On the second mission trip week in June 2010 a group came from Ohio to El Paso on a bus they rented from another church. The bus rental was $3000, and the original plan was that 30 riders would pay $100 each for the trip and cover the rental. Satan began early trying to discourage the group when many of the original riders decided to cancel for different reasons, and only half of the bus rental was going to be covered. Their plan was to leave Ohio early Friday morning, drive 36 hours straight, and arrive in El Paso on Saturday night. They got within 100 miles of El Paso and it broke down. We took one of our buses to go get them (now, our bus was a much older model than their bus, but obviously, a bit more dependable).
Their bus was overheating badly but could be driven in the cool of the night. So we picked up the people in the afternoon, brought them back to BPS, and their drivers brought in their bus late that night (Saturday). On Monday morning, our ace mechanic Steve checked out the problem and made the necessary phone calls. He then gave me his report. This bus used two radiators. They were rusted so badly, he was surprised they didn’t just fall out the bottom of the bus! The radiator cores were specially made, and had to be ordered from out of state. The El Paso radiator shop (once they got the cores) had to re-build them to fit that bus. All this was not going to happen by the following Friday morning when they wanted to leave, but more likely 4 days later, on Tuesday. And, last but not least, the cost estimate for all this was between $6000 and $10,000. Flying back was not a better option, because without a two week notice, the cheapest one way tickets to Ohio were $900 apiece. So I gathered the group together to break the news. Personally, I thought this was great! Because impossible situations are God’s way to teach His children about His POWER!
I started by telling them several stories of God using a miracles in solving seemingly unsolvable problems. And then I mentioned how everyone loves to hear stories like that, but no one wants to be there while you are going through it. However, they were going to get that opportunity – because for their bus to leave on Friday would require a flat out miracle from God! And then I explained the details about the bus as told to me. A number of people had to consider the fact that they may not get back to work on the following Monday, and one individual was starting a new job that day. Does Satan know how to paint a picture of discouragement or what?! The reason situations like this look so bad, is because you look at it from your perspective only, how you can solve it, how you can pay for it, and leave God completely out. Good grief! And then you yell and get upset (which of course is SO helpful). And I can see why – when all you do with a major problem is look at it from your measly limits….. Your strength, your bank account, your intelligence, and your ingenuity….. Even you can see why you have a lot to grumble about when you go there! Don’t go through the misery, pray first! Christians, give it to God! When you do that, you bring in the power of our Mighty God who has no limits, which of course, includes the impossible! Glory!
I am telling you, this group had no intention of leaving God out! They were excited! They prayed and passed that burden to Him, and then, got busy with what He had brought them on this mission trip for…. To take the Word of God to the lost!
The first good thing that happened is that the radiator shop in El Paso was run by a Christian. He dramatically cut the price for us – and the total price was down to $3500 for both radiators – including all rebuilding work. And the church that owned the bus said they would pay for the radiators. Praise the Lord!
Of course, Satan never makes it easy to ‘trust God’. We found out Thursday morning that the two radiator cores were shipped on separate pallets, because they damage easily. Unfortunately, they were loaded on different trucks…. one arrived in El Paso, and the other ended up in Louisiana. At this point it’s easy to get angry and look for someone to yell at (how could this happen!?). Of course, we all know that no matter who’s fault it is, all anger does is make you lose your testimony, and ultimately, doesn’t help anyway! Besides, we knew who the troublemaker was. It was Satan again, trying to make things look bleak (and I have to admit, he does an excellent job in that area). So what do you do? You do what we did – pray! Folks, this is serious spiritual warfare! Forget the grumbling, complaining, and looking for some human to blame, and get on your knees! Prayer is a great weapon against darkness!
On Thursday, the radiator shop ordered another ‘core’ and had it shipped overnight. The one they did have, they re-built and delivered to us Thursday night and Steve installed it in the bus. The radiator shop was going all out to help us. The second core arrived at noon on Friday. They had two guys waiting to work on it. Normally, one guy would take 8 hours to do this job. Those two guys got it done by 3:30 on Friday afternoon. The second radiator was installed, the bus tested, and ready by 9:00 Friday evening. The group left two hours later, drove straight through, and arrived home on Sunday morning in time for church. Amen! They had two powerful services that day, and by the time the tears and amen’s had stopped, they had 45 people sign up for a mission trip in 2011! And if that isn’t enough to make you search for your socks, remember the bus rental? Only half was covered? God, after seeing all that faith, was not done! After the morning service, a dear lady (not a church member) stepped up, handed the pastor a check, and told him she wanted to cover the difference! Glory to God, is He good or what!
And if you’re not blessed by this story, as a good friend of mine once said, “Your blessor is busted!”
God’s Lesson
There is more here than a great story of faith, there is something to be learned. These dear people faced Satan’s best mountain – twice! Not only was the mountain insurmountable, but all the exits were closed. But not to God. He cannot be stopped. The “problem” here was turned into a wonderful blessing – BECAUSE – they called on God – they didn’t waste time trying to blame somebody! Don’t miss those great blessings in your life because you looked to your own wisdom (sometimes referred to as common sense)!
Seek. God. First!!
Grandpa Jack's Place 