Joey & I decided to announce a need to our brothers & sisters one evening but only after praying and asking God for guidance. We needed help financially this past month and “WE” thought maybe if a few churches were to have a dinner or something to raise a few dollars we could start fixing our three broken down vehicles.
We have a 15 passenger van that was given to us by James Paddock because of all the mechanical work Joey had done for him this past year. Last year, during the summer, the van would just die and we would have to wait for it to cool down and then pop the hood and wiggle some computer thingy and it would start. It would only do it occasionally. Then this summer it got worse, one day Joey HAD to drive it to Winslow for a doctor’s visit after his surgery and the van died a total of 20 times. It had been parked pretty much the whole summer. Then we decided to do something fun with all the kids a few weekends ago and take them camping. On the way home, Joey’s big truck died and never restarted. We had it looked at and they said we were going to need a new motor for it. Well, the next day we returned home from camping the car decided it needed attention as well. The power steering pump went out and the belt broke.
Now here we are 3 broken down vehicles, 10 children, and living on a missionary salary of an average of $1000.00 a month. Although, all of this may seem over whelming we still blessed the Lord with our lips, because we knew He was right there with us the whole time. We felt His presence and saw His actions. As the word went out of our need, God started moving in a powerful way. A gentleman whom Joey had been speaking to about trading his truck with, prior to it breaking down, just happened to show up in person one day in Dilkon and he still wanted to trade Joey. His truck was big enough for work, and to get us through these dirt roads, rather dry or wet. It runs good, and will be cheaper on gas. After about a week and a half they made the trade.
Then we got a phone call one afternoon from our family at Cobblestone Community Church in Ohio, and they said we have a 7 passenger van we want to donate to you, all you have to do is meet us half way in Oklahoma and it’s yours. We had no idea what the year, make, or model was, we only knew it ran good. So one weekend Renee’ and I drove up there and met them, and to our surprise, it was a 2007 Saturn Relay. Really? Who gives that new of a vehicle away? ANSWER…God’s people who long for His will to be done! Just like all those who generously sent donations and who prayed for us.
Although, we have the new van, and Joey’s truck, the 15 passenger van is still a much needed vehicle when you have 5-10 children and want to take them out on an adventure. However, just like everything else God has taken care of that as well. It was sent to the dealer a week ago to get repaired and families at our home church are paying the bill. The car repairs are just about completed, I believe there are a couple more minor things, but it is now drivable.
What I find so mind blowing through our walk with God is, Joey and I have always been the couple who lived paycheck to paycheck. We have always tried to live a simple life, “so others could simply live”, and when times would get hard, or when everything seemed to be falling apart, God was and continues to ALWAYS be here for us. We have so many stories of blessings we have received from Him and because He never fails to show up, my faith runs deep. He has taught me to stop worrying, give it all to Him, and to keep living out my day, by telling others of this Magnificent Father we all have.
One final thing I would like to share that I believe is important to mention. Maybe a non-believer may read this post and I want them to see that God not only uses His children (that believe in Him) to care for one another, but He also uses complete strangers to us as well. When Joey’s truck broke down, Sunday afternoon coming home from camping, A couple who were complete strangers to us, stayed with us for about six hours on the side of the road trying to help Joey get the truck started. They helped us by driving four of the children about 100 miles closer to home, and we had no idea or even mentioned anything to him, but had the truck towed into the nearest town and paid the $275.00 tow bill the next day. We called him a few days ago to get his address to repay him and he said, “no, this is my way of helping you guys.”
I share all of this with you not to bring glory to a church, an individual, or us but only to bring Glory to God. He is always there with us providing, protecting, and delivering us from our sin. The Browning's and our extended family send everyone our appreciation and we pray for each of you that God blesses you in return for what you have done for us and His kingdom to come.
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