ITALY: A LAND FOR MISSION WORK

(Editorial)

The Pope is right, at least this time. With his affirmation that Italy is still a county to evangelize, we are perfectly in agreement. We have always gone about sustaining this. And now the leader of Catholics has made use of his word to affirm the importance of evangelism not only in remote countries of the Third World but also in extremely Catholic Italy. And to strengthen his affirmation, John Paul II has promised a great missionary outreach during the last few months to all Roman citizens called "The Gospel in Every Home". Thus, every family in Rome will be given a copy of the Gospel of Mark. We joyfully take note of this "reversal of the usual tendency" of the Roman Church because, for hundreds of years, it has concealed the Word of God from its adherents. Today instead, at the threshold of 2000 and with the Catholic festival of Jubilee in sight, it invites believers to "an attentive reading and meditation" of God's Word. Not since yesterday and not only with a Holy Year in sight, we Christians in the Church of Christ have desired to spread God's Word by offering freely thousands of copies of the Gospel (all the New Testament and not just Mark), by organizing evangelistic campaigns, and by passing out Bible Correspondence Courses. We do all of these things because we are convinced that only through an attentive reading and understanding of the Bible can a person arrive at the knowledge of God's will, "that good and acceptable and perfect will" (Rom. 12:2). Let's pause for a moment,however, to reflect. If much has been done in the area of evangelism in the past, there is still so much to do. Italians must be evangelized! In Italy there are still very few Christians. And when we say "Christians" we intend those who have accepted Christ into their life as a personal Savior, who have received baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and who conduct a life consistent with Jesus' message. There is still much to do, as we have said. Entire provinces in Italy do not have a congregation, like Sardinia, Molise, and Valle d'Aosta. Full-time evangelists are really quite few (perhaps 10) and in many congregations there is the need for mature brethren who can carry on the Lord's work with diligence. We know very well that each Christian has the job of evangelism. But in a land like ours, with 60,000,000 inhabitants, there is certainly not a lack of work to be done. Let's remember Jesus' words, "The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Luke 10:2). Evangelize, yes, but how? Look, every method is fine. It is important that it be done with propriety and in Truth! We want to make known the Word of God to all because all should be offered the possibility to choose between Life or Death. Paul exclaimed, "For woe is me if I do not preach the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:16). This must be our motto. We hope and pray that each congregation and every member will feel the responsibility to evangelize and that our Lord will raise up new workers for His vineyard. LET'S GO TO WORK, BRETHREN! We are sustained by the certainty that we are involved in a project which has God as its inventor and eternity as its goal. (Vittorio Vitalone)

ANOREXIA

Anorexia is not a true and real disease, but it does surely indicate a psychological hardship, a disassociation from those examples set before us and from reality. Therefore it is a symptom of a deep hardship which creates a profound anxiety within those who may live near us (due to the circumstances) and within other Christians. The impulses which arrive do not leave any terms for peace. If one gives up or is not successful in sleeping, it is the end. These impulses are always present but invisible. So one must sometimes give mush when real solid food is needed, must be permissive at times, and must show strength at the right moment. There are many things which are lawful (for us Cristians) until one is found that is right and does not leave empty spaces. Beyond this, there is never a lack of vicious advisors, as happened with Job. Often we have struggled, we have been in anxiety, but we have never given up nor lost our faith in God. (Letter from a Christian)

FROM: "MOMENTS ON THE MOUNTAIN 1997" (The title given to the Italian Bible camp)

