May 2021
One of two new members’ classes currently meeting on zoom.
A Light to the Nations
Milan is an international city. People move here from all over the world to study in one of its numerous universities, or work in one of its global industries of manufacturing, banking, and fashion. Among the millions of people who live in Milan, there are large numbers of Chinese, Sri Lankan, Peruvian, Brazilian, Filippino, Romanian, and Ukrainian migrants. But, like many multicultural cities, it is possible to find poeple from virtually every corner of the earth.
This presents a wonderful opportunity for the gospel to be a light to the nations here in Milan. In fact, we presently have two new members’ classes in progress, one which is nearly finished, and the other which recently begun. The first is with an Italian named Tony (who discovered us on the internet during the lockdown last year), and another is with six people from four different nations: Erik and Kristina from Finland, Aldert and Anne from Holland, Ursula from Germany, and Heidi from Switzerland. God willing, all of these dear saints will become members in full communion of Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia by this summer. Moreover, we also have three new regular visitors to our church: two graduate students from Colombia, and a PhD student from the Philippines.
It is incredible to think of how the gospel unites people from every tongue, tribe, and nationality. God promised Abraham that he would be a light to the nations, and indeed, in Christ Jesus, that has come to pass. The Christian faith is not a northern European faith, nor a Semitic fatih, but an international, global faith in which “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). In a world so segregated by cultural identities, consumer preferences, and political affiliations, the gospel shows us that the church, as it is gathered throughout the world, is “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). Nothing by the Person and Work of Christ can create a community like this one.
Lombardy Slowly Reopening
Due to the number of people being vaccinated, the region of Lombardy recently changed its covid restrictions from red, to orange, and then to yellow. This is good news not only for the Italian economy, for it means restaurants and stores have reopned, but also for the church. God willing, we will soon be able to resume our Friday night Bible study and Sunday afternoon catechism service in person. These continue to be held on zoom for the time being. Thankfully, we have been able to have our Sunday morning worship service in person for several months. This will continue for the foreseeable future. We are eager, however, to resume all of the church’s ministries in person, as the congregation has long been deprived of the blessing of in-person fellowship. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said in his classic book on Christian community, “The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer.” We give thanks to God for his grace that has caused us to persevere through these trials over the past year, and for his promise to guide, guard, and lead us to the very end.
Janie Leading a Women’s Prayer Meeting and Book Club
By permission of the Consistory, Janie is leading a monthly ladies’ prayer meeting for the church, as well as a monthly ladies’ book club. The women are reading Rosaria Butterfield’s excellent book Confessions of Unlikely Convert, which has recently been translated in Italian. Both of these meetings are well-attended and seem to be a blessing for the women in the church, especially after so many months of isolation due to the pandemic.
Saving for a Building Remodel
Just a quick update on our goal to raise € 35,000 in order to remove a wall in our church building that will double our seating capacity: So far, we have raised € 10.020. Increasing the seating in our church is essential to our growth. Due to our small facility, we are unable to fully comply with social distancing requirements, although we try to do our best. Moreover, we know that the pandemic will eventually subside and that 60 seats will not be sufficient if the Lord blesses us with numerical increase. Please pray that we will be able to continue saving money for the remodel during these economically difficult times.
Photo from our Refomation conference in 2019 (pre-Covid). The main room holds about 60 people. If we remove a wall, we could double the seating capacity.
Visiting the States
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, Janie, Iain and I are scheduled to come to Southern California during May in time for our son Isaac’s graduation from Providence Christian College. I will also be preaching and giving presentations on Mission Milan at the following churches:
Escondido United Reformed Church, Escondido, CA - May 16, AM
New Life Presbyterian Church, La Mesa, CA - May 16, PM
Christ Reformed Church, Anaheim, CA - May 23, AM
First United Reformed Church, Chino, CA - May 23, PM
If you are in Southern California during these dates and able to come to one of the services, Janie and I would love to see you!
As always, we are grateful to God for you. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support. Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for helping us make disciples in Italy’s most global city. May the Lord bless you and strengthen you, and keep your eyes fixed upon Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
~ Pastor Mike
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” ~ Acts 20:24
If you would like to help by making a donation, you may give online here on our website or 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 Milan, Italy.
