November 2023
Five Years of God’s Faithfulness
This month, we celebrate our five-year anniversary of service on the mission field. It was November 21, 2018, when Janie, Iain, and I said our goodbyes to our family and boarded a one-way flight to Milan, Italy. The past five years have not been easy, as we have had to learn a new language and adapt to a new home and culture. Yet, the Lord has been abundantly merciful to us. By His grace, the church in Milan continues to thrive and plans for the establishment of a Reformed denomination are moving forward.
Having reached the five-year milestone, we are now seeking the Lord’s guidance about staying here long-term. In so many ways, it feels as if we have just begun. There remains so much work yet to do. We are praying that the Lord guides us according to His will for us in the future.
Fourth annual Conference on Reformed Theology in Milan. On Saturday, October 28, our church hosted our fourth annual “Conferenza sulla Teologia Riformata a Milano” (Milan Conference on Reformed Theology). Modeled after the Philadephia Conference on Reformed Theology started in 1975 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, the purpose of this conference is threefold:
To awaken interest in Reformed theology and the doctrines of grace amongst people in Milan and throughout Italy.
Establish a forum at which men and women in the Reformed tradition in Italy might meet and be encouraged.
Marshall resources in Italian to strengthen the Church in Italy.
This year, the conference theme was Cosa è veramente il Calvinismo? I cinque punti (“What Is Calvinism, really? The Five Points”). Our speakers included my trusted collegue Rev. Vincenzo Coluccia, PCA missionary in the city of Lecce and pastor of Chiesa Presbiteriana “Pietra Vivente”, my new friend Rev. Nazzareno Ulfo, pastor of Chiesa “Sola Grazia” in Caltanissetta, Sicily, and myself. It was a wonderful day filled with good teaching and warm Christian fellowship. We had over ninety guests in attendance, including many first-time visitors. We give thanks to God that this annual conference has been a blessing to many and is helping us to build bridges with other Protestants in Italy. We pray that it will continue to bear fruit for our mission.
Small Group Bible Study
Beyond the ordinary ministry of preaching the Bible and teaching catechism on the Lord’s Day, I am leading a monthly small group Bible study in the home of a widow who lives on the southeast side of the city. This is a very godly elderly woman who regularly invites her neighbors to study the Bible and learn about Christianity. There are about ten people who attend, some of whom are unbelievers and are reading the Bible for the very first time. Please pray for this ministry and the souls of those hearing the gospel.
”Men of the Covenant” Meeting
We also continue our monthly meeting of “Uomini del Patto” (“Men of the Covenant”), a meeting for the men of church. There are usually around fifteen men, ranging from ages 17 to 85. We are currently reading Tim Keller’s The Reason for God, which was recently translated into Italy. We sing, pray, discuss, and then eat pizza afterward. Please pray for this ministry and the spiritual growth of the men in our church.
Invitations to Preach
On September 24, I preached at a Reformed Baptist church-plant in the historic city of Ravenna, which is on the Adriatic Coast of Italy. The pastor is a godly young man by the name of Manuel Morelli who invited me to preach. Afterward, Janie and I shared a meal in the home of Pastor Morelli and his family. It was a wonderful opportunity to fellowship and build bridges.
On October 1, I preached at Christ Church Presbyterian (PCA) in Charleston, South Carolina, as part of their annual Missions Weekend. I also gave a presentation on Mission Milan and met with the leadership of the church and their wives for an evening of teaching. It was a very encouraging weekend of fellowship. I am very grateful for my dear friend Pastor Jon Payne and his committment to Reformed missions.
On October 25, I preached at Buccleuch Free Church in Edinburgh, Scotland, during the ordination service of Dr. Zachary Purvis, professor of church history at Edinburgh Theological Seminary, a graduate of Westminster Seminary California, and a former member of Christ URC in Santee. It was an honor to participate in the ordination of my friend, Rev. Dr. Purvis into the Free Church of Scotland.
Family Matters
Janie and I are very grateful that we were able to spend a few days with our daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter in Maine, just before heading to South Carolina for the missions weekend of Christ Church Presbyterian. It is always the greatest blessing to see our family whom we miss dearly.
Janie and I ask for your prayers for our son Iain as he is in his last year of high school and is applying to a number of colleges, both in Italy and in the States. Pray that the Lord will guide him and open the door to the school where he should study.
We also ask for your prayers regarding a home. If it is the Lord’s will that we should stay in Italy long-term, we believe that this would be a wise investment of resources and important to our mission. Please pray that the Lord provides a way for us to do this and that he leads us according to his will.
Grazie di Cuore
As always, Janie and I give thanks to God for all who support us and Mission Milan. Thank you for your prayers, letters of encouragement, and financial commitment. May the Lord continue to strengthen your faith in Christ, your hope in heaven, and your love for others.
Pastor Mike and Janie
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.
