Bryan and Becky Gerritsen in Italy

  March 25, 2023   Humanitarian work moves forward with many good people giving their best efforts to assist refugees in their needs.  An organization called Diaconia Valdese in Ventimiglia, Italy (located on the Ligurian Sea near the French border) helps refugees with basic needs for those continuing to other countries (about 90%), and with housing, legal assistance, and other needs for those who desire to stay (about 10%).  Most of the men who are seeking help live under a bridge.  The Church helps provide jackets, shoes, socks, blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene kits, and other essentials, which are very much appreciated.  It is always a life-changing experience to visit with refugees under the bridge and to hear their stories.  It was heart warming to visit with some of them as they received shoes, backpacks, etc. Refugees from Africa (mostly Sudan & Somalia), under the bridge in Ventimiglia, near the French border        ...

  March 4, 2023 February was indeed a short month.  After returning from Rome for our Humanitarian Services Conference, we spent much of our time following up on projects and with organizations. We even took time to celebrate Becky's birthday, going to the top of the Duomo in Milan, and having lunch at a little restaurant overlooking the Duomo.                                         Left: Becky at lunch in Milan by the Duomo, on her birthday, 2.11.23                                             Right::  Becky, on the roof of the Duomo in Milan, on her birthday, 2.11.23 The following week we visited an organization in Pistoia, just north of Florence and Prato, Italy which houses 130-140 refugees from Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana,  and othe...