Help Us Restore The Chapel of Madonna Della Selva & Villa

• How It Began
  Often times, God asks us to take a step of faith before we understand what He is doing. This chapel began as one of those moments- a simple yes to something I could not yet see or explain. As I sat across the table with my translator (my first time in Italy), he leaned over and whispered, "Her realtor just said- Of all the people in the world, God chose a tiny woman from Texas to save this church." At that moment, I looked over at the woman I was purchasing the property from, and the man sitting to her right- it was as if he had said, "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 
• The Mission
  Today, I do not see myself simply as the owner of Madonna Della Selva Chapel & Villa. I am an anointed steward- someone God has entrusted with caring for a place that was here long before me, and God willing, will remain long after me. Establishing a Legacy Committee that will serve families, the community, and all those seeking to know Christ.
• The Vision
  The goal is to restore this historic chapel and once again opening its doors as a place of worship, prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and community. The people of San Giovanni Incarico have already expressed their desire to see the chapel in use again, and our vision is to preserve its history while giving it renewed purpose for generations to come. We want the walls to hear prayers again. We want the pews filled again. We want Italian and English Bibles accessible to all who walk through the doors. But, most importantly, we want this chapel and villa to remain a place where Jesus Christ is proclaimed and God is glorified... A place for worship, celebrations, peace, baptisms, and fellowship. 
• What We Are Restoring
  The chapel and villa have survived for generations, but are in desperate need of thoughtful restoration and improvements so that they can safely and comfortably serve the community again. Contributions will help support restoration needs that include restoring the interior, painting the interior and exterior, repairing and replacing pews, electrical and lighting improvements, construction of a bathroom (there is currently no bathrooms), purchasing Italian and English Bibles, improvements to the surrounding grounds, creation of a small courtyard and fountain, ensuring historic preservation, repair of the villa roof, and complete renovation of the interior and exterior of the villa.
• Progress
  As the work progresses, we will document the restoration and share continuous updates on our social media, so supporters can see what their contributions are helping accomplish.
• More Than Buildings
  This project is about more than preserving stone, wood, and architecture. It is about preserving a piece of the history of San Giovanni Incarico while creating a place that can once again serve its people. I hope to work alongside local government officials, residents, church officials, church members, craftsman, artisans, businesses, and worldwide partners throughout the restoration. My desire is not to infiltrate this Italian community and change what makes it special, but to listen, learn, preserve, and contribute. I believe that these historic places are meant to be not just a place of hospitality and heritage, but a ministry.
• Why I Am Asking For Your Help
  Restoring a historic chapel and villa is a significant undertaking, and I cannot accomplish it alone. If this story speaks to you, I invite you to become part of the restoration. You can help by contributing, sharing this campaign with others, praying for the project, or connecting us with people who would like to donate their material or skills for restoration, connecting us with people who may have historical knowledge, photographs, or resources that could help preserve Madonna Della Selva. Every contribution- large or small- helps moves us closer to opening these doors again. Someday, when the restoration is complete, I hope those who helped make it possible can enjoy a celebration and look upon this chapel and villa in the Italian countryside, and know: I help do God's will.

Arriel Heritage & Hospitality is not currently a tax-exempt charitable organization. Contributions to this campaign should not be assumed to be tax-deductible.