Robert M. Housby. Via Marco Polo 5, 20124. Milano, Italia www.TheItalianMemorandum.

org

Telephone from the US: 815.897.2991 [Milan is 7 hrs. ahead of US] Italian phone: 320.376.1359 Pre-schedule Skype

Missionary Moments in Milano with Bob and Marla...

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord (Psalm 118:26)

Synopsis:
1. We are grateful that we found a secular/summer job in Urbandale, Iowa until our return to Milan. 2. The Italian Memorandum Team is meeting for prayer every Thursday night (7:00 pm). 3. Bob and Marla will return to Milan, August 30th, from Chicago; arriving in Milano August 31. Work will begin immediately upon touching down at Linate Airport. 4. We are excited to have the Osceola brethren onboard in a sponsoring role. Their desire to augment their domestic work reflects the New Testament principle of expansion akin to that of the Antioch Church (Acts 13) and the Great Commission to all the world (Matt. 28:18-20). 5. As of July 4th, we are hustling to finalize our fund-raising to resume our status as embedded missionaries in Milan. 6. Italian language studies are on-going. 7. See updates on our website: www.TheItalianMemorandum.org

News continues to come our way about the poor health or actual demise of some former Italian missionaries among the churches of Christ. We are reminded of the imagery in Alfred Tennysons Crossing the Bar. Tennyson wrote that piece after Shelley had drowned off an

Italian coast and after Keats had died in Rome. Many of our older preachers who sailed to Italy with the gospel have made their final journey. Years after the presence of Harold Paden in Milan, mere mention of his name still brings a resonating tone of joy! And, once while we were visiting the Lords church in Florence, one of the brethren, upon hearing the name of brother Gibbs gave a deep sigh of remembered grace. As Marla and I gather the remaining funds for our work in Milan (2012-2013), we are aware of the priority and urgency for doing ministry now. The attitude of Jesus remains vital, We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work (John 9:4). Oft, in the stilly night, Ere slumbers chain has bound me, Fond memory brings the light of other days around me.
(Thomas Moore, Oft in the Stilly Night)

We would like to express to you how critical and beautiful your support has been. Like the beautiful feet of Romans 10, every step of the way is a reflection of our mutual faith in New Testament commands and examples of taking the gospel to the entire world. None of us shall ever regret labors done in the kingdom of God. Benedetto colui che vieni nel nome del Signore/ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord (Psalm 118:26).