When I worked in Argentina, I had occasion to make a necessary trip from the
town of Laguna Blanca in the province of Formosa to Fontana in the north. The
trip meant eleven hours on a dirt road during the rainy season.
I knew I had to return to Laguna Blanca to speak at the Sunday services in our
church, but the weather conditions were getting worse. It was Thursday. I
vividly remember stopping at the River Police base and asking if it was possible
to get through to Formosa. They said the road was flooded in three areas but
that some trucks had managed to get through.
Their advice proved true! I saw the first flooded area looming ahead, and,
accelerating, I charged! Yes, I made it! It was the same at the second flooded
area. But when I reached the third, it was too deep, and I got stuck in the
middle. It was getting late in the afternoon, and I knew it would probably be
dark before I got help, so I took my torch, climbed out, and waded through the
water in my sandals. I prayed for guidance as to whether to walk back or
forward. I was twenty-four years of age, a woman alone on a stretch of road with
not a house in sight. Added to this, I was a foreigner! I walked about fifty
yards, lifting my heart in prayer to God. I decided that my best plan was to go
back and wait at the vehicle.
Imagine my delight when I turned and saw a truck coming in the distance! Soon my
delight turned to shock as I saw the back of the truck loaded with strong, tough
Paraguayan men, six or seven of whom were peering over the top of the pick-up
truck watching the road ahead. There were also three men in the cab -- the
driver and two companions. I prayed and asked the Lord for His protection as
they stopped and saw my dilemma. God heard my prayer immediately, and, joking
and laughing, they all got to work with tow rope and "elbow grease"! God
answered prayer!
The driver of the pick-up truck said, "Turn the key and see if the engine
starts." To the amazement of the men, it started. Then the driver said, "I know
you. You are a missionary. I am a Christian too." They all waved me off. I drove
off into the night, and when I saw the first glimmer of a little house in the
forest, I had clocked up thirty-five kilometres!
I got to Formosa and to Laguna Blanca for the services on Sunday!
Yes, God is faithful! He is our companion and helper, and we can prove His
unfailing love when we trust His promises! Prayer changes things!
Prayer: Lord God, You always answer our prayers. Sometimes we require an
instantaneous answer, and, at other times, we may have to wait and watch as You
intervene in response to our prayers. Help us to trust that You will answer our
prayers. Amen.
Vera Smith
vsmith@verasprings16.freeserve.co.uk
Craigavon, Northern Ireland
Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca
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