Did you know that the greatest concern of your inner heart is quite likely the same as that of other Christians worldwide, the greatest challenge in the world today and the issue upon which hangs the future of the Lord's church?

You might think Italians' number one worry is terrorism (they fear Italy is the next target). Or money (Italy is in a recession). Or political corruption. There are many things Italians can worry about. In their despairing, superstitious culture - inoculated against Christianity - Italians turn often to tarot cards and astrology and look for hope in all the wrong places.

But the number one concern of the Italian Christians we know is the same as for the American Christians we know, namely, "How can we pass our faith on to our children?"

In both countries, children grow up in materialistic, hedonistic societies. Italians do so without the benefit of Christian universities, Christian radio or youth groups. Most Italian teenagers know no other person their age with a similar faith. What will their future be?

And we know the question is very dear to your heart. Bet there is someone, much younger than you, whom you worry about and pray for constantly. You have good reason to.

Healthy churches focus their efforts on their youth. As you know, various studies show that 80-95% of the people who become Christians do so by the time they are 21 or younger. That fact alone should wake us up. And we all know that many of our young people who are baptized do not continue to live lives of faith.

The hearts of the young of this world are our biggest mission field and spiritual battlefield.

So what can we do to help the next generation face an uncertain, dangerous future? We must get the answer right. There is too much at stake. We must not fail. The church is always only one generation away from apostasy.

You and I will not be here forever, but we carry what is eternal. The hope for the world lies in what we pass on. Someone said, "Children are the message we send to a future we cannot know." We must help the next generation.

How can we pass the baton to our youth, so that they choose Christ and live lives of courageous faith, shining in a dark world long after we can no longer help them?

The good news is: there is a way we can learn. A process found in scripture shows us how to pass the baton of faith from one generation, and from one person, to another. It is universal - it works in every culture. It is simple and profound. But it is not easy.

Sorry, time's up. Next week we will tell you what it is.

Gary and Jennifer Williams
Florence Bible School
Italy