For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one…

Ephesians 2:14a

After 2 more days with the believers here at Punto Lode and Punto Luce, here are some of my observations:

1.  We are one.  In both churches on Sunday we looked at Ephesians 2:14-18 and how Jesus has made peace for us with God and peace with each other.  The end result is the creation of the church- a united body of believers from all people groups.  We have felt the unity of the body with the believers here in Milan.  

Joan Fiore (right) with Giusy and Dominico.

2.  A glimpse of what’s to come.  Italian culture is post Christian, with a healthy dose of Roman Catholicism.  The evangelical church here stands in stark contrast to the culture.  This is both a challenge and a blessing.  It’s a challenge because life and ministry can seem like an uphill battle.  But these believers are strong in their faith.  It’s a blessing because there’s greater clarity on who is a follower of Christ and who isn’t.  There’s hardly any middle ground.  I believe this is where the culture in the US is headed, and we can learn much from these Milano believers.

Some of the believers from Punto Luce.

3.  The nations are here.  Chalk this one up to ignorance re: Milan, but we worshipped with believers from: Italy, Romania, Brazil, Nigeria, Peru, England, Argetina, Ecuador, and the good ole US of A. Not represented were a recent influx of people of Morocco, a ripe field for the gospel here in Milan. We also heard that others from Bolivia, Egypt and more were out of town.  Talk about a great chance to make and mature disciples !

Sam Fiore explaining the Roman Catholic practice of praying for the dead and praying to the saints to Sarah and Lindsay.

Me and a faithful brother and elder Giorgio who translated.  The word on the street is he improved my sermon quite a bit.