MISSION MILAN August 2024

YOUR LABOR IN NOT IN VAIN

As a missionary and minister of the Gospel, I find enormous encouragement in Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (v.58). Paul makes a practical application for the doctrine of the resurrection of the body, which is the point of the whole chapter. The work that Christians do for the kingdom of God will bear fruit that will last forever. For my wife and I, as well as the leaders with whom I serve in the local church, this glorious promise fills us with hope as we live and labor in the mission field of Italy. At times, it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture and become overwhelmed with discouragement. We are a small congregation in a big city. We don’t have a cathedral or a big building. The growth of the church is not as fast as we would like. We don’t always see the desired results from our hard work. Europe is hard ground for the Gospel, and Italy in particular is some of the hardest.

But when I remember this promise, that in the Lord my labor is not vain, I am filled with hope. I remember that Jesus said he would build his Church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. I remember that in the ministry of the Word, success and failure are not a matter of results but are defined by faithfulness. Faithfulness to preach, teach, pray, and tend his flock is what the Lord desires of me; the rest (spiritual growth, numerical growth, etc.) is entirely up to his sovereignty and the power of his grace. I am reminded that the Lord sees my labor and will bless it according to his infinite wisdom. In my lifetime, I may never see fruit on the vineyards that we are now planting. But God promises us that our labor is not in vain. One day the fields where we toil will sing

praises to the Lord Jesus and rejoice in Him. Satan and death will finally be destroyed, and all things will be made new. All that is broken will be healed. In the meantime, his grace is sufficient. That gives us confidence as we seek to be faithful to our King. May the Lord keep us faithful in the labor to which he has called us. May we be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord our labor is not in

The faithful leaders of alongside whom I am honored to serve. From left to right: Tonino Bellitto, Vittorio Calderaro, Arnaldo Mazzola, Tony La Leggia, me, Mimmo Altobelli

CHURCH MEMBER PROFILE:

Francesco and Maria Pinelli, 58/

Francesco and Maria Pinelli have been married for 33 years and have been blessed with three children, all of whom are grown. Francesco works as a sales manager in the field of renewable energy, and Maria is a homemaker and part-time nanny.

Originally from Sicily, they came to faith in Christ during their childhood, through the faithful witness of their parents who brought them to church every Sunday. They grew up in the Assemblies of God, which has a substantial presence in Italy. About twenty years ago, they discovered the doctrines of grace in a Baptist church they were attending at the time. This began their journey to becoming Reformed.

Several years ago, the Pinellis relocated to Milan where, by the providence of God, they discovered Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia. Two years ago, after completing the new membership class with Pastor Brown, they became members.

The Pinellis are faithful in their attendance of worship and catechism on Sunday and Bible study on Wednesday evenings. As Francesco put it: “Worship is essential because God commands it, and he also nourishes us with his Word and sacrament.”

Francesco serves the congregation as a pianist, and is also a regular participant in our monthly men’s meeting: “Uomini del patto” (“Men of the Covenant”). Maria likewise enjoys the monthly meeting of the Ladies’ Book Club of our church.

We are grateful to God for the Pinellis and pray that they will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ!

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