Greetings from Nicosia, Sicily!

For the past two weeks we have had the privilege of caring for children at a children’s home called Il Faro, or the lighthouse, in Nicosia, Sicily. Il Faro was founded by a Swiss couple, Walter and Elisabeth Hasenfratz who felt that God was calling them to minister in Italy. After planting a church here in Sicily, the Lord opened a door for them to minister to single mothers. They welcomed single mothers into their home and from that Il Faro was established. The Lord is still using this ministry mightily even after seventeen years and they truly are a lighthouse for many children. Each of us has experienced the challenges and blessings of working with orphaned, abandoned, or neglected children while we have been here. As the date of our departure is approaching, we believe that we will find it hard to leave such a wonderful place.

Our ministry here has been largely practical as it has involved simply taking care of children. Il Faro is organized into four “houses” and each of us works separately within one of the “houses.” Priscilla has worked with children of varied ages which has required her to be creative and flexible. She has had opportunities to teach some of them English and has also helped prepare meals for them. Amanda has taken care of two babies, taking them for walks and pushing them on swings. She has seen that simply spending time with them has made a difference. She has become very attached to them and them to her. Angela has spent time working with six, school-age children including one boy who is autistic. She has enjoyed the duties that come with taking care of a household of children. She has perfected her ironing skills and is now an expert at sewing pillowcases.

The fact that we don’t speak Italian has not been an obstacle. The Lord has been so faithful! The children even find it amusing that we don’t speak Italian and enjoy teaching us new words or acting out what they are trying to say. We can confidently say that we have been a blessing at Il Faro. Even so, we have been equally blessed by the simple joy expressed in the children faces when we spend time with them. We hope that we have made a difference in their lives and, most importantly, that they will attribute our love and attention to the One who loves them the most, our Heavenly Father.

Love,
Priscilla, Angela, and Amanda

P.S. We would like to invite you to visit the website of Il Faro. The address is: www.ilfaronicosia.org.

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Mark 9:37