May Newsletter, 2019 Rick McPherson
Charles Dickens wrote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” The classic lines began the novel, “A Tale of Two Cities.” I couldn’t help but recall the description when I received the news that a Grant had been approved for the Mission. Through the winter, we had experienced a series of difficult challenges that included legal, health and financial implications. Many nights my prayer to God was a simple one word exclamation, “