an update on Daniele and Petra
28 April, 2011
Many of you have prayed for Daniele and Petra since his tumor came to light in 2008. There is no major new news, but, a look at the overall story is worth a few minutes, so, let me give you an update on their situation.
At times, we get so accustomed to mighty works of God that we don’t see them for what they are.
Daniele’s tumor is one which statistically always leads to death. In fact, Daniele first had the tumor in 2000, and the fact that he lived to 2008, with almost no symptoms, was in and of itself a miracle. God had a plan for him, which included Daniele’s salvation in 2001, marriage to Petra in 2004, and Manuel’s birth in 2006.
But, when the tumor returned in 2008, and he had major brain surgery, and the surgeon confirmed that they were not able to get all of the roots of the tumor, it really did seem that Daniele’s death was to be expected shortly. In fact, when after the surgery Daniele was no longer able to speak, the hospital chose not to invest the resources to provide the much needed therapy to allow Daniele to learn to talk again. Petra did the therapy on her own, and Daniele can talk and think due to God working through Petra’s diligence.
Daniele did suffer some brain damage as a result of his surgery, and his thinking abilities are not what they used to be. If he gets distracted, he struggles to continue his thoughts. If there is noise and confusion, he is very much lost. Due to some seizures, he can no longer drive. But, in overall terms, Daniele is in excellent shape. This limitation is a difficult trial, but he accepts it peacefully.
About two months ago, doctors discovered that the tumor has apparently started growing again, so, after a year with no chemotherapy, they have once again started a new cycle. This new chemotherapy is stronger than the first cycle, with worse side effects.
This past Friday Daniele had his third session of chemotherapy. Petra was ill, and could not be with him. So, he spent most of the day (about 7-8 hours) in the hospital alone, first to have blood taken, then several hours of waiting, then more tests, and finally the chemotherapy itself.
He was tired and weak when I talked to him by phone that evening. But, he sounded like a little boy who just received a new bicycle! He was bubbling with joy as he shared how he had had opportunity after opportunity to share about Christ and give evangelistic tracts to people. His tiredness and weakness from the chemotherapy was never mentioned. He LOVED the day, and couldn’t wait for the next one!
Friends, what an example to me. Daniele has a major trial in his life. He has a terrible tumor, he is undergoing chemotherapy, he faces a probable painful death, leaving behind a wife and young son. But Daniele is not burdened about all of that, he is overflowing with thanksgiving because God is giving him opportunity to proclaim Christ, and, in fact, is using his tumor to do so!
A few weeks ago, Daniele and Petra began praying in earnest that God would allow them to have an evangelistic Bible study in their home. They have never had this, and they greatly desire it. However, Petra shared that their faith was weak, and they could not image how God could answer this prayer. There were no potential open doors on the horizon. Petra shared at church that she really didn’t think it was even a possibility. However, once again, God shows that we need not use our human reasoning to decide what is probable or not. So, they prayed, with a weak faith.
Just a few days later, a friends of Ashley came to dinner with them and Ashley. This young lady had not been open to studying the Bible with Ashley. However, that evening, she was open when Daniele and Petra asked if she’d like to join in their family Bible time. They ended up doing an evangelistic study with her.
Just a week later, Daniele’s friends from university days came for supper. Daniele had asked the friends to bring their Bibles, and they all did, and Daniele led them in an evangelistic Bible study.
A week later, on Resurrection Sunday, they invited over some neighbors for the first time. Daniele read some Scripture passages which dealt with the death and resurrection of Christ, and Petra and Ashley then explained the Gospel to these people, explaining our need for salvation and that Jesus Christ is the only Savior. Daniele had had chemotherapy on Friday, and mentally, he did not have the strength to lead the entire study. But, he took the lead in getting it started, and with the help Petra and Ashley, the Word of God was proclaimed, from the open Bible in their home, for the third time!
Friends, Daniele and Petra have never had an evangelistic Bible study in their home. Now, they are praying earnestly to have evangelistic studies, and God has granted them three studies in three weeks! Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised!
So, we when we consider the life of Daniele and Petra, we see God’s grace mightily displayed. Daniele has amazed the doctors that he is still alive, and indeed, in relatively great shape. Yes, he is weak, yes, he is mentally tired, but he is rejoicing in his Lord, and so VERY eager to proclaim Him.
Though she has to care for Daniele, and carry many loads the husband usually carries, Petra never complains. In reality, Petra is not well, and in fact, has a gastroscopy scheduled next week.
I have NEVER heard Daniele or Petra complain, or even ask why. Instead, they rest in God’s wisdom, power and love for them. They are constantly thinking of others, and are the first to recognize needs and offer to help, even then they are weak. They have much joy in the Lord, and his peace, which truly does pass understanding.
We do not know how the next chapters of their story will go, but we do know how it will end: with them standing in joy before the throne of God for all eternity.
And, if you are a child of God, the same is true for you. We do not know how the next chapters of our lives will be, but we do know that we are safe in Christ, and that God will complete his good work in us, and we will stand, holy and blameless, in his love for all eternity!
So, let me THANK YOU for your continued prayers for Daniele and Petra. We rejoice (for our own benefit) that we still have Daniele with us, far longer than we imagined. We rest in God’s perfect plan for their lives, and for ours.
May each one of us find joy in proclaiming Christ. May we pray for open doors, and trust God to amaze us by the ways He opens them! May we joyfully accept whatever the providence of God brings us, knowing that He is wise, powerful and loving.
We thank God for allowing us the privilege of seeing his good work in his people! Thank you for sharing the pilgrimage with us!
working in his strength, rejoicing in his love,
Marco (and Serena /Sherrie) deFelice
Italy
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