Grazie Mille! Our Final Update from Italy and Croatia
“God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
— Romans 5:5
Grazie mille (a thousand thanks).
This is our final update from Italy and Croatia. As we prepare to return to the U.S., what fills our hearts is simple: gratitude. God has poured out His love through the Holy Spirit. He has been faithful to us, to the church, and to all who have supported this work. We’ve had the privilege of living in two countries, learning from two cultures, and seeing the grace of Jesus meet people in very real ways.
Vicki returned to the U.S. on September 4, and I’ll return on September 15, after one final Sunday service and a farewell potluck on the 14th. These last weeks have brought many goodbyes. We have loved being here, and it’s hard to say goodbye. But we are thankful for what God has done and hopeful for what comes next — both for us and for the church.
Just a Little of What God Has Done
When we arrived at New Life Vicenza in early 2022, the church was very small. Over time, by God’s grace, the congregation has become a stable and growing gospel community. A member told me recently, “It really feels like a church now.” That simple statement captures the change we’ve seen — not just more people, but shared life in Christ.
In these last two Sundays:
- We baptized two covenant children — Misha and Katya.
- We baptized Ender, Remy, and Lucy by profession of faith.
- We received Jordan into church membership.
- This Sunday, we will receive Maggie and Marion Bruhl to the Lord’s Supper by profession of faith.
- We will also install Joe Bruhl as a ruling elder.
These are just a few recent signs of how God has been at work among us — moving His church forward into the new and abundant life that is ours in Christ.
Over the past three months, the congregation has made important decisions about how to carry on the work. Leadership is now shared among several members:
- Joe Bruhl will oversee teaching and preaching.
- Jeff and Earnest will also teach.
- Raul will manage finances.
- JT and Val will coordinate logistics and hospitality.
- Rick and Erica will manage the website and social media.
- Lanette will work with JT on facilities.
- Marijke will continue leading prayer.
- Eliza and Katie are taking on music, worship folders, and slides.
- Jackson will teach the Westminster Shorter Catechism to the children.
And there are others stepping into various roles and responsibilities that I have probably failed to mention.
Two PCA chaplains stationed at the base in Vicenza are willing to help when they have time and opportunity. We are also in conversation with two men who may consider coming to serve as pastor. The earliest either could arrive is summer 2026.
Temporary Life in Novigrad
Because we weren’t able to get residency in Italy, Vicki and I lived in Novigrad (Croatia) during our time here in Europe. It’s a small fishing town on the Adriatic Sea. From there, we drove to Vicenza every weekend — three hours when everything went smoothly, five or six hours when there were delays at the border or roadwork along the way.
It wasn’t always easy. Between travel, packing and unpacking, and the demands of living across two countries (with Slovenia in between), we lost nearly two full days every week to travel and transition. But Novigrad did become a home for us — a place of stability and peace. It reminded me of Bayou La Batre, where I grew up. It gave us rest, routine, and a rhythm of life that shaped these years.
It also gave me time to focus on writing. Over the past year, I’ve studied, written, and published a number of long-form essays for The Jack Miller Project — nearly 150,000 words since January 2025. You can find the master list at www.thejackmillerproject.com. I’m also working on a book titled Discovering Dad, which I hope to finish this year.
A Ministry We Received
This Sunday, I will preach my final sermon at New Life Vicenza from Acts 20, where Paul says:
“I do not account my life as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus.”
That line captures the way I feel. This has never been our work — it was a ministry given to us. And though some have seen our time here as a sacrifice, it never felt like that. It has been a joy to serve, to walk with the church, and to live as recipients of God’s grace.
Paul goes on to say:
“And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up.”
We do the same. We’re leaving, but we are confident in the gospel and in the Spirit’s ability to carry New Life Vicenza forward.
Grateful to God
God has been kind to us. Through all the unknowns, He has led and provided. His love has come to us through the Spirit, through Scripture, and through His people.
We have seen His care in quiet ways — in meals shared, prayers offered, children baptized, and friendships formed. We’ve seen Him work through weakness. We’ve felt His mercy in moments of doubt. We have nothing in ourselves to boast in, but much to be thankful for as we boast in Christ and what He has done and is doing here in Italy.
We leave with gratitude for the love of Christ, poured into our hearts again and again.
Grateful to You
We are also thankful for you — those who have prayed for us, given financially, encouraged us, visited us, written us, and helped us keep going.
Because of your support, we were able to live and serve here for more than three years. Thank you.
My final paycheck will come this month. But I would ask you to consider giving through the end of the year — not for us, but for New Life Vicenza. The church is still financially vulnerable. Your support will help provide for the needs of the church during this interim period, including visiting pastors and ongoing ministry expenses.
You can give directly through:
- Ministry to the Military and Internationals at www.mmichurches.com
- New Life Vicenza at www.newlifevicenza.org
Thank you for considering this.
Grazie di cuore (Thanks from the heart)
Vicki is at our home in Mount Juliet, TN. When I return, we will begin the process of selling our home there as we look forward to where God calls us to next serve in gospel ministry.
We’ve made a lot of memories these past three-plus years. Some are small — like giving a bottle of rakija to Sonja, who cut my hair for years, and seeing her cry as we said goodbye. Others are larger — Sunday baptisms, potlucks, long drives, shared tears, and intimate prayers together and for one another. They are all part of what we take with us.
And I am thankful for Vicki. She has served the church, supported me, shared the gospel, and walked in grace. Through small apartments, long drives, and difficult weeks, she has been my partner. We have done this together.
We are not at the end of anything — only the final section of an amazing chapter God planned for us in Italy and Croatia. This has been part of the adventure of the Christian life — far from boring — and we are waiting with joy and trust to see what God has next.
Grazie di cuore (thanks from the heart).
With much love in Christ,
Mike & Vicki Graham
