Originally from California (USA), Lee and Jeannette Walti arrived with their five children (now 32, 30, 27, 23 and 19 years). Prior to Jeannette’s passing from colon cancer in July of 2019, Lee and Jeannette were married for 30 wonderful years and had been serving as missionaries for over 29 years of those 20. They arrived in Italy in 2008 and after learning the language and getting used to the culture, in 2010 they founded, “Chiesa Verità di Grazia” (Truth of Grace Church) in Chiavari, Italy. God truly blessed them and Lee continues to thank God for his wife and life together.
Lee still continues in his role of pastor and does discipleship of men / boys and leads various events but now, instead of Jeannette, Abigail, Lee’s youngest child, disciples the women / girls and leads the youth group as well as women’s events. They also open their home to the community for church events and evangelistic dinners. Their association, “Aiuta Il Tuo Prossimo” (Help Your Neighbor) organizes various events, conferences as well as ESL courses for adults, teenagers and kids to reach Italians with the gospel. During the summer they hold a summer sports camp called KidzGames for young kids (6-13 yrs) for Chiavari and surrounding areas. Prior to Covid, this event drew more than 260 children who learned the gospel, godly values and the Scriptures. All the events of Verità di Grazia are always free for all participants, just like God’s love is unconditionally a gift to us.
Lee and Abigail do appreciate and need your prayers. And they also do need ongoing monthly support. They do not have enough staff or support like most missionaries.  If you want to help and support them by becoming part of their team, please, go to the Italian Ministries USA site from this link: donate now. They thank you and ask you to send an email to VDGChiavari@gmail.com for any prayer requests or questions you may have.