Help Casa di Rifugio Continue

As lifelong American missionaries retire, the ministry of Casa di Rifugio is being turned over to capable European missionaries.

As many of you know, Casa di Rifugio is a migrant and refugee ministry serving the city of Caltanissetta, Sicily, reaching primarily into the local Islamic community. Through a compassion-based ministry, the team meets practical needs while building friendships that open natural opportunities to share the message of Jesus.

The city faces extreme poverty. Last year, large sections of the city went nine months without running water. Water had to be stored in containers, and even those with access received it for only about two hours every 7–10 days. In response, Casa di Rifugio purchases water directly from a reservoir and provides showers and laundry services. People often wait hours for their turn, and while they wait, they encounter Christian materials available in the heart languages of more than 40 ethnic groups. Even difficult circumstances create opportunities to share Christ.

The ministry offers a variety of regular programs, including basic Italian classes for women, quarterly women’s breakfasts, English lessons and games for children, laundry and shower services, bike repair for men, and times of fellowship and community.

By God’s grace, more than 15,000 copies of Scripture have been distributed in 45 languages.

The greatest challenge is meeting the overwhelming daily needs. Food, water, detergent, healthy snacks, transportation, utilities, and occasional medical assistance must constantly be replenished. Many migrants work in local fields but are not always paid their wages, leaving them unable to cover even basic costs. It is often by providing daily water and bread that the ministry gains the opportunity to speak about the Bread of Life.

The ministry center alone requires approximately $2,000 per month to operate, not including other outreach expenses.

Scripture tells us that one day people from every tribe, language, and nation will stand before Jesus. With that vision in mind, Casa di Rifugio continues to share God’s Word and pray with people every day, trusting the Lord to transform lives.

About Sensitive Area Missionaries

These are the needs of Christian missionaries who are either located or served in "closed areas" of the world. Due to Christian persecution, their names cannot be mentioned, however, GapFill has done its due diligence to ensure funds are being used as designated.

Please contact GapFill.org directly if you have any questions or concerns regarding these missionaries.