Word has reached us from Italy as follows and your prayers are requested on behalf of Majors Russell and Febe Pipe.
Febe's condition is far from good, though now improving. On Sunday 3rd February she was flown by helicopter from a hospital in Florence to the Pisa hospital which deals with transplants and the doctors there could not understand why her own doctor had not acted with greater urgency. They said that her chances of survival had decreased owing to the undue delay.
We are believing, however, that the Lord is guiding in everything. While in hospital at Florence, Febe led the lady in the next bed to Christ. And the hospital at Pisa (previously unknown to the family) managed to locate a liver within a day, something which the other hospital has failed to do since September.
The hospital staff at Florence and Pisa have remarked on Febe's incredible serenity and strength, which is surely the power of God at work. The whole of Italy Command is now mobilised in prayer and we ask that you join us.
Only two visitors—one at a time—are allowed to sit with her and an aunt and uncle—an elderly Christian couple—have committed themselves to this all the time. Febe has tried to communicate with them by using gestures and with her eyes, and has tried to move her arms and tidy the bed sheets!
Can I ask that you pause for just a moment as you read this and link yourself to our friends in Italy and pray on behalf of Russell, Febe, their two sons and the whole family , as we share in their concern at this time.
Holy Father, in thy mercy
Hear our anxious prayer;
Keep our loved ones, now far distant,
'Neath thy care.Jesus, Saviour, let thy presence
Be their light and guide;
Keep, O keep them, in their weakness,
At thy side.
While praying for Febe and her family, we need also to remember the doctors and medical staff. It has become increasingly evident that Febe is in the hands of very skilful people who are alert to her needs and who act with all due caution and patience. Their skill combined with the prayers we send to our loving Father will slowly and gradually bring about the miracle we all hope for.
Keep on praying and believing.
Pray about everything. Tell God what you need
and thank him for all he has done...then you will
experience God's peace, which is far more
wonderful than the human mind can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you
live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 6, 7)