UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 2008
Prato. This city in Tuscany just west of Florence has two congregations of a cappella churches of Christ. That there are two should reflect a strategy of evangelism, a plan to reach more people for Christ. Both groups are composed of friendly people who, sadly, are divided over personality incompatibilities. In the midst of some severe emotional pain, they are beginning to recognize each other as brethren in the Lord, and are working toward heart-felt fellowship, even if this latter goal has quite a bit of road to travel.
We had visited one of these churches a couple of years ago, and longed to encourage the other too. Thank the Lord who helped us build credibility, because this latter group invited Harold to speak on Christian unity, presenting the book A Church that Flies. Because we knew most of the congregation from previous contacts at the national conventions, the entire event was a deeply satisfying experience of Christian family.
Health. At the last end of September we both were hit hard by bronchitis, and were knocked out for over a week. We have a good doctor who makes house calls, and he got us on antibiotics and inhalants. So we were able to do the minimum: teaching twice a week and go out for some groceries.
Teaching. The Matelica church requested studies in Ecclesiastes, and this street-level philosophy is proving intensely interesting and helpful, because it shows God's practical concern for man's well being. In Italy, it is easy to be unjustifiably skeptical about the practicability of God's Word in everyday life! One brother must really struggle with faith, because, at the practical level, he is deeply fearful that Christianity might turn out to be just "unrealistic religious froth" while the "real world out there" is untouchable by Christian moral principles. Harold continues his weekly preaching on the Gospel of John to build faith on Sunday morning; other men lead the worship.
Another brother from south Italy was scheduled to preach a critical message in a hostile situation, so he sent it for Harold's evaluation. The final presentation did not produce the hoped-for results, but he preached it anyway, hoping it might lay the foundation for further consideration. Pray hard for these dear brothers that God may use them to lead ailing churches back to life. They are trying to do their best.
Enid's garden. She created a framework of cane poles for some Blue Lake climbing green beans. The harvest this year was less than expected for the beans, the potatoes and the Italian tomatoes. Even the zucchini produced badly! The rhubarb did very well producing two crops since May. The neighbors have a lovely 45-foot tall tree that doesn't help our garden due to the shade it gives. The cold weather has come, so we dismantled the beanpoles for the winter. Her little ground is ready for winter plants. Sickness delayed preparing it, but we hope to get it ready soon.
Thanks! With the economic crisis in full swing, we are especially grateful to you who are providing financial help that we may do our work here with a minimum of hardship. It could get worse, but in the meantime thank you for praying that the Gospel may have free reign in Italy!
We had visited one of these churches a couple of years ago, and longed to encourage the other too. Thank the Lord who helped us build credibility, because this latter group invited Harold to speak on Christian unity, presenting the book A Church that Flies. Because we knew most of the congregation from previous contacts at the national conventions, the entire event was a deeply satisfying experience of Christian family.
Health. At the last end of September we both were hit hard by bronchitis, and were knocked out for over a week. We have a good doctor who makes house calls, and he got us on antibiotics and inhalants. So we were able to do the minimum: teaching twice a week and go out for some groceries.
Teaching. The Matelica church requested studies in Ecclesiastes, and this street-level philosophy is proving intensely interesting and helpful, because it shows God's practical concern for man's well being. In Italy, it is easy to be unjustifiably skeptical about the practicability of God's Word in everyday life! One brother must really struggle with faith, because, at the practical level, he is deeply fearful that Christianity might turn out to be just "unrealistic religious froth" while the "real world out there" is untouchable by Christian moral principles. Harold continues his weekly preaching on the Gospel of John to build faith on Sunday morning; other men lead the worship.
Another brother from south Italy was scheduled to preach a critical message in a hostile situation, so he sent it for Harold's evaluation. The final presentation did not produce the hoped-for results, but he preached it anyway, hoping it might lay the foundation for further consideration. Pray hard for these dear brothers that God may use them to lead ailing churches back to life. They are trying to do their best.
Enid's garden. She created a framework of cane poles for some Blue Lake climbing green beans. The harvest this year was less than expected for the beans, the potatoes and the Italian tomatoes. Even the zucchini produced badly! The rhubarb did very well producing two crops since May. The neighbors have a lovely 45-foot tall tree that doesn't help our garden due to the shade it gives. The cold weather has come, so we dismantled the beanpoles for the winter. Her little ground is ready for winter plants. Sickness delayed preparing it, but we hope to get it ready soon.
Thanks! With the economic crisis in full swing, we are especially grateful to you who are providing financial help that we may do our work here with a minimum of hardship. It could get worse, but in the meantime thank you for praying that the Gospel may have free reign in Italy!
posted by Harold & Enid Fowler | 6:04 PM
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