In November
of 1971, Barbara and I moved to Prince George, B.C.. On our way there, about 60
miles south of Minot ND., our car’s engine suddenly started to pound away like
it was beaten with a sledge hammer. I quick turned it off, hoping to stop
further damage, and coasted to the side of the road. In the distance I saw a
car approaching. I quick got out of my car, hoping this other driver would
stop. Good new! He did. When I told him what was going on, he told me that
there was a small hardware store just down the country road, and he would go
and buy a sturdy piece of rope and tow us to Minot. I told him: “you are going
to tow us to Minot with your car?” “Sure, he said, it’s a rental, a bit more
wear or tear is no skin of my nose. He got to the hardware store just before
closing time to get the rope. Good news. He towed us all the way to Minot, to
his own home, and told us to come in, three kids and all. Good news. Then he
said to his wife: “We have a family here that could use a bite to eat.” She fed
us. Then he said: “there’s a simply but clean motel close by. I will tow you
there.” Good news. Then he said: “there is a Volvo dealer in town. But it’s a
long weekend, and he won’t be able to fix your car until Tuesday.” Bad news.
Late that evening there was a knock on our motel door. Here he is again.
“There’s a mechanic shop down the street. He will take a look at your car
tomorrow morning.” Good news. Next morning, Barbara and the kids went for
breakfast, and I went to see the mechanic. He took a look at the motor, and
said: “It’s an easy fix, except I don’t have the metric parts I need to fix
it.” Well, he discovered old Volvos don’t have metric, and lo and behold he had
the parts needed to fix the car right on his work bench. When he said that, he
told me: “you must be a preacher or something.” In about half an hour, the car
was fixed. “That’s $6,” he said. Before Barb and the kids finished breakfast, I
had loaded all our stuff back in the car, and was ready to roll. Good news.
This was a large weight off our shoulders. We heaved a sigh of relief. It felt
fantastic to get off so easily. We believe God provided for us through this
man.
This is a true story. Barbara remembers it like it was yesterday, and Allan John remembers it also.
