November 2019 Mission Newsletter

The last month we have had some daily visitors but all our regular Africans have disappeared!!! Some are traveling to visit  family, some to get document and some have just vanished and phones have been disconnected!  We are seeing how transient the refugees and migrant population is.   We also hear how many people survive here, they beg outside shops, they go to bakeries for free food and there are SO many they sift through the large rubbish bins - some take trolleys with boxes and travel from bin to bin around the City!  It is a real eye-opener! Gospel Hope - pre-loved clothing   We have been given more clothing, Giovanni the concierge at our Apartment building let us put up a notice for all residents asking for Donations of clothing and shoes for men, women and children.  We have finished sorted and hanging the clothes donated previously but we now have been given lots of clothing from people in the apartment.   ASTALLI REFUGEE CENTRE   We are so grateful that we met Dr Allina, she is the Secretary of the Palermo National Refugee Central office here!  She was walking past the centre to collect her motorbike form being repaired, so called in to talk about what we were doing!  She was very encouraged, excited and helpful!  This Refugee Centre is located in one of the buildings  of a 14th Century Church and is run by volunteers from many countries. Found the local Farmers Market LANGUAGE CLASSES Following our meeting with Dr Allina, we visited the Refugee Centre in central Ballaro and have been able to join the Migrant Language classes run daily from 10am to 12pm, Monday-Friday.  We have meet many other English speaking people/migrants from various countries that we have been able to invite to Gospel Hope Centre. Its great too because it shows there are many they are trying their very best to learn the language ... just like us!!! Gospel Hope - Foodbags & Groceries A few food bags left - we have just purchased a small kitchen bench for storage and Deane is hoping to secure some shelving.   This will mean we can store food and replace as needed and then people are also only given what they will use! We are thinking of different ways to do this, some people are homeless and so there is no point giving them food to cook if they dont have stove!  Also we are considering buying 2 large rubbish bins and purchasing 20kg African rice and 20kg African beans -  then we can give that out as needed - means they get the food they like and its much cheaper. Celebrating Thanksgiving On Tuesday 5th November, we shared a thanksgiving evening with American Mission Team in Palermo. Sharing the history of thanksgiving and God's provision over many years.  Celebrating with American Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie & M&M's.  We had a good turnout and fun evening.

MINISTRY EXPENSES We are considering purchasing (when we return from New Zealand) a washing machine so that refugees/migrants can come wash their clothes. We are also researching the best way to supply 1 or 2 Community dinners for  refugees/migrants each week.  We will get the African restaurant to cook a pot of rice or beans and a pot of soup.   We will put up a table outside, once the food is gone its gone!! Feeding as many passerbys as possible.   Would you like to donate towards a Washing Machine, Foodbags, Community dinners & Laundry products   TO DONATE direct to Gospel Hope Ministry NZ Bank account please contact us for details - email us on graingers5@gmail.com We'll be based in Auckland from 8 - 25  November for our daughters wedding - will be great to have time with our family & friends!   Deane & I are bringing both our mums back to Palermo with us! :-) Please pray for:- Hadim who has decided not to stay in Gambia & has returned to Palermo. Italian language learning 8 African men that receive & read Gods word on a regular basis over social media from Deane. As we travel to NZ for Bri & Ross's wedding in November and a fun time together. For plans for Community Street Dinners over winter. Italian friends 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, Peruvian, Bangladeshi & Italian Italian IRD numbers issued in 1 hour!! Our Apartment contract has been extended to September 2020