TO MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST, I'll be brief . . . those who know me won't believe this. I am a little saddened that I must leave you here without me to endure these stupendous rules, these imposing punishments and the happy songs that Becca and Daniela sing to wake us up. But seriously and sincerely, I will miss all this. At home, I won't have you to talk to, to confide in, to open my heart to and together to know more about Jesus. When I am with my brothers, I feel deeply understood and comforted. I want to thank each one of you individually, especially the boys which were in my study group. You are exceptional! I see in each of you a great vitality, and I hope that this will always be the case. I hope with all my heart that both youth and adults can bear good fruits in Christ: to be persevering in the faith and always near the Lord without ever giving up. Also when we return to our homes, we must find the courage to forge ahead with joy in our hearts. Even when things will go from bad to worse, we must never quit searching for the Lord. If we want to be with the Lord, He certainly will be with us. Let's remember, even if our life won't be a great success and if all does not go well, surely in God our life will be full and we will have joy in our hearts and a hope that others will never have. And even when you sometimes feel "out of this world" and out of place concerning earthly matters, remember that this life is only a trip towards home. Don't be afraid; love never has to fear. I know I have talked too much, and so, in conclusion, I would like for you to remember a famous prayer in the United States: "God, give me the patience to accept the things I can not change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." You will miss me a lot and I hope that we can see each other before another camp. I hope all these beautiful words are something I can put into practice as well. With all my heart . . . I love you bunches. In His immense Love, Miriam Joy Console (Bergamo)

BRIEF NEWS ITEMS

FRASCATI - "'Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on!' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them'" (Revelation 14:13). This summer our dear brother AURELIO NORI left us and went to be with the Lord. He leaves with us the memory of his faith and of his lengthy work as a preacher of the Gospel. "And they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (Dan. 12:3).

PISA - Since June 18, Amigo Corazza has been the new evangelist for the congregation in Pisa. The new address for the congregation is: Chiesa di Cristo (Church of Christ) - Via Volturno, 20 - 56100 Pisa.

CIAMPINO - In the last few months, the congregation of Ciampino (Rome) has enjoyed the new births in Christ of Barbara Trinchera and Pietro Monopoli.

APRILIA - "And the number of disciples continued to increase greatly" (Acts 6:7). The congregation at Aprilia (at 76/78 Guarneville St.) has enjoyed a noticeable numeric growth. The Lord has added to His church: Claudio, Aldo, and Andrea Consoli.

U.S.A. - Brothers Earl Edwards and Shawn Daggett, God willing, will be in Italy this next summer with two groups of American young people to do evangelistic campaign work. Those congregations which are interested can contact them directly.

NEWS FROM THE CONGREGATIONS

APRILIA - The church in Aprilia invites all to their annual lectureship called "TOGETHER '97". This has been set for November 1 -2 at their building on Guarneville St., num. 76/78. It will begin at 10 :00 a.m. on Saturday. The theme of this lectureship will be: "WHICH PARADISE?" There will be three sermons addressing these topics: 1) THIS WORLD IS NOT PARADISE - Paolo Di Luca 2) HOW "PARADISE" IS MADE IN THIS WORLD - Paul Robison 3) THE TRUE PARADISE OF HEAVEN - Donatello Di Pietro If you plan to come, call Bro. Giancarlo Negri (06-925.84.68 in the evening) before October 19. This year, for the first time, a financial contribution will be asked to help pay for the meals on Saturday and Sunday. (From a circular letter sent out by the congregation in Aprilia)

ROME (the congregation at Jonio St.) - Since 1 September 1997, Paolo Mirabelli has been the new evangelist for our congregation. We have prayed much and we are extremely happy that Paolo and his wife, Filomena, have been united with us for working together in God's Kingdom. To welcome Paolo and Filomena, we have organized a fellowship meal for Sunday, September 21. We will begin with our worship service at 10:00 and then we will eat together at the church building at 1:00. We will spend the afternoon singing, praying, and being together. This invitation is given primarily to the congregations in the Lazio province, but if someone from further away wants to come, you will be welcome. We are already planning for the next lectureship at Severa which will occur May 15-17 of 1998. In October we will restart our meetings on Saturday afternoons and we will invite brethren from other congregations to present special lessons. After these meetings, we will have a brief period of fellowship. As soon as possible, we will send you a calender. (From a circular letter sent out by the this congregation in Rome)

