February Newsletter, 2018 Rick McPherson
I admit it. I’m addicted. For as long as I can remember, I’ve liked cars. As a kid, I remember riding in my Dad’s Studebaker calling out the make, model and year of the cars around us. Every September the automobile dealers would drape their showroom windows so no one could see the designs for the model year. It was a big deal when you got to see one of the new cars! Now, unfortunately, people refer to their vehicle by color. “It’s the blue one over there!”
The addiction has not gotten better as I have gotten older. I have accepted the fact that I have a condition without a cure. Cars, trucks, motorcycles…anything with wheels and an engine that burns fossil fuel will interest me; particularly if the engine goes, “vroom!”
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. My malady has introduced me to some wonderful people and experiences. There are mechanics, painters, fabricators, upholsterers, racers, promoters, hobbyists, pin-stripers, caterers and characters who are in my life and who have brought me great joy because of my disease. I really should write a book and tell some of the hilarious stories. So many of the memories have started with a simple suggestion to build or restore something. “That’s a great idea,” was usually my response.
Actually, restoration is a good word. In a world where most folks just throw things away, “car guys” plan a project, they plan a restoration. If you define the word, you learn: the action of returning something to a former owner, place or condition. Restoration is a process. Restoration is a passion. Restoration is a pleasure.
Now let me tell you, there is a tremendous similarity between automotive restoration and what we do in ministry. The fact is there are lots of people who are broken, worn out, used up and good-for-nothing. The world says, “Throw ‘em away!” The Native American culture that we serve is filled with people that are overlooked and forgotten. They’ve been thrown away. They are banged up, dented and the wheels have come off. They are in need of a complete restoration. They need to be overhauled. That’s where we come in.
Our Chilton’s Repair Manual gives these directions…
“…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” II Corinthians 5:17
“…I make all things new …write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5
“He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap…” Psalm 113:7
The Good News is that the Master Restorer is still working. His shop is open. It’s always open…24/7/365. No job is too big or too small. He can handle any project. Why not bring Him what you’ve got and ask about a complete restoration? Remember, it’s a good word!
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