CHURCHES AND VIDEO GAMES

(Editorial)

    It is still a mystery because, unexpectedly, certain things come back to mind. Sometimes it is a sound, an odor, a particular expression on an unknown face which come to the surface again, from the obscure meanderings of our memory, or situations, images, and past moments. At other times, there are places, where we found ourselves passing through casually, which recall to mind a past time.
    Thus, the other day, while I drove through a part of Rome not very well known, but still strangely familiar, among the many anonymous and gray apartment complexes, there was something that rang a bell and turned on a light. Ah yes! In that street, many years ago, there was a church meeting place, a small congregation made up, above all, of elderly people. I looked carefully out the car window to find again the place. On the ground floor, where the stores are located, much had changed: new stores and strange signs, but I recognized the door of the congregation. For many years, it has been closed. In its place, there was now a large room filled with video games. I stopped only for a moment and then went away. I left behind a small and troublesome knot in my throat. As in a black and white film, I saw again the faces of several of the brethren who met in that building. I remembered the gospel meetings and the room being filled with people. I thought again of the distributions made in the area surrounding the church, of the efforts of the brethren and of the evangelist at that time. I thought again, and in thinking again a veil covered my eyes. I must have slept little this night . . .
    At the beginning of a new year, there are always projects, dreams, and good proposals. And then this year, the last of the millennium, it seems that it is full of greater expectations. What are we hoping for in regards to our congregations and in regards to our spiritual life? What mentality do we desire to have? That of those people who conserve and defend or that of those who think they have some Good News to carry to the world? Some Good News that is able to change the world because it can change men.
    How many places with video games will close down this year to become meeting places for the church? I hope there would be 6,000, but if there would be only 6, it will be great as well. It is certain that to grow, we must work, pray, and believe that the Lord prefers to see His children active on the front lines rather than in the zone behind the front lines counting the fallen.
    I am sure that our Father wants His children to work serenely and constantly in order to spread the Good News throughout the world. Unfortunately, there is Satan, who goes around everywhere taking away the seed that has been sown by God's children (Matthew 13:19).  Someone has affirmed that every heart without Christ is a land for mission work and every heart with Christ is a missionary. I feel honored to be in the second group. But I know that I must sow around me the good seeds: "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to kindness" (Hosea 10:12). Before me is a vast field and there are a few men hunched over under the weight of large sacks full of seeds, they are looking at the sky and say to one another, "Perhaps it will rain. Perhaps it will blow up a big wind. Why should we sow?" The reason is expressed in God's Word: "He that observes the wind shall not sow; and he that regards the clouds shall not reap" (Ecclesiastes 11:4). After the sowing, there is also the moment of the harvest, a sweet and awaited moment. But, look for a moment, we have sewn good seeds, but we are ready to harvest only ugly weeds.
    I will give you some good news. Jesus has already predicted this: "Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Why then does it have tares?" (Matthew 13:27). "It was the "enemy" who pulled off this joke," says our friend Jesus. "But do not worry. At the right moment, I will recognize the wheat from the weeds and the wheat I will put in My granary."
    Does it not make you all happy to know that you are the wheat and for you there will be a fine granary? Now I know that when we sow, among the "good" seeds, those which can made churches grow, there are also those "rotten": the seeds of video games. Patience. We work and leave to the Lord the business of reaping at the right moment. Only let us not be discouraged by the thorns, the wind, and the rain. The seeds are in our hands. In any case, they must be sown. Because if we do not do it, who will?
    And if we do not do it now, when will we?

(Vittorio Vitalone)

CHIESEinFORMA
A periodical of information and news.
Whoever would like to receive the issues of '97 and '98 can ask for themfrom Paolo Di Luca, sending along a contribution of $20.00 to cover the expenses.
Whoever desires to collaborate can do so by sending information and news to Paolo Mirabelli.
Whoever desires to support the periodical can send an offering to Paolo Di Luca.

