The Italian Memorandum

To Whom It May Concern:

This is an endorsement for Bob and Marla Housby who are preparing to go to Milan, Italy to work with the church of Christ in Milan at the invitation of the congregation. This church was begun in the city of Milan by Harold Paden, Howard Bybee, Mel Pownall and Carl Mitchell in 1950.

Bob and Marla were sent to Italy for a trial period in order for them to assess their own readiness to be involved in the Italian work, and also to get a reading on the desire of the church to invite them to join them in the Lord’s work in Milan.

Prior to their departure for Italy we did a background study and found them to be highly recommended by the church where they had labored for many years. We also invited them to spend some time with us in Searcy, AR., to undergo psychological testing, and orientation regarding the history and progress of the church in Italy.

We were impressed at their flexibility, their work ethic, their openness to learning, their devotion to the Lord and His church, their Biblical groundedness, and their ability to work together as a team.  During the period they have been in Italy, they have received the plaudits of the local missionary, Lewis Short, who is soon to move back to the U.S.

The undersigned has been involved in Italy since July of 1950, and still goes there each year to hold meetings. I am an elder of the College Church of Christ in Searcy, AR., and am Scholar in Residence at Harding University. I can be reached at<cmitchell@harding.edu> .

Carl Mitchell, Ph.D.

Milano – October 4, 2009

After coaching from our Italian Language Instructors, Bob delivered his first sermon to the Chiesa de Christo.  He addressed the congregation with the message that it is a pleasure to serve our Lord.  Whatever our future, God is there and will see us through.

Fausto Salvoni, Enrica’s husband, was one of the first converts in the Milan congregation post WWII.

Bergamo – October 18, 2009

October 14 was the first time we learned about purchasing train tickets for out of town.  Lewis and Tammy Short took us to the station in Porta Genova.  Bob asked some non indigenous English ladies, who were in line ahead of us, “Do you know the Muffin Man who lives down Drury Lane?” They replied, “We have heard of Drury Lane, but who is this Muffin Man?”

After getting tickets at our station, we were able to purchase tickets to other destinations where Bob was to address the church.  There is Centrale Station, also, where we departed for most of our out of town trips.  Cardona Station, downtown, is where we departed to go to Como N Lago.

Sunday on our way to Bergamo we could see the Pre-Alps as we traveled closer to our destination.  Along the way, we saw the countryside north of Milano.  One particular farmer was observed with his dog leading sheep back into the fold after grazing in the pasture.   The Italians were very helpful at the train station.  In Bergamo we met Tony Console for the first time.  We were driven to the government buildings where the church met on this particular Lord’s Day.

Bob and I studied 1 and 2 Thessalonians in Tony’s Bible class.  Tony grew up in Rome, Italy.  Getting the perspective of New Testament history from someone who has lived where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned gave a different perspective.

Bob spoke on an encouragement theme concerning the Light of the World coming to enlighten our lives. The Bergamo congregation is composed mostly of individuals from Ghana.

Bob and Marla spent the afternoon fellow shipping with Tony his wife Lucy Shackelford and their son Alex.  During and after lunch there were discussions of the Mission in Bergamo and the future of the church in Lombardia.

Firenze (Florence) – November 1, 2009

After arriving at the Firenze Rifredi station, we met David and Debbie Woodroof, Directors of the Avanti Italia program located in Scandicci.  We were introduced to and entertained by Robbie Shackelford, Director of Harding University at Florence (HUF) located at a villa just outside Scandicci in the hills overlooking Florence.

Bob spoke on ‘Certo’ (Theological Certainty).  We can know for certain that what we have read in the Bible is the Word of God.

Before Bob spoke there was a baptism of a Romanian who had accepted the Gospel after months of Bible study.

After the worship service, the chiesa had an Agape.  Bob and Marla fellow shipped with Italian speaking Chirstians, Lilliana and her family.

Her husband, Luigi, was the first convert in Firenze after WWII.  Fond memories were shared with us concerning Joe Gibbs. Three generations of this family are faithful.

Baptism in Florence

Fellowship meal

Luigi's wife Lillianna

Vicenza & Padova – November 17 & 18

Marla had worked 2 years with the Ladies in Cape Girardeau, MO preparing for a Ladies’ Day on the topic of Unity to take place on November 17.  It was interesting that planned on 17 Novembre was a Ladies’ Day on the topic of the ethnics in the Veneto working together as a unified sisterhood.

While delle donne had our lessons, Bob and the other men were on Child Care duty.  Bob and the other missionaries from Vincenza and Padova were able to get aquainted and discuss the direction of their ministries.

We stayed in the home of Jeff and Tia Brauer, missionaries in Padova.  Bob preached in Padova on Sunday, November 18 after Jeremy led Bible class on a study in Genesis 13-14.  Bob and Marla met Antionette, the wife of one of the first converts in the area, Franco (WWII era).

Porta Genova (Our Home)

Welcome to our neighborhood.  Our apartment was located close to our transportation needs:  the train, subway, trolley and bus.  We also were surrounded by the fashion and design industry.

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Last Supper Tour

It takes about a month or more to see Leonardo’s Last Supper, so reserve early in your stay.  Our first week in Milan we made our reservations.  Our last week in Milan we viewed the Last Supper.

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Tour with Giovanni

We emphasized central Milan, Italy sites during this tour.  Our friend Giovanni provided excellent details of the city.  He is a native Milanese and university educated professional.  He spoke partial English to us, as we spoke partial Italian to him.  A special portion of this day included skeletal remains of St. Ambrose adjacent to the university.

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