Missionary Update | The Vickios Serving with Pioneer Bible Translators in Italy

At The Crossing, we believe part of living out our faith is partnering with missionaries who are sharing the gospel and serving communities around the world. Chris and Emily Vickio are two of those partners, serving with Pioneer Bible Translators in Italy.

Recently, the Vickios shared an encouraging update about the work God is doing through Bible translation and ministry around the world.

A Record Year for Bible Translation

Chris serves as a Field Ministries Officer, helping lead and support a global team of more than 700 missionaries working in Bible translation across multiple regions of the world. From their base in Italy, Chris works closely with regional leaders and translation teams, helping guide and support their work.

One exciting highlight from this past year is that in 2025, Pioneer Bible Translators completed more than 40,000 verses of Scripture across 42 different translation projects—the equivalent of more than a full Bible being translated and checked for accuracy.  

For many communities, these translations represent the first time people have ever had access to Scripture in their own language. Translation is just the beginning—these Scriptures are also being used in Bible studies and church movements as people encounter the message of Jesus for the first time.

A Challenge and a Call to Prayer

Alongside the progress, the Vickios also shared about a difficult situation affecting one of their translation teams.

A project that is very close to completing a full Bible translation experienced an unexpected tragedy when a local team leader passed away suddenly after an illness. This project has already been bearing fruit, and the team is now working to regroup and continue the work toward completion.

The Vickios ask for prayer that God will strengthen the team, provide leadership, and bring the translation to completion so that the people in that language community can fully receive God’s Word.  

Caring for Missionaries in Italy

Emily is also stepping into an important role helping develop member care for missionaries serving in their community in Italy. Together with another colleague, she is helping lay the groundwork for how their missionary community can support, encourage, and care for one another well.

Like so much of their work, this effort is being built on prayer and a desire to strengthen those who are serving in ministry around the world.  

Coming Home This Summer

Chris and Emily are excited to share that they will be returning to the United States this summer—from June through mid-August—and are looking forward to reconnecting with their church family at The Crossing.

They are especially excited to meet new members of the church and share stories about what God has been doing through Bible translation and ministry around the world.  

How You Can Pray

Please continue praying for Chris and Emily and the ministry of Pioneer Bible Translators.

Pray for:

Thank you for partnering in prayer and support as we continue to see God’s Word translated, shared, and lived out around the world.