NOVEMBER 2023
Dear prayer companions,
In these difficult days we – especially in Europe – are realizing once more and on a vast scale the reality of human imperfection. Because of the reality of human imperfection (sin and sinfulness!), our merciful triune God gave us the Bible so that we could consider and comprehend our human predicament. The Bible presents to us the reality, normality, and the inevitability of imperfection and that our human lives are a labyrinth of ambiguity, not that we should strive towards an illusionary perfection, but to know – amid the vortex of human imperfection – that God himself came, in Jesus of Nazareth, with his perfection so that we would not be sucked hopelessly into the mess of human imperfection.
This is the message that – through the Spirit – we strive to present to the people of the city of Perugia and the region of Umbria, in central Italy. And once again, we ask that as we sow the seed of the gospel you may water it with your prayers on behalf of the witness of the Chiesa Riformata di Perugia.
Visit to Canada and Michigan
After a long pause in our traveling due to COVID-19 restrictions, Cristina and I are very grateful that we were able to spend a couple of weeks visiting some sister churches in Canada. We also had the opportunity to visit Michigan to meet the brothers and sisters of a Mission Committee of one sister church in that area. We were received very warmly and affectionately by all and in a short time, much was accomplished in that I could meet with many people sharing with them my vision for the ministry here in the city of Perugia.
Visit of Rev. Paul Murphy
A few days after we got back from our trip to Canada, we received a visit from our dear brother Rev. Paul Murphy and his wife, Julie. Even though we only had two and a half days to spend together, the Lord has been very merciful to us in comforting our hearts through our fellowship with these saints. Rev. Murphy preached for us in Perugia an edifying sermon on the words of the Apostles’ Creed “Under Pontius Pilate” and for the evening service, he preached in Passignano sul Trasimeno for Rev. Mike Cuneo on “The Rich Man and Lazarus”. We were very glad for the opportunity to refresh our souls by spending time with the Murphys.
Evangelistic outreach in Perugia
As I anticipated to you in previous newsletters, I had the privilege of being one of four speakers at an important event on October 14th organized by the Evangelical churches of Perugia, which was held in the most important city hall. The place was full with some 300 people, some of whom were standing for there were no more places to sit! After the broadcast of a short movie about a true story of forgiveness and reconciliation, the vice-mayor and the Culture Council member gave a speech commending the movie. I spoke after a Christian social worker who gave a short address on the subject of “Forgiveness and Reconciliation”. With regard to this event, I am continuing to look for opportunities to encourage other pastors and churches in the area by making myself available to share the richness of our Reformed spiritual tradition in the hope that the Lord may use this treasure for the benefit of many people.
Please, pray with us for the following prayer requests:
for Cristina and myself, and that I may be a faithful Christian, husband, father, grandfather, church member, and minister;
for the blessing of God upon the preaching of the Word and for our evangelistic efforts;
for the upcoming Christmas season and for our evangelistic endeavors in inviting people to worship the triune God with us gathering around the Word of the Gospel.
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