October 2020

As the month of September comes to a close, the telltale signs of autumn in Milan are here: the leaves are turning colors and beginning to fall, morning commuters are donning their coats, and the ground of Sempione Park is covered with chestnuts. At the same time, Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia is also entering a new season. By God’s extraordinary grace, our building is overflowing on Sunday morning, midweek ministry has restarted, and we are exploring how to expand the building in order to accommodate the growing number of worshipers.

A praise report and prayer request
We give God thanks and praise for bringing a number of new people to our church this past month. What a blessing to witness an answer to our prayers! At the same, we are seeking wisdom and provision from the Lord as we consider which course of action to take regarding our church building. Currently, our little auditorium is unable to comfortably accommodate more than 50 people, especially given city requirements for social distancing due to Covid. Presently, if all are in attendance, we are about 60-65 people. We have a congregational meeting scheduled on Sunday, October 11 to discuss our options (i.e. remodel the building, find a new location, or go to two services on Sunday morning). The bottom line is that we need more space if we intend to grow as a congregation. As the old saying goes, it’s a good problem to have, and we are thankful for it! Yet, it is still a problem and we ask for your prayers as we consider what to do, particularly with our limited resources.

Friday-night Bible study
Having received permission from the city to hold midweek gatherings, we have started a Friday night Bible study focused on learning the fundamentals of our faith. After the study, which lasts about an hour, we eat a simple dinner at the church. Sharing a meal together on a Friday evening is a tremendous encouragement to our Christian fellowship as a congregation. We hope that these meetings will also provide a great opportunity for visitors to learn the historic Christian faith and get to know us better.

Wednesday-night English classes
We have also restarted our free English classes to the community. I use a curriculum designed to teach English as a second language through the Gospel of Mark. We have advertised heavily in the community and have received the support of the city council. Many Italians want to learn English, especially from a teacher who is “madrelingua” (mother tongue). Please pray that the Lord will use this class to reach people, giving them the opportunity to learn about Jesus as they learn English.

Milan Reformation conference planned
On Saturday, October 31, our church will host the second annual “Milan Conference on Reformed Theology.” This year, the conference will be a joint effort between three churches in the city: Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia, Chiesa Presbiteriana di Legnano, and Chiesa Veritas. The theme this year will be on “Rediscovering the Gospel in Italy.” Each of the pastors of these three churches (Rev. Humberto Arisa de Olivera, Rev. Keith Jones and myself) will give a talk, and then particpate in a Q&A panel. We pray that this conference will be strengthen the relationship between our three churches and provide many with an opportunity to learn more about the gospel.

Iain started high school
It’s hard to believe, but our son Iain is now a high-schooler! At the beginning of September, he started his freshman year at the International School of Milan in pursuit of an International Baccalaureate diploma. This year he is taking physics, chemistry, biology, algebra 2, geography, Italian, Spanish and English. He is also going to the gym with me everyday after school. Janie and I want to thank all of you who pray for him regularly. We are very grateful to God for the way in which Iain is maturing as a young Christian man.

Thank you for your prayers, notes/letters/cards of encouragement, and financial support for the mission in Milan. There is so much work to do here, and we are humbled and happy to do it. May the Lord strengthen you by his ever-sufficient grace as you remember that “here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

Pastor Mike Brown

This mission to Milan is only possible with the faithful prayers and generous contributions of people like you. If you would like to help us meet our goal by making a donation, you may send a check to: 

Escondido United Reformed Church
1864 N. Broadway
Escondido, CA 92026
Attn: Mission Milan

Checks should be made out to Escondido United Reformed Church. Please indicate that the support is for Rev. Michael Brown as a missionary to Italy.