June 10, 2008
Missionarymobile Redux
So I went to the mechanic's office this morning where the car is "interned". When I walked in the door, the mechanics started giving me looks like people give when you have recently lost a loved one.The whole atmosphere was that of a funeral parlor...minus the organ music. One of the chief mechanics actually came over and put his arm on my shoulder in a consoling sort of way.
"What's up?" I asked.
"Oh, you didn't hear. I guess nobody had time to call you yet. It seems that you are going to need a complete engine overhaul. I'm so sorry."
Complete overhaul? It was supposed to be just the starter and some work in the transmission and suspension. They explained to me that there was much more wrong than had been originally expected. A repair job that was supposed to run me $850 and take two days is now at $1800 and climbing--and I shouldn't expect to see the truck for at least a week.
As I was thinking about this later in the day, some thoughts came to mind as to God's role in all of this.
1. God was tremendously gracious in providing us with the truck, which has been invaluable in our ministry.
2. God has mercifully allowed the truck to be relatively problem-free and inexpensive (nothing beyond normal maintenance) for the last two-and-a-half years.
3. God's planning was very evident in the place and time that the truck broke down (see previous post on the subject).
4. We have no right to a vehicle. What makes me any better than Adoniram Judson, who presumably had to "hoof it" wherever he went? Any time we have a working truck it is a demonstration of God's unmerited favor.
5. When all is said and done, the truck is not mine, it is God's.
As I was reminded of these things, I actually began to get excited about the prospect of having a broken down vehicle. For example:
1. I am going to have two weeks of contact with a group of unsaved men (the mechanics) with whom I would otherwise have had no association. This will be an excellent opportunity to share Christ and to demonstrate grace.
2. Being dependent on public transportation will bring me into contact with many other unsaved people.
3. Most of the students in our practical ministries program are dependent on public transportation. This will give me a great opportunity to "walk in their shoes".
4. Not having the truck will reduce trips to town, which will in turn give me more time to spend with my family, and to complete pending projects here at the office As God would have it, we live at the seminary...so no problem getting to work.
5. If God provides the finances to fix the truck (which He has always done in the past) I will have an exciting and tangible story of divine power to share with the guys at the garage and with the young people of our church.
I'm sure there are more benefits that I am missing. This is going to be a very exciting two weeks.
PS. Just so you know, it is quite alright to pray for the return of the truck!
Posted by Andrew on June 10, 2008 5:52 PM.
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Comments
Posted by: Allen Carpenter at June 20, 2008 11:16 AM
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Andrew, God is teaching us daily with the trials and blessings that come our way. It is good to see your spiritual growth through this. Some would give up and say "what's God going to do with this?" Others, who mature in Christ, look at this as an adventure that He has chosen to give us at this time.
Your response listed above was truly a blessing to my heart. I will share this with our people on Sunday morning, it will fit in beautifully to my message on I Cor. 13 and God' love for us.
I have found since dialysis started that God has blessed me in ways most preachers never get. If it wasn't for dialysis, I would never have been in contact with 24 other renal failure patients, many of who need Christ and are pretty close to the end of this life. Then there are the 12 nurses and techs who ask me questions concerning Christ and my faith. I want them to see Christ in me. I have met families, friends, and fellow workers to other kidney dialysis patienta, and when I go on vacation this summer, will meet more as I will need dialysis every other day while I am away (puts a bummer to some vacation plans!!! You have to find a clinic nearby, fortunately, we found 7 clinics within 10 miles of our destination (Delaware Water Gap and then to NYC to hear my son who pastors at 1st Baptist NYC. While he is the assistant pastor, there is now sr. pastor now and he is doing a good job of leading the flock and getting his Master's at BBS.)
I look forward to hearing more "growth stories" as God continues to lead you. Trust your Mom and Dad will have a good time with you.)
In Him,
Allen