APRIL 2024
Dear prayer companions,
Despite his deep spiritual knowledge and experience of the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the “great” apostle Paul, in what was probably the time of the deepest trial in his Christian life, was greatly comforted by the God of all comfort through the consolation he received by the human experience of friendship and fellowship: “God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Corinthians 7:6). I am grateful because I recently had a share in the blessed experience of being comforted and strengthened by the gracious gift of the communion of the saints in the United States.
Visit to URCNA churches in Michigan
On March 4, Cristina and I left Perugia to visit our sister churches in Michigan. Cornerstone URC, Walker URC, Faith URC, and Bethel URC generously welcomed me and I reported on the progress of the church plant in Perugia since my last visit several years ago. I am grateful for the warm welcome and genuine interest our brothers and sisters demonstrated concerning the witness of the Reformed Church of Perugia. Rev. P. Vos, M. Nuiver, J. Tuinstra, and the elders of Walker URC gave me the privilege to preach to the people and I did my best to expound among them Psalms 24, 27 (twice) and 13. Moreover, on March 5, I had the unexpected opportunity to be present for the meeting of Classis Michigan. On that occasion too I was given a very warm welcome as I had the joy of sitting quietly among 40/45 men gathered together in their effort to serve our Triune God with one mind and one soul. Indeed, where the brethren dwell together in unity the Lord has commanded the blessing and the life in the Spirit.
Visit to PRTS and MARS
In God’s providence, I also had the privilege to visit the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary as well as the Mid-America Reformed Seminary. The chief reason for visiting these two seminaries is that I hope the Lord will open a door for students of both PRTS and MARS so that they might consider the possibility of spending some time in Italy, in the city of Perugia, for an internship. Having had in the past a very positive experience with four interns from Westminster Seminary California who spent the summer with us, we are praying that men might continue to come in the future from these three seminaries. I am deeply grateful and humbled for the enthusiasm shown to me in this regard by Dr. Mark Kelderman of PRTS, Dr. Eric Watkins, Dr. Paul Ipema, and Mark Vander Hart from MARS. When visiting MARS, we had several encouraging meetings. First of all, we spent three days with Rev. E. Marcusse and his wife, Denise, who generously opened their home to us. I had the privilege of addressing about 30 men of Oak Glen URC who gathered for a Bible Study. The following day, I had the opportunity to see Rev. Roberto Rossi from Immanuel URC who came to meet us with his wife, Carrie (Rev. Rossi is from an Italian family). Finally, we met Rev. D. Klompien who welcomed us with his wife, Angela, and helped to set up a meeting at Community URC in Schererville.
Back on the saddle
After two blessed weeks, Cristina and I returned to Italy on time for the Easter season, in which we were engaged in daily meditations during Holy Week culminating in public meetings at the end of the week and on Easter Sunday. After the joy of visiting our sister churches and meeting with so many people, I now resumed my ordinary schedule being blessed among the members of our small but (slowly) growing congregation.
Please, pray with us for the following prayer requests:
that the Lord may cause our church to grow in grace, knowledge, and wisdom;
for the evangelistic witness of our church during the summer season;
for the new people attending church, especially Massimo and Katia (and their sons Christian and Gabriel) who are preparing for a public profession of faith.
On behalf of all the members of the Chiesa Riformata of Perugia, I express a felt sense of gratitude for your faithful prayers and generous support.
Those of Italy greet you (Hebrews 13:24).
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Pastor Andrea Ferrari