Change of plans

This morning began without a hitch. We were still praising the Lord for the amazing night we had witnessed at the block party. Over 400 people were in attendance and we continued to receive reports of people coming to know the Lord. We were still floating on air.

We departed the hotel on time after picking up a few newspapers to read the front page story about our students being in Montrose and all the work they had done this past week. A colored picture accompanied the story that contained several quotes from our students.

We even had a departure committee present. Several members of Rosemont were there in the wee hours to say good-bye.

All went well until we began to climb Monarch Pass. One of the buses lost power and was chugging up the mountain at a snail's pace. Once the first bus reached the summit it went back down the mountain and shuttled the troubled bus's students to the summit. After a 2 1/2 hour wait and a temporary fix, we were back on the road. But not for long. We were able to limp to Canon City where we purchased additional materials to try and fix a busted turbo hose.

It wasn't long before we realized this fix was not going to work. Bus #1 went ahead to Pueblo to try and find a more long-term solution. We were able to find one and soon we were once again back on the road. But not for long.

Once again trouble had reared its ugly head and we were going nowhere fast. It was determined that a new bus would have to replace the ailing coach. So, now the search was on for somewhere to take the students during the wait. We began to call local churches in the area to see if anyone had a family life center that we might be able to hang out in until the new bus arrived. We called Belmont Baptist Church not knowing anyone there. In addition it was 5:00 P.M., on Friday. The pastor answered and was so gracious and kind. We invited us to come to his church and crash until we were able to board the new bus.

With a park across the street many of us played kick ball to pass the time. Some watched a movie in the Worship Center and others played basketball on the church parking lot.

As the minutes turned into hours we realized that there was not a bus within a reasonable distant to reach us in time. It was then determined that we would need to go ahead and secure rooms for the night in Pueblo. Yeah, right!

With a major convention in town there was not a room to be had, much less 27! We were beginning to feel the pressure. On a long shot I called Colorado State University in Pueblo. Without a direct number I called the County Sheriff's Office and began to track down a number of someone that might help us.

Upon reaching the Sheriff's office, the deputy told me he would be glad to help us and called the university for me. Within a few minutes I received a call back from a member of the university's housing staff. I was told that rooms were available but that the housing director would have to approve it, since the dorms were closed this weekend.

Within 30 minutes I received a call inviting us to spend the night at the university. The student workers had determined that we needed their help and they were willing to work to find a solution.

The very nice lady said an officer would meet us within minutes to escort us to the university. Keys had already been organized and were waiting, along with the students on staff.

In the meantime sponsors had gone to KFC and picked up 100 boxed meals for everyone. No small feat in and of itself.

Once at the university we began to find rooms and eat some much wanted chicken. By now it was around 9:30 P.M. While organizing keys the housing director once again appeared and told us that she had called food services and told them of our plight. They told her that they would be here bright and early in the morning to serve us breakfast. (The cafeteria is closed until Monday) BTW, the housing director lives in Arvada, a Denver suburb 100 miles away and usually goes home on the weekends. Today she had stayed late at the office to catch up when she received our call requesting her help.

By all accounts we could chalk today as being a total disaster. But as I told our students tonight, the enemy would like nothing better than for us to do that. However, we still were able to see God's provision in such an awesome way. He placed people in our path that were able to provide the assistance we needed, in just the way we needed it. He is to be praised! He is still on the throne and in the business of taking care of His children!

Tomorrow morning a diesel mechanic is scheduled to be here at 7:00 A.M. to make the necessary repairs so that we can return to Houston. We are scheduled to depart at 9:00 A.M. and begin the 14 to 15 hour journey home.

Please pray for our continued safety and that the Lord would be glorified in everything we do. Even though it looks to some like a disaster, it's all part of His plan and we're thrilled to be part of it.

Until then,
Buck