EUROPEAN CHRISTIAN INSTITUTE FOR DEEPER BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE
The church of Christ in Bologna, in collaboration with the EUROPEAN CHRISTIAN INSTITUTE for deeper biblical knowledge, will hold a meeting for biblical studies April 1-5. The professors who will conduct the studies are Everett Ferguson (Abilene University -- U.S.A.) and Italo Minestroni (church of Christ -- Bologna). These brethren will present studies on the following themes:
- WORSHIP IN THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH - Everett Ferguson.
- TRUE CHRISTIANITY - Italo Minestroni.
In addition, Sunday April 4, there will be held at the church building THE EUROPEAN MEETING (Convegno Europeo), a worship service, with simultaneous translations in German, English, and Italian, followed by a fellowship meal.
The daily cost per person is $45.00 (39 Euro).
To make reservations, write or call:
Church of Christ - Via S.Rocco, 7/D-E - 40122 Bologna - tel. 051-524.592 - fax 051-462.092.

(James "Gei" Young)

EUROPEAN LECTURESHIP
The College church of Christ of Searcy, AR is organizing a meeting for American brethren which will take place in Rome 1-6 August 1999. They predict the participation of around 500 brethren. The purpose of this meeting is: "To make American brethren more sensitive towards mission work in Europe". Those responsible for this meeting are brethren Bob Corbin, Carl Mitchell, and Howard Norton. For more detailed information, write to Pan European Lectureship - c/o College Church of Christ - 712 E. Race St. - Searcy, AR 72142 - U.S.A.

(Carl Mitchell)

EVANGELISTIC GROUP FOR SUMMER 1999
Bro. Shawn Daggett of Harding University writes us to communicate that from 16 May to 27 June he will come to Italy with a group of American students to carry out evangelistic activities. All of the churches which might be interested in hosting this group must contact: Shawn Daggett - c/o Harding University - Box 12280 - Searcy, AR 72149 - U.S.A.

MOMENTI SUL MONTE 1999 (MOMENTS ON THE MOUNTAIN Bible Camp)
Also this year, with the help and the blessing of God, the summer Bible camp "MOMENTS ON THE MOUNTAIN" will take place:
WHEN? -- From 22nd to the 28th August
WHERE? -- A Meschia - suburb of Roccafluvione (AP).
This year there will be some innovations. Besides the new place and date, boys and girls from age 6 to 25 can participate in the camp.
During the same week, there will be two different programs based upon the participants' ages. Bro. Stefano Spina will coordinate and take care of the activities for the younger group while Bro. Paolo Di Luca will coordinate and take care of the activities for the older group. Whoever would like to contribute or financially support MOMENTS ON THE MOUNTAIN 1999 can do so by sending your gift to: Bro. Francesco Fergnani - Via Virgiliana, 205 - 44012 Ponterodoni di Bondeno (FE).

(Paolo Di Luca)

NEWS OF THE CONGREGATIONS

ROME - V.le Jonio
-- The brethren are pleased to announce the dates and the program for the next inter-congregational lectureship at S. Severa. You are cordially invited to participate at one of the year's most awaited moments of fellowship and study of God's Word. As we have done annually, there will be meetings for study, for prayer, for fraternal exchanges, and for youth (a special spot dedicated to them). The program will be completed with classes for children and a special meeting for women.
* PLACE: Villaggio della gioventu (Youth's Village) - Lungomare Pyrgi, S. Severa
* DATE: From Friday 14 May at 3:00 p.m. to Sunday 16 May (afternoon)
* THEME: Missionaries for the 21st Century: Every heart without Christ is a land for mission work and every heart with Christ is a missionary.
* COST: $52.00 per per person for the entire period. Children under two do not pay.
To make reservations, telephone Giancarlo Balboni - tel. 06-880.39.00.
-- A new couple to work in Rome, Jesse and Laura Tyree, from the "Avanti Italia" youth apprentice program, will collaborate with the congregation of Viale Jonio in evangelistic work. Jesse and Laura will work side by side with Scott and Amanda Baine, already involved in the work since September 1998.
(Vittorio Vitalone)