LAGONEGRO (Black Lake of Potenza) - Sunday, August 10th, there was a fellowship meal provided on Mt. Sirino and brothers and sisters from various congregations attended. A devotional thought was taken from Luke's gospel: "And it was at this time that Jesus went off to the mountain to pray ... And when day came, He called His disciples to Him ..." (6:12-13). We greatly enjoyed the hospitality of the Magnanimo family and the beautiful scenery which God created. (Debora Mirabelli)

FLORENCE - On October 17-18, at the Florence Bible School, there will be a "Seminar on Job". Bro. Don Shackelford will direct it. For information and reservations, call Jay Walls (055-251.389). (From a circular letter of the Bible School)

CONEGLIANO - The church at Conegliano invites you to their annual meeting for study and fellowship called "LET'S STUDY TOGETHER '97" on December 8. The studies will be presented by Bro. Paolo Mirabelli. In a few days you will receive a circular letter with more details about this meeting. (Paolo Di Luca)

CONGRATULATIONS!

To Sister Rosetta Caradamone and her husband Salvatore on the birth of their first child: Maria Lucia. "Children are fortunate if they have a father who is honest and does what is right" (Prov. 20:7).

"... THE CHURCH THAT IS IN YOUR HOUSE ..." (Philemon 2) This is a tract to rediscover the true appearance of New Testament Christianity. Ask for it from the editor of CHIESAinFORMA; it will be sent freely.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS CHIESEinFORMA has changed its address for the editorial office. From this issue forward, news items can be sent to: PAOLO MIRABELLI c/o CHIESA DI CRISTO V.le Jonio, 286 00141 ROMA Tel.&Fax 06-871.936.97

PUBLICATIONS

There is available now an interesting study by Bro. Italo Minestroni entitled: "L'Ultima Settimana della Vita di Gesu" ("The Last Week of Jesus' Life"). Whoever wants a copy, can contact the church in Palermo at Via P. di Villafranca, 34 - 90141 Palermo - Italy.

Bro. Vito Ligorio still has numerous copies of his syllabus entitled "Omiletica" ("Homiletics"). For information or orders, write: Vito Ligorio - C. P. 44 - 72022 Latiano (BR) - Italy.

BOOK REVIEWS

Timothy M. Warner, BATTAGLIE SPIRITUALI (Spirituale Battles), Patmos Publications: Perugia, 1977, 154 pages. Lire 18.000 or $10.25. The author approaches the subject with the needed caution, admitting at a later time the gaps that he had during his preparation first as a missionary and then as a pastoral counselor. Re-examining the character and the goals of the evil one, he sees that each of Satan's plans has as its goal the taking away of the glory which should be given only to God. In the last part of the book, the author takes into consideration the various circumstances in which man is deceived and attacked by the enemy in his attempt to be successful in his objective. From the moment that many Christians find it difficult to accept the interference of the evil one in their daily lives, Warner invites the reader to question the adequacy of his own conception of the world and of the functionality of his own faith, before asking himself if he is guilty of a tacit syncretism in the values that he has adopted. The questions of power and authority are addressed: how the first is counterfeited and how the second is abused. But the author always emphasizes that, for the believer in Jesus during the spiritual battle, the victory of the power of the cross is the only and sufficient basis of his authority.

LITERATURE BY CHRISTIAN AUTHORS

- Bro. Charles Moore has printed the book by Bro. Italo Minstroni PRONTUARIO DELLE VERITA' CRISTIANE (Handbook of Christian Truths). In a while, copies will be sent to all the Italian churches of Christ.

- Bro. Terry Edwards has translated a book by Bro. Eddie Cloer: IL DISEGNO DI DIO PER LA CHIESA (God's Design for the Church).

- A printed collection of the sermons preached at the Severa lectureship for 1997 is in the final stages of completion.

In the next CHIESEinFORMA we will give you more details.