Hello!
I want to write you all to say thank you for your love and constant prayers of protection over me. Some of you may have already heard my recent news, and others may not have yet, but I wanted to get the word out to everyone that I recently saw those prayers so clearly in action.
I am fine and well, but two weeks ago I had a single-vehicle accident on my way to the capital city to do some paperwork. I came through with miraculously only a few small bruises and scratches. The wonderful vehicle, that so many of you prayed for, protected me well. Unfortunately, is now at the mechanic’s awaiting repairs. The car rolled over to the side in the accident and I think that is how most of the damage occurred.
The bull bar on the front of the car (one of the upgrades we raised money for) took the brunt of the impact and kept the front of the vehicle from smashing in. That is a blessing! And my seatbelt protected me from getting thrown forward – it gave me a few bruises while holding me in, but I think that is a pretty good trade-off. J
I am devastated about the damage to the new vehicle that was entrusted to me to use and feel so bad about that.
But ….
I am SO thankful that there were no other cars in the road when this happened. I am SO VERY thankful for God’s protection. I am thankful for the kind and helpful people He had on the scene to help me arrange things. I am so thankful for my loving teammates and friends who are helping me through this and encouraging me. And I am SO VERY THANKFUL to God for His protection.
Not to be overdramatic, but … In the few-seconds-blur that was the accident, I thought I had reached the end of my time here on earth. Because I am here safe and sound to tell you this story, I know this is Him telling me that He still has more for me to do in the Kingdom. I am humbled by this, and will continue on with a renewed sense of purpose and focus on HIM, because I realize anew today that every moment is a gift from Him to be used to glorify Him.
My Angolan friends keep sharing a common saying to encourage me, because they know I am upset about the vehicle. It translates, “You can buy everything but life”. They are right. Things are just things. God gave me the car. He can take it, or cover repairing it. Thank you God for my life.
I have had Psalm 91 on my mind since the accident. As always, God had me under the shadow of His wings; however, I have been made aware of it yet again in a very real way. I have been thanking God and giving Him praise for His protection whenever I tell anyone what happened to me. God is great! It could have been much worse, but I came through it all unharmed. I don’t want to take that amazing miracle for granted.
It took me awhile to get this news out to many of you and I apologize for that. I was waiting until I had more news from the mechanic. Unfortunately the damage is quite extensive and it looks like it will be a costly repair. I have a missionary friend several days drive across country who is also a mechanic, and his family is traveling over the Easter holiday. So when they are passing through Huambo this week he will look over the car and see if it looks like the repairs quoted to me are correct and honest. Thanks again to each and everyone one of you for being there for me, and I will keep you updated on the progress of the car and news related to damages once I confirm it.
On another note: Palm Sunday (or Dia dos Ramos) was a good day in the church, and the kids had alot of fun re-enacting Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. We praised God together for all He has done for us, and gave thanks for the gift of His Son. The church will be holding an all-night prayer vigil the Friday before Easter. You are welcome to join us in prayer anytime you think of us that day.