Hello Everybody,
February was a busy but productive time to be in Montebelluna!
During the month, we continued to finish smaller pieces to the building, as well as having a local electrician do some important work to get the dorms ready. We also had a work team from churches in Modesto and Murrieta come work at the building for a week. They were very productive and some of their work included two small rooms built in the sanctuary for storage and functionality, a drop ceiling in the main hallway to help with heating and several rooms painted! We are very grateful for the work they were able to do in the short time they were here!
In recent weeks, the coronavirus has impacted the world, but more so specifically Italy and the region in which I currently live. After China, Italy currently has the most confirmed cases of infections with the coronavirus. As a result, we have been undergoing some significant changes in regards to our ability to go out and about for daily life. On March 7th, our province (think of it like an American county within a state) of Treviso was quarantined until April 3rd. On March 9th, the rest of Italy was put under quarantine like us in our province until April 3rd as well. We cannot travel outside of our province until then, and it is possible that the travel ban could be extended to a later date depending on what happens with this scenario of virus, infections and health safety.
For this second level of quarantine, the emphasis has been placed on only going places out of necessity. I heard from a friend in another part of Italy that the police are stopping people asking them why they are out and about doing necessary things (getting groceries). For us here in Montebelluna, every time we want to go somewhere we are required to fill out a form to say who we are, where we are going and why we are going there. Fortunately for us in our apartment, we have a grocery store right next door, so we have been able to access groceries and supplies easily.
So far, the grocery stores are able to handle the increase of purchases, however people are being cautious so they are buying significantly more in the effort to not go out as much into public. The government has put forth a vote of confidence though, saying that the supply routes and ability to provide the food and other things has not been affected.
Church, unfortunately has also been affected in a major way. Church has been cancelled for the last Sunday and Wednesday, as we have been forced to go online solely through a streaming feed. Gratefully, this has worked well and the system in place has functioned beautifully. It is probable that this is the way we will be doing church for the next little bit at least through the end of the month.
In the midst of all this, CCBC Italy Spring 2020 has begun and all the students have arrived. We began orientation Monday, started classes in person Tuesday and now have switched to online/limited travel for the teachings. I am balancing the technology for teaching, translation and recording in the middle of all this nuttiness. So far, God has given us grace to have everything work and function well.
On a personal note, it seems strange to be living in a country where a quarantine is taking place. It seems like a thing that should be happening in another country or in the movies. The center of town which is normally bustling with people is now closed down and empty like a ghost town. Coffee bars, restaurants, bakeries - all closed. There has been however, a significant increase in ambulance activity compared with before the virus began. However, people are not overreacting here and going crazy. Mostly, people are following along with the guidelines and resting at home like the president of Italy has requested in his tagline for the people to have as an attitude during this time: "Io resto a casa." - I rest at home.
So, here's the big question: How can you help us from where you are? Pray!
I ask for your help in prayer in these ways:
1. That through this, the people of Italy would seek out Jesus in a personal way and that we may be lights in this time of fear and worry. 2. The virus would stop. 3. Doctors find a vaccine. 4. Our church and Bible college would have continued wisdom in how to do our services and semester. 5. In this time without school in our areas, we would be able to connect with the church youth kids in a positive way.
6. That our personal walks with Jesus would be strengthened, as this has been a trying time despite having faith in Romans 8:28 that God will work it all out for His good.
Photos: Our local grocery store was cleared out from purchases, however it was filled back in within the next day; our streaming set-up; watching church from home.
If you have any questions or desire to reach out to me, I have email, Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp.
Email: nathaniel.hibbs@outlook.com
Insta: @hibbsey4christ
Facebook: Nathaniel Hibbs
WhatsApp: (+39) 320-933-2262
Thank you all for your prayers and continued support!
God bless,
Nathaniel Hibbs