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)

There are signs of an early autumn in the air. The Iowa State Fair has just begun. And we are again busy packing for Italy. Marla is a stupendous packer, for which I am grateful. We have some little business left with the Italian Consulate in Chicago. But, basically we are flightworthy. Marlas health has been an issue this summer. She is feeling considerably better. Please remember us as we leave August 30th for Milan. The work which we do is both vital and a joy. Thank you again for your support. We anticipate good news from Milan in 2012! We know that the brethren in Italy await our return.

Over the summer, some have inquired about what we teach to Europeans. One response to this question, which is simple, biblical, and pertinent to the mindset of Italians, lies in the first chapter of Genesis. Simple, because it is about the everyday material universe. Biblical, because it sets up the God of the Bible and his world (See Acts 17:24-28). Pertinent, because

the highly educated Italians of the 21st century have been thoroughly exposed to The General Theory of Evolution. The point is to elicit mental stimulation to assess an alternate worldview. It is far too difficult for the educated to merely parrot, Oh, I dont believe that. Truly educated and thinking people allow for a discussion. This is to our advantage. Our adage is that unless one can come to the coffee table and talk, there will be no exchange of information; for, the gospel requires a hearing (See Romans 10). In Genesis 1, we have the phrase: Let there be; followed by, And there was [or, And it was so] (e.g. 1:14, 15). And, then, there is the complimentary evaluation: And God saw that it was good (Genesis1:4, 10, 15, 18, 31). These two observations allow us to affirm key ideas inherent in any consistent view of life: Source and Value. From these two fundamental points, Source and Value (s), one may proceed to explore such questions as: What is your source of authority? How are values determined? Is it possible to devalue what God has valued? etc. This simple Genesis approach is very appropriate for a secular audience. Jesus death via crucifixion and his resurrection via power happened within the very structure of Genesis 1-3. Ironically, the Cross is the ultimate devaluation (2 Corinthians 5:21), and yet, the most valued thing in the universe! Our Next report will be on the ground from Italy, speaking to what shall have happened in September. Pray for Milano that many doors in the city will be opened. Be a part of this ministry! September will be a critical month. We close with a reflection on the Hebrew of Genesis 12:1: Lech lecha, Go, go forth Arrivederci!