The Coronavirus is now wreaking havoc in Europe, as Italy has the most confirmed cases outside of Asia—283 as of this writing. The regions most affected are in northern Italy, Lombardi and Veneto, home to several Pioneers families and church plants. The cities of Milan, Rome, and Venice have all canceled public gatherings at fashion shows, soccer games, and local festivals. Government officials in Italy and beyond fear that the outbreak will easily spread across European Union borders, as citizens travel seamlessly and daily amongst Schengen nations.

School and public meetings have been canceled by the government for at least this week in the city where Pioneers families live. Missionaries and church leaders have decided to cancel church gatherings for the same length of time. While not quarantined by law in their specific neighborhoods, our workers there report fairly empty streets and stores. They say that in general their Italian friends and neighbors are very cautious and even anxious about the outbreak.

Pioneers in Italy ask for prayer for the following needs:

Pray that they would be able to express peace and confidence in God’s sovereignty in the midst of these uncertain and anxious days.
Pray that the surety of the gospel would be a bright light to worried and isolated Italians.
Pray for the church in Italy, for resources and a movement of the Holy Spirit amongst those who don’t yet know Jesus. Only 1.5% of the Italian population professes an Evangelical Christian faith.
Pray Psalm 91 for the Pioneers in Italy, as well as their neighbors, friends, classmates, church attendees, and all who don’t yet know Jesus:

Psalm 91: My Refuge and My Fortress

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his pinions,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

You will not fear the terror of the night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only look with your eyes

and see the recompense of the wicked.

Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—

the Most High, who is my refuge—

no evil shall be allowed to befall you,

no plague come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways.

On their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the adder;

the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

I will protect him, because he knows my name.

When he calls to me, I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will rescue him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.

Photo Credit: AFP - Agence France-Presse (https://www.thelocal.it/20200224/what-do-we-know-about-the-victims-of-coronavirus-in-italy)