Preaching throughout Italy in 2009
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?â€
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).