Five Months to Milan!
Ready to Fly
We are now into final preparations for our departure to Milan.   Tickets have been acquired for August 23 and September 2. Marla and Jason will depart about a week after I arrive and have secured housing accommodations. Jason is our technology expert having worked in the field for years now.
Italian with Coco
Coco and Beatrice D'Esta (painting)
Last night, Marla and I were in the company of Signor Coco, our Italian language instructor, and his wife De. We attended the 103 Annual Art Exhibit of Des Moines at the Hoyt-Sherman Place (see photo). We meet for language studies twice a week with Coco. Eugenio Coco as we say has been put in the Midwest for such a time as this; this moment of linguistic training with theological priority. He is a native of Italy where he spent his first 23 years. His father, Francesco Coco, who now rests from his labors, was an indispensable translator for the Italian missionary activity of the churches of Christ during the1950’s and forward. He is so well spoken of by the brethren (Rev. 14:13). Eugenio’s grandfather, Domenico Quattrocciochi was a recognized Italian artist from the south. Signor Coco is preparing us for Italy as a labor of love. Language schools in general are expensive. He has taken us under his tutelage as a free commission and continuation of the work of  his father (Lk. 2:49).
On the Mend
In addition to our language studies, we are completing our fund raising; piecing employment together to pay monthly bills; living with our son in Des Moines; and mending from back surgery. The back surgery of September was successful. We are grateful for having had insurance to cover the $100K  cost of this extensive operation, consisting of front and rear incisions; not to mention screws, pins, and a plate at L-5. Yes, it sounds like a hardware store!
Why Italy?
To reiterate why we are going to Italy, we should like to enumerate: first, that our formative background was in Italian Catholicism; second, our extensive emphasis since 1977 has been in the Koine Greek of the New Testament; and, thirdly, a very saturated emphasis in the European philosophies which have served to dismantle the age-old religious structures (from the British F.H. Bradley to the existentialism of Nietsche; who, incidentally, is still being quoted on trains in Italy). The ultimate reason for going to Italy is that the gospel is for all; for all time; and for all, right now (Rev. 14:6).
In conclusion to this brief but needful update, we will provide a gospel reference (John 20:15). Like that misty fog (la nebbia della Lombardia) of Milan, which so often characterizes the landscape beyond the city and hovers over the streets, there is something of a gardener among the mists who clearly portrays a message. The message, however, could not be processed until the fog of personal reflection had lifted.   The supposed gardener of John 20:15 was not a gardener at all.
The March to Milan is a resurrection event. Please remember us in prayer and communicate with us if you would like to participate during this critical time (515) 988-4220.