but also placed in my life...more aware of their needs and more committed to loving them just like I have been so loved."
The Walti family graciously hosted us (my sister and me) for three months, and we made many wonderful memories with them teaching English, traveling, and hanging out around home and town. We taught Intermedio (Intermediate) and Avanzato (Advanced) English three evenings a week to mostly Italian but also Romanian, Polish, Moroccan, Bulgarian, Albanian, and Guatemalan students!
We also had all sorts of fun activities including park and beach days, bowling nights and hosting the students for an American Breakfast and Spiritual Short Film night. And it was during these activities that our students often got to hear the gospel and the love that God has for them. Through it all, we quickly became friends and loved spending time together, especially getting a caffe or eating gelato (amazing!!), or just walking around the town of Chiavari.
I've been changing over the past few years in stepping outside of my comfort zone, and this trip really encouraged it even more. I had to stretch myself and my teaching and leadership abilities, and even risk sounding stupid or offensive trying to communicate across both linguistic and cultural barriers (and all of this experience is now serving me well in nursing school).
Through it all, the Waltis, our students and the townspeople were so kind to us. Our students were always so eager to learn, patient, understanding, and giving. One lady who was a student, who I especially enjoyed and talked to that semester, even brought me chocolate during the last class, and was clearly at the point of tears that we were leaving to go back to the states. Another friend was crying with us the day before we left and showering us with all sorts of blessings.
I still talk to my new friends from Italy whenever I can, helping them with English, or even trying to talk to them in my broken Italian. Some of my experiences there were difficult, but I feel like they were hand-picked by God for me and I feel so blessed and enriched as a result of having gone through them. I have become so much more aware of the people that God not only lovingly created but also placed in my life...more aware of their needs and more committed to loving them just like I have been so loved."
Bethany Taylor - ESL Teacher, Spring 2009
My experience as an ESL teacher is something I would not trade for anything. I didn’t have any experience teaching prior to this, but I knew that God would be with me. Not only was it a wonderful opportunity to share the Gospel with Italians, but it also helped me to grow spiritually. Because the Italians were so curious about Evangelical Christianity and what it meant, it spurred me on to read my Bible more and really draw closer to God. The Italian students are not only eager to learn English, but want to know more about you and how you seem to be “different” from other Americans they’ve met. They are also very curious why you would leave America (a place they want to go) to come teach English to them for free! It makes for lots of opportunities to share.
The classes themselves were a blast. I always looked forward to teaching and being with my students. There’s never a dull moment. There was always someone or something that would make us teachers laugh. It was such a wonderful time building relationships. We have lots of times in activities outside of class and just having coffee together.
Being an ESL teacher was definitely a lot of work, but the Walti’s never ceased to encourage me and Alyssa. We would come home extremely exhausted or feel defeated because we didn’t know the answer to a question that the Italians asked about Christianity and Mr. and Mrs. Walti would always remind us of God’s sovereignty and that we were sowing seeds into these Italian hearts by showing them God's love. They also invested into our students lives by having several game nights and an American breakfast.
I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to be an ESL teacher. I would highly encourage anyone and everyone to go to Italy to be an ESL teacher. God gave up His life to forgive us of all our sins and to give us eternal life… shouldn’t that motivate us to give up 3 months of a year to serve in Italy and reach Italians with the Gospel?
The classes themselves were a blast. I always looked forward to teaching and being with my students. There’s never a dull moment. There was always someone or something that would make us teachers laugh. It was such a wonderful time building relationships. We have lots of times in activities outside of class and just having coffee together.
Being an ESL teacher was definitely a lot of work, but the Walti’s never ceased to encourage me and Alyssa. We would come home extremely exhausted or feel defeated because we didn’t know the answer to a question that the Italians asked about Christianity and Mr. and Mrs. Walti would always remind us of God’s sovereignty and that we were sowing seeds into these Italian hearts by showing them God's love. They also invested into our students lives by having several game nights and an American breakfast.
I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to be an ESL teacher. I would highly encourage anyone and everyone to go to Italy to be an ESL teacher. God gave up His life to forgive us of all our sins and to give us eternal life… shouldn’t that motivate us to give up 3 months of a year to serve in Italy and reach Italians with the Gospel?
An ESL Bible Student Testimony - Spring 2016
Thank you for the ESL study going through the story of the bible. It really helped me to learn my English and it was very interesting to study the bible. My girlfriend and I are now more interested in God and have begun attending the Walti's church. You and Jeannette are so kind to offer these courses for free.
Thank you,
Paolo (& Tatiane)
A Recent ESL Student Testimony - Fall 2011
I was thinking all day what to tell you in the end. I'm not good enough to express my thoughts with speech. That's why I decided to write them. I'm so unhappy because the course is finished. But I'm so happy because I had the possibility to learn with you and from you.
Jeannette, Lee, Hannah, Rachel and Joanna, you are great persons. You are so good, kind, patient, and generous. I almost was lost my faith in the good side of people. Unfortunately, you know what it is to be a foreigner in this country. Sometimes it's not easy. But the time spent with you gave me so much. I know now there is noble and good people.
Thank you for your goodwill to teach others in English. It's an amazing language. You brought me back the desire to learn, although my age. You helped me to feel more secure in myself. This course was enjoyable, nice and pleasant. I wish you happiness, success, love and many, many friends.
Thank you so much, Velina
PS. If I made a mistakes, I apologize :-)
[NOTE: We are so thankful to serve Velina and all our other students and as we shared with them, our heart as Christians is to love others like them and that God has taught us that it is better to give than to receive. And because God first gave to us and demonstrated His love for us in that He died for us, sinners and enemies of God, we now know there is a love that is beyond words that God offers. No greater love, No greater sacrifice, No greater gift. And since He loved us, we are able to love them with the love with which we have been given. Please pray for all of our students...past, present, and future, that their hearts would be open to the gospel. In Him, lee & jeannette]
Jeannette, Lee, Hannah, Rachel and Joanna, you are great persons. You are so good, kind, patient, and generous. I almost was lost my faith in the good side of people. Unfortunately, you know what it is to be a foreigner in this country. Sometimes it's not easy. But the time spent with you gave me so much. I know now there is noble and good people.
Thank you for your goodwill to teach others in English. It's an amazing language. You brought me back the desire to learn, although my age. You helped me to feel more secure in myself. This course was enjoyable, nice and pleasant. I wish you happiness, success, love and many, many friends.
Thank you so much, Velina
PS. If I made a mistakes, I apologize :-)
[NOTE: We are so thankful to serve Velina and all our other students and as we shared with them, our heart as Christians is to love others like them and that God has taught us that it is better to give than to receive. And because God first gave to us and demonstrated His love for us in that He died for us, sinners and enemies of God, we now know there is a love that is beyond words that God offers. No greater love, No greater sacrifice, No greater gift. And since He loved us, we are able to love them with the love with which we have been given. Please pray for all of our students...past, present, and future, that their hearts would be open to the gospel. In Him, lee & jeannette]