January 2020
Baptism of Giacomo Rinaldi on January 5, 2020
BAPTISM OF NEW CONVERT AND RECEPTION OF NEW FAMILY
On January 5, the first Lord’s Day of 2020, Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia in Milan had the privilege of witnessing the baptism of Giacomo Rinaldi, a young man who professed his faith in Christ and made known his desire to follow Jesus as a disciple. We also were blessed to receive his parents Eliseo and Cristina, and his brother Giovanni into membership. The whole family previously completed a new members’ class with me and the elders. They took public vows and were welcomed into the fellowship of God’s people. What a tremendous blessing! Please pray that the Lord will continue to bring unbelievers and new families to Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia so that they can hear the gospel and be discipled in the faith.
NEW ITALIAN CURRICULUM FOR THE HEIDELBERG CATECHISM
For our catechism services during 2020, our congregation is using a new curriculum that I wrote in Italian. We printed them as spiral-bound, 100-page workbooks and provided a copy to every adult and child in the church. So far, they have been well-received. We pray that the Lord will use this as a means for our growth in the faith as we learn essential Christian doctrine and how to apply it to our lives.
OUR SON ISAAC VISITS FOR CHRISTMAS
We love serving on the mission field and know without a doubt that God has called us here. The most challenging part of the mission - even more than learning a new language and adapting to a new culture - is being so far away from our three children who live in the States. Isaac, our oldest son, is in his junior year at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California. By God’s grace, he was able to spend a full three weeks with us here in Milan during his Christmas break. We cannot begin to describe how much this meant to Janie, Iain and me. God willing, Isaac will visit again in May, after he completes the school year. THANK YOU to everyone who prays for him regularly. Please continue to pray for growth in the faith, his protection, and that the Lord will provide for him while he is in school.
ENGLISH CLASSES AS A FORM OF OUTREACH
Beginning on February 5, I will teach English classes every Wednesday evening for 16 weeks, using a curriculum designed to teach English as a second language through the Gospel of Mark. Rev. Paul Murphy, pastor of the URC in NYC, gave me this wonderful idea. We have advertised heavily in the community and hope many will respond. 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.
YOUNG PEOPLES’ MEETINGS CONTINUE
Each month, the young people of the congregation gather in our home for a Bible study, prayer, food and games. We have also been going on some fun outings, simply to spend time together and encourage fellowship. It is a joy to get to know them better and see their relationships bond. They are challenged by the fact that there are very few young Christians in Milan. Please pray for them, that they will be strengthened in their faith and live unashamedly and joyfully for Christ. They are precious to Janie and me, and feel privileged to open our home to them.
MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU IN 2020!
Thank you for your prayers, notes/letters/cards of encouragement, and financial support during 2019. We are so grateful for all who think of this mission and labor with us in prayer. There is so much work to do here, and we are humbled and happy to do it. May the Lord strengthen you in 2020 by his ever-sufficient grace so that you will be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).
For the Lord Jesus and his glorious gospel,
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
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.
