Missionaries to Italy

Hi my name is Tara, and my brother Hauser and his wife were both severely injured in an auto accident this past Saturday afternoon, December 30, 2023.Joel, Graziella, Tirzah and Luca came back to the States to spend the holidays with family and take care of a few important things after the new year.

Leaving their kids with grandparents, they were on their way to Stillwater MN to celebrate their 11-year Anniversary when they struck a patch of black ice on the interstate and were thrown into oncoming traffic lanes.

According to the accident report and sheriff, their vehicle rolled numerous times, and miraculously landed up on its wheels. Graziella was conscious throughout the crash and was able to climb over Joel to escape when paramedics arrived. Joel was unconscious after impact. They were then transported to a nearby hospital. Afterwards, they were transferred to a specialty unit in Regions hospital located in St Paul, MN.

Graziella sustained a broken sternum, two broken ribs, bruising and whiplash with inflammation throughout her upper body. Also, one of her lungs had a bit of fluid in it, and had air pockets above it, as it had dropped during the crash.

Joel had whiplash as well and a very sore shoulder, along with bruising in several areas. But his main injury was multiple fractures in his pelvis. He has six fractures on the right side of pelvis, and one on the left. The bone specialist, after viewing his X-Rays said that Joel was fortunate that the placement of the fractures will not hinder a complete recovery or have any long- term consequences. He is able to walk with a walker. The nurses predict that in 3 months he will be able to walk without having to use a walker or crutches.

Praise the Lord that both Graziella and Joel were discharged already, out of the hospital and are receiving care from loved ones at home.

Because this accident happened outside the European Union, it will not be covered by their Italian insurance policy. This unplanned emergency has taken them off guard, and they are not prepared for this financial burden. The medical expenses consist of two different hospitals bills, ambulance services, CT and X-Ray scans, bloodwork, medications, and follow up care including physical therapy.

Any generous gifts given will cover all the expenses incurred, and if there is anything left over it will be used for their transition back to normal life in South Tyrol, Italy.

Please pray for them, and this very difficult time for them.

I know my brother has mentioned a verse in the past days from Romans 8:28 which is a source of comfort in this time.

Romans 8:28

" And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

I will do my best to provide updates and also relay any of your correspondence and encouraging notes to them.

Thank you so much

Tara Raffesberger (Hauser)

Writing from Barron, WI