COSENZA
On 6 January 1999, a youth rally was held at Spezzano della Sila in which boys and girls from the regions of Puglia and Calabria participated.
God willing, we hope to have another rally on April 5th on the plains of Sibari at the Ionian Sea.
(Stefano Spina)

FLORENCE
From 2-5 January 1999, at the Harding Villa of Florence, a youth meeting was held for young people from ages 6-18. About 40 were present from various congregations and they studied "THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY OF PAUL" (Acts 13-14). Bros. Giancarlo Balboni (Rome) and Paul Robison (Conegliano) coordinated the activities and the studies. With them, about 10 other brothers and sisters took turns and collaborated in the various activities and events. A special thanks is given to Ave and Onelia (cooks from the congregation in Aprilia) for their great service.
(Paul Robison)

PADOVA
On 6 January 1999, there was held in Padua the annual meeting organized by the local brethren for the brethren in the central area of the North. Bro. Dan Reed held an interesting study on the second letter of Peter. More than 60 brothers and sisters from various congregations were present and enjoyed brotherly fellowship and the power of God's Word.
(Franco Malfitano)

VICENZA
"And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved" (Acts 2:47). Jay Hamner, a young doctor who works on the American military base at Vicenza, was baptized for the remission of his sins to begin the new life in Christ Jesus. It was a special joy to see a young man who wants the best for himself and his wife as he gave himself to Christ.
(Dan Reed)

RAPPORTO TRA CRISTIANESIMO E MODERNITA' (THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND MODERNITY)
A historical, theological and sociological survey on the churches ofChrist.
Edited by Paolo Mirabelli

LITERATURE OF CHRISTIAN AUTHORS
-- Bro. Eduardo Zumpano (CS) has finished a book on the comparison of Catholic and Protestant doctrines with that of the Holy Scriptures.
Whoever would like a copy can ask him for it directly, with the cost of $6.00 plus postage, at this address: Eduardo Zumpano - c/o Chiesa di Cristo - C. P. 5 - 87050 Casole Bruzio (CS).
-- Bro. Franco Perna has finished a study guide, complete with questions for congregational study, on the book of Revelation. Whoever wants to have a copy, can write to the same address given in the previous paragraph or call - tel. 0984-432.189.

BOOKS RECEIVED
-- A NEW IDENTITY FOR A NEW LIFE, Neil T. Anderson, pp. 237, Lire 22.000 ($13.50), Ed. Patomos: Perugia.
-- FINALLY FREE, Neil T. Anderson, pp. 246, Lire 22.000 ($13.50), Patomos: Perugia.
-- FOR THE HOUR THAT PASSES, trisemester of daily biblical reflections, by the Casa della Bibbia (Bible House) - Genova.
-- ANCIENT PATHS, trisemester of pastoral theology, by the Evangelical Christian Churches of Rome.

Updates on addresses:
STEFANO SPINA - Via Liguria, 16 - 74100 TARANTO - tel. 099-728.649.
CHURCH OF CHRIST - Via Nettuno, 53-55 - 74100 TARANTO.
ALFONSO E MIRIAM CASTIGLIONE - 4819 Verne - Memphis, TN 38117 - U.S.A.

EVANGELISTIC GROUP OF ITALIAN YOUTH
It has been for several years that this dream has tried to be made a reality and, perhaps, thanks to God, we can succeed! We have about 20 young people from various Italian congregations who have decided to dedicate two weeks of their summer vacation to evangelistic work in Italy.
To make this project a reality, we need your prayers, your willingness to host the group in your city, and your financial contributions. If you would like more information or if you want to help make this dream a reality, write or call Paolo Di Luca - C. P. 639 - 59100 PRATO - tel. 055-871.00.16.

FROM CATANIA
On 8 December 1998, there was held in Paterno, the sixth lectureship of the churches of Christ in Sicily. There were more than 100 brethren present. We enjoyed fellowship and communion, but above all we tasted the presence of our beloved Lord.
(Salvo and Giorgio)