October 2019 Mission Newsletter

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19,000 Migrants reported Dead or Missing The Mediterranean crossing continues to be the deadliest migrant route worldwide: 19,000 migrants have been reported dead or missing since October 3, 2013.   So far this year, 2019, the crossing has claimed over 1,000 victims.  The year 2016 was particularly deadly: a reported 5,143 migrants disappeared in the waters of the Mediterranean.  72,263 migrants have entered Europe so far in 2019  In Italy, there were 7,892 arrivals. This marks a stark decrease: There were 21,119 arrivals over the same period in 2018.  7 October 2019 Just a few days after the anniversary of the 2013 Lampedusa tragedy, a boat sinks near this island, leaving at least 13 people dead.    (Lampedusa is a small Island south of Sicily) Deane's designed our new advertising poster & flyers for handing out - something bright, colorful & eye-catching !! MEET PROMISE.............. Promise is from Nigeria, he has been in Sicily for some years, hasn't had a proper meal for over 8 months!   Promise was in a camp but because of a change in rules he had to leave, he has no documents-they got lost, no home-sleeps on the streets, no food-he begs and scrounges through the rubbish bins.    Promise came into the Centre with his friend Temple that came with his friend Nature. Promise comes 2 or 3 times a week. We have been able to help Promise out with food and some new clothes -a warm sweatshirt.  He doesn't want a jacket yet because its too hard to carry everywhere he goes. All Promise wants .... is to go home to Nigeria & his family .... but he cant, no money & no documents - so what hope is there of getting to Nigeria?!?! Sherilyn has found an African restaurant in the Ballaro markets  close to home - she bought African fufu (polenta cassarva) & soup (with fish heads) We are continuing these weekly classes as & when people come - the weeks people remember to come (even when they are reminded by text) we have good discussions and a fun evening. Local Artwork Palermo  Airport is named after Falcone & Borsellino - two Sicilian judges that convicted the Mafia then lost their lives when their cars were blown up !!!   Gospel Hope - pre-loved Clothing Something we didnt plan on doing, but we have been given heaps of clothes and there is a great need.  The Africans that have visited the Centre are enjoying sifting through the clothes and  getting jackets, coats and sweatshirts now that the weather has turned cooler. USTICA ISLAND SO thankful for very generous friends that recently shouted us away for a long weekend from the City & noise. We went to Ustica Island, 1 1/2 hours by hyrdofoil north of Sicily. We enjoyed the peace & quiet, no traffic noise, very few people - very relaxing, we walked & motorbiked around the Island, went snorkeling - Deane tried Scuba Diving for the first time. Gospel Hope - Foodbags More new people have come to the Centre, Stephen & family from Ghana, Mamme &  family from Senegal. Great to be able to hand out more foodbags to help them as they have recently arrived & settle in.

Thankful for:- Meeting with Dr Allina the Secretariat of the Palermo Central Refugee Centre & the opportunities & contacts she has already given us. Refreshing time away at Ustica & great friends Prayer & financial supporters Visitors to Centre - African, Muslim, Bangladeshi & Italian Italian IRD numbers issued in 1 hour!! Our Apartment contract has been extended to September 2020 Please pray for:- Hadim who has decided to stay in Gambia Italian language learning As we travel to NZ for Bri & Ross's wedding in November and for family as we travel together For plans for Community Dinner & washing machine for Africans. Italian friends