For a Modern Reformation in Italy

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we have just observed another annual remembrance of the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century, I would like to encourage you to reflect on what happened in Italy at that time, and what God is currently doing in this country by the power of his Word. Unlike European countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and England, Italy did not enjoy the light of the Reformation beyond the first half of the sixteenth century. Although the Reformation thrived in Italy during the 1530s and early 1540s due to the labors of courageous reformers such as Peter Martyr Vermigli, Pietro Carnesecchi, Benedetto Fontanini, and Girolamo Zanchi, it was violently crushed by the Roman Inquisition which began in 1542. Since then, the country has languished under Roman Catholicism. Today, more than 70% of the population is nominally Roman Catholic and there are no Reformed or Presbyterian denominations in the country.

By God’s grace, however, we are working to change that. Our church in Milan, “Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia”, is growing numerically and spiritually under the preaching of the Gospel. On Sundays, I am currently preaching through Luke and teaching the Heidelberg Catechism. On Wednesdays, I lead a Bible study and prayer meeting. On the first Friday of the month, the men of the church gather for prayer, study, discussion, and food. On the third Saturday of each month, the ladies do the same. I also teach a Bible study for widows, in which several of the elderly women are reading Scripture for the first time in their lives. We have visitors to the church almost every week, some new university students who attend regularly, and several people who are currently pursuing membership. The congregation is learning to sing the psalms, and I am collaborating with others in the slow process of making an Italian Psalter-Hymnal. Our church recently held our annual “Milan Conference on Reformed Theology”, in which four pastors spoke on the topic of “The Bible and the Future: Understanding the Last Things.” We enjoyed a good turnout and warm fellowship with Italian believers from around northern Italy, some of whom came from as far as Genova to attend the conference. Our church seeks to build bridges with other Protestants in Italy, and we currently laboring toward the establishment of a confessional Reformed denomination. We are grateful for all that God is doing through his Word and Spirit, and ask that you join us this Reformation Day in thanking Him for this fruit. Please continue to pray for Italy, that the Lord will cause the light of his Word to shine in the darkness.

ITALY’S FIRST  REFORMED PODCAST

I am happy to announce that I am collaborating with my colleagues and friends Rev. Vincenzo Coluccia and Rev. Gavino Fioretti on a weekly podcast called “Ad Fontes”. Our goal is to awaken interest in Reformed theology and help listeners rediscover how the Gospel is true, good, and beautiful. This is a podcast in the Italian language for the Italian people. To my knowledge, it is the only Reformed podcast in Italian on Apple and Spotify. We pray that we can be a voice for a modern reformation in Italy. If you know of any Italian speakers who would benefit from the podcast, or if you would like to listen in yourself, look for us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or visit our website

FAMILY MATTERS

In late August, we traveled to the United States to move our son Iain into Grove City College in Pennsylvania, where he will be studying biochemistry. Although it was difficult for Janie and me to say goodbye, we are extremely grateful to God that Iain is in an excellent, Christ-centered environment. He has already made many friends and is enjoying his studies. THANK YOU for praying for him and also for us! We look forward to seeing Iain at Christmas.

How you can help

Making disciples of Christ in Milan is only possible with the faithful partnership of God’s people. If you want to get involved in the Great Commission in Italy, here are three ways you can help:

1. PRAY for the church in Milan (Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia) and for Pastor Mike and his family. Pray that the gospel will be proclaimed boldly, that people will come to know Christ, and that they will grow in their faith. Pray that more faithful churches will be planted in Italy.

2. SHARE the news about Mission Milan. Pass on this newsletter to others and tell them about the need in Italy. For more information, visit our website: missionmilan.org.

3. GIVE a donation of any amount. Your gift helps! You can give online at missionmilan.org. 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 Mission Milan.

THANK YOU for your prayers, encouragement, and support! May the Lord continue to strengthen you by His grace to you in Christ