"Lighting the World" in Italy!

For three years now, Stefania and Marco D’Andolfo (faithful long-time members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) have spearheaded the effort to bring warmth of heart and clothing to less fortunate residents of Salerno, Italy. This year, Cliff and I, and our new friends - Anziano and Sorella Canfield had the blessing of helping the Salerno branch "Light the World."

Backed by Relief Society President Carrie Rodella and the unified and dedicated efforts of the Relief Society sisters and branch members of both Salerno and Castellamare, this beautiful service activity- offering “Indumenti Gratuiti” or “Free Clothing” -not only brought smiles and bags of much needed clothing to those in need, but also raised awareness of who we are as Christians, seeking to follow the teachings of Jesus.

The D’Andolfos have developed a wonderful relationship with community leaders, who gave them permission to set up a clothing distribution stand in front of the Salerno train station. This collaborative effort has been so successful, it has drawn the attention of other leaders, who have thought it would be fantastic to expand this effort throughout all of Italy, as “Scaldiamo l’Italia” - which means “Warm up Italy.” The play on words has caught attention filled hearts. Elder and Sister Canfield, who lead humanitarian efforts for the Italy, Rome mission came to assist the efforts and to determine how the LDS Charities arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints could help “Light the World”.

Not only did Church members donate clean, neatly folded clothing in wonderful condition (some items were new), but neighbors and friends joined in with their donations, as did people walking by during the three day event. One highlight was when two military men dressed in fatigues with rifles approached. Immediately the D’Andolfos began to explain they had obtained a permit; however, all were surprised by their immediate expression of thanks for what they were doing for the community, followed by asking if they could help by bringing clothing.

Members of all ages from both branches coordinated to fill the time slots from 10am to 6pm on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday in chilly February, and they were thrilled to have been given “Light the World” scarves to warm their hearts by the Europe Area Presidency. Gabriella Godoy (in white coat), a YSA leader in Salerno was one who left early from work to join in and serve.

It was pretty priceless, watching the “Light the World” angels carefully and cheerfully help people of all ages, ethnicity and walks of life find bags of treasures. As we watched these beautiful acts of service, this profound scripture brought tears to Carrie Rodella, “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” Mosiah 2:17

The Napoli zone of missionaries heard about this opportunity to serve, and Anziano Bruni, a very stalwart district leader, divided up the area and sent the missionaries out with fliers to create awareness.

Hearts melted as Sorella Austin and Demmerly came walking up, arm and arm with an elderly sister. The sweetest part was watching this gentle woman-in-need light up with joy as they took time to search for just the right items, then held out the beautiful clothing they thought would be perfect for her. Tears came to our eyes as they left just as they came, arm in arm. As these angels carried multiple big bags of clothing for their new found friend, we witnessed the miracle that comes from lifting the hands that hang down, representing Jesus Christ our Savior, who literally is the Light of the World!

Truly as we Come Unto Christ our lives will be filled with purpose, hope and eternal joy.

We love the blessing and honor of being missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Rome, Italy Mission!

We love you forever,

The Coppia Montagnoli

Martha & Cliff