I admit…I’m probably not the best person to write about this topic.
After all, I’ve never seen a zombie movie, nor do I plan to.
Yet the surreal atmosphere that the world, and especially Italy is facing right now with the Coronavirus reminds me of every zombie movie I’ve never seen.
The needle that broke the proverbial camel’s back came when the prime minister of Italy decided to shut down all schools and public gatherings at least until the 15th of March, and possibly as lat as the beginning of April. Many families will be scrambling to figure out what to do with their children.
It was a tough decision.
The official order is to keep at least 3.28 feet (one meter) distance from people. Can you imagine enforcing that in Italy, where people greet with a kiss and personal space is socially unacceptable?
Imagine trying to enforce that with children’s ministries…
As I look out the window of our church office I see business as usual…granted, probably less cars than a typical Thursday morning. People still have to go to work.
We’re living in strange times.
Nothing can be taken for granted.
The economy seems on the verge of a collapse.
Even our church will not be able to meet this Sunday, as they try to curb this terrible virus that is taking the world by storm.
Umbria so far has not been as affected as northern Italy, where at least 80% of the cases have been, but the numbers are growing.
(For an interview to of missionary friends of ours from inside the “red zone” click here.)
Schools are closed, social gatherings are discouraged when not forbidden, people walk around suspiciously (or at least I do!). They are even considering playing soccer games in empty stadiums.
The hardest part is not knowing exactly when it will end.
In northern Italy, the infamous “red zone”, they have already been living this way for a while.
America may soon be facing similar decisions. All we can do at this point is pray.
Please pray for us:
- Pray as we decide how to best minister to people in a country that is in virtual quarantine.
- Pray that people will be open to spiritual conversations.
- Pray for the virus to end soon, so we can back to normal life.
- Pray for our planning for our visit to the United States in July for the 100 year anniversary of Baptist Mid-Missions. In particular pray for:
- Good airline tickets
- Transportation and housing for our time there.
- Planning of the worship times for the conference
- Planning for my absence from the ministry
- Planning for the connections with ministry partners and family.
Thank you for praying!
The Whitmans
