Italy Chapter

FFC Italy becomes a partnership of FFC International in 2022. Before this time, in 2020 the Italian "Sicilian" Christian Firefighters Ernesto Scilipoti and Angelo Cicardo had set up a group that met as Christian Firefighters, so much so that for some time Scilipoti carried out a widespread work in 22 Italian regions looking for Christian colleagues, reaching around 40 members. In 2022, thanks to Simon Hewitt's contacts in Italy with Pastor Claudio Ferro (formerly the group's chaplain), we came to know this wonderful family which was a source of great joy. We can certainly say that it was thanks to GOD that Simon Hewitt was providentially sent to our Italian group which was very weak both because the organization was not recognized in Italy and spread throughout the Italian nation, and also because of various difficulties that the group was facing as it was almost on the verge of dissolving. Thus, on the June 2022 missionary trip to Italy, attended by President Joe Lindaman and his wife Melinda, Simon Hewitt, Bob Ameche, and Jerry White and his wife Jenny, we became part of FFC International with the Italy Chapter. Meeting these men was a tremendous blessing, and we still thank them today for coming to Italy to teach us how to work for evangelization in the fire service. Today the head of the Italian Chapter is Ernesto Scilipoti, his assistant vice head Mario Caruso and deputy Gaetano Nicotra.

Vision

Our vision for the Italian Chapter is to be able to preach the Gospel of Grace within the Italian Fire Brigade as well as in the various fire departments of different Italian sectors, thus seeking to give a good testimony in the barracks rather than with words. The difficulty in Italy is the strong contrast with the existing religious environment. We want to preach the true Gospel, and not the false, legalistic one traditional in Italy. Beyond the fire stations, we still volunteer and organize meetings where we preach the Gospel and speak with both technical and visual demonstrations. We hold various fire prevention sessions with citizens, collaborating with local pastors of churches near the meetings. We support civil defense groups and try to be active in the social sphere. We produce radio and video programs, media, and TV to raise awareness of our Italy Chapter. We meet with other Italians via Zoom meetings.

A quick snapshot of chapter community.