Margaret and I flew into Bergamo Airport on Friday afternoon and made our way to Brescia by coach a journey of 50 minutes – it started to rain!

We contacted pastors Vincent Offor of the Ark of God Mission and Geoffrey Allen of The Evangelical Church of Reconciliation to arrange our programme.

We woke on Saturday morning to a fine day, it remained so. Vincent picked us up and took us to see their new home. A warehouse about 140 feet x 140 feet. The ground floor is divided into 3 meeting rooms seating approx 250 each. The Ark of God use one the others are let to other church groups. There is also a large reception area with a toilet block. (those who have visited would appreciate that!)
There are six double bedsits on the first floor also let out and 3 room accommodation for Vincent and large office accommodation. The official opening is in July when Margaret and I have been invited to take part.

Sunday saw us at the Evangelical Church, an Italian church which is part of a group overseen by Geoffrey Allen and his wife Judith. The local pastor is Massimo Gazzurelli and his wife Ankuradhi, who is Singhalese. We had a great time together and the subject I had chosen was the same one that they had been looking at in their bible study for the past couple of weeks.

We then went back to the Allens for lunch, they live by beautiful Lago di Iseo. Massimo and Ankuardhi joined us for the afternoon for fellowship and we talked about the situation spiritually in Italy and how we might help.

Monday morning saw us up on the castle, in the rain, looking out over the city and praying for the city, it’s people and institutions.
Tuesday we relaxed and prepared for home, praying the ash cloud would not descend!! It didn’t!!!