Palermo as it is today ...........
Palermo is a city that has changed much over the past 9 months ….. but the last 2 months has seen unprecedented dramatic change as the COVID-19 2nd wave hits Europe. Italy is recording around 10,000+ new cases each day, the streets of Palermo are quiet as new restrictions were being implemented each week but are now being updated daily to try and contain the spread of the virus
Many of Deanes contacts have left the City to rural areas to find work
refugee camps were locked down 1km from our apartment with COVID-19
there are few Africans on the streets - they are fearful
Ministry and evangelism is suspended until March 2021
Our neighbours are fearful that we meet African people & will bring the virus to the building!
masks are now mandatory when leaving the home, even on our 10km walk!!
Sicilian tolerance of refugees is said to be at an all time low
Africans are being blamed for spreading the virus
Cafes, restaurants and bars are to close by 11pm
Social distancing is a must
Gathering of more than 6 people outside your family is prohibited.
The 18 months we have spent here in Sicily have been exciting & rewarding but also challenging as we have had no church fellowship or community. As many of you will have already heard God has laid on our hearts to change the location of our mission.
This is only a change of location .... it is not a change of heart for our mission to share Jesus, to help the needy, nor a change for the African people.
We realise a change of location may be a surprise to some of you, although everyone that knows Deane knows he loves farming, projects and the clean green - most people are amazed at how he has survived this long in the city.
We also know for our personal well-being that we need to leave the city and go to more of a community based opportunity for regular fellowship.