Romans 14:17

The Difference Between the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God

I really like taking pastors out to lunch. I like going to lunch with pastors because it gives us 45 minutes of time to discuss my call and burden for the field of Italy as well as so much more! It also gives me the opportunity to talk about missions with experienced men of God and glean wisdom from the pastors.

Well, during these lunch meetings it also gives pastors an opportunity to ask me questions. They usually ask about our plans for the field and missions philosophy and about my family. Sometimes they ask about doctrine.

Recently I was having lunch with a pastor when he stated, “Michael, I am going to ask you a question that the possibility of you having a meeting at my church hinges on.”

I replied, “Okay” - really hoping I had the right answer to the question up my sleeve!!

He asked, What, if any, is the difference between the terms “kingdom of heaven” and the “kingdom of God”?”

I started laughing out loud when he said it, hoping that an opportunity at his church truly did not hinge on this question because I thought for sure I was not going to answer the question how he wanted me to.

I answered it truthfully. I refuse to be something or someone I am not. I told him I understood the issue and I gave my supporting verses for why I believe that they are.....(well that is another topic)

He replied that he completely agreed. (Whew!) He proceeded to state that he was kidding about the meeting hinging on the question. We laughed.

I really like taking pastors out to lunch! It is fun!

Romans 1:15

When putting together our video for deputation, we desired to emulate the video that the Apostle Paul made as much as possible.

In Paul's doctrinal treatise on Christianity, the Book of Romans, he expressed his great desire to preach to those that were in Italy. We share this same desire. As we are on deputation, we are presenting this video to the churches. We hope that in this video you will see the need for the Gospel to Italy, and also our heart's desire to serve God in that country.

So you will see that much like the missionary video the Apostle Paul put together... well, never mind.

Ephesians 5:16

Ahhhh.....the phone calls!

The moment so many have been waiting for. I started making calls this week trying to connect with like-minded pastors. It seems so easy -

1. I call the number of the church.

2. I ask the Secretary if I could speak with the Pastor and she pleasantly says "Sure, just a second..."

3. The pastor comes on the phone and we talk about my packet and the Great Commission.

4. He tells me that he is excited about what God has called me to and invites my family to his church.

Yeah.

Here are some examples why I am starting to think the above scenario is more of an "ideal" than reality! : ) These examples made me smile and I hope they make you laugh as well!

I call the number -

"DOO DO DOO - The number you have called has been disconnected, please try your number again."

I call the number -

Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. (12 rings later) Ring. Ring.

I call the number -

Recording - "Hi you have reached *Such and Such* Baptist Church - our office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 - 3:00"

I call the number and then ask to speak with the pastor -

Secretary: (Trying to hold back the giggles) "Um, he is not available right now, can I take a message?"


- I love this stuff! Please pray.

Hebrews 10:25

In a person’s lifetime there are generally a few major events that are extra special and are remembered forever. Engagements, weddings, and new births are just a few that we can all relate to. For us however we experienced two special events in one week. The birth of our precious daughter Ellia and Italy Night at First Bible.

I have been replaying Italy Night in my head over and over and am so excited and blessed at how it came together. From the very planning and preparations to clean up at the end, our friends volunteered to work so that every detail was taken care of. The teenagers in my choir were all so willing to help do any task last night. At the reception I saw people serving and running around which was especially humbling.

The attendance was very encouraging to us, especially for a Sunday evening service in the summer! I know that I am biased but my husband was overflowing with energy as he preached a message the Lord gave him some time ago. He was so excited that I could not help but laugh and thank the Lord for the passion in his message. The teen choir sang “Above All” in Italian and I felt so honored that I was able to lead them for the past several years.

We give God the glory and praise for every detail of the evening and we are so excited to begin deputation! Thank you friends and family for coming out to support and encourage us!

Psalm 127:3

Yesterday Erika woke up early with a list of errands to run. She needed to stop by Kinko's to pick up our display for our missionary table, drop off the letters at church we are mailing to our church family, as well as a host of other odd "to do's" in preparation for Italy Night!

Some time before noon I got a call from Erika who was at Barnes & Nobles buying a baby book. I was pleasantly suprised to hear her say, "Today is the day!" We needed to go to the hospital because our second baby girl was going to be born!

Ecc. 4:9 - Two are better than one!

Our little Ellia Mariela Barone was born on July 24th at 7:44 PM. She is 20.5 inches long and weighed in at 7 pounds and 13 ounces. So tiny and beautiful and of course she has the trademark "Barone brown" hair!

The little mini cries are so cute - ahhh...ahh...ahhh.... Erika and I are very excited for Natalia to get to meet her baby sister. We cannot believe that our baby is a big sister! Natalia has been very loving with her mama's belly and loves kissing her baby dolls, so we think it will be a wonderful bond.

Philippians 1:3

Today I was putting some of our packets together to send to pastors and I realized how thankful I am for true servants of Christ who used their talents for the Lord and helped us with our materials.

Jen Hale deserves a thousand thank-yous for her willingness to help with our banners, folder, brochure, and prayer card. Every pastor I have shown our materials to has commented how nice of a job she did. Pastor Grace was literally taken back by how well the materials looked.

Andy Hinds spent countless hours working on our website. I am sort of a perfectionist (Jen might agree as well) and Andy was completely patient as we would sit there until 2:00 am drinking coffee and working on it. He ended up putting together what Pastor Billy Wood called "The best website" he has ever "seen for a deputizing missionary."

Andy Johnson put our DVD together despite being overloaded with all his other tasks. There was one night I met him at the church and was there with him until 10:00 pm working on it! I am overjoyed with the way it turned out. He really put together a first class video!

Honestly, I have no idea where we would be without friends like these. I thank my God for their work and labor of love.

Hebrews 6:10

Why do missionaries complain about deputation?

I am on the plane riding back from my trip to California and the above thought came into my mind. While in CA a pastor graciously opened up his home to me for my stay in San Francisco. The Pastor's family was a joy to be around and their hospitality is more than anyone could ask for. He allowed me to use a car, gave me a wonderful place to stay and his wife prepared outstanding meals each day. They really count it a privilege to be in the company of missionaries and really are a blessing.

In addition, it has been profitable fellowship with the missionary to Italy and I have learned a great deal more about missions in Italy as a result. The fellowship with the Pastor and missionary has been uplifting and challenging.

In this short trip I have learned so much and have been so encouraged. I am not pretending that I did not miss my family terribly, or that relentless travel will not take its tolls, but the time in churches communicating our vision and the fellowship with the body of Christ will outweigh these things. If the deputation trail is a series of meetings like this, it would be a special time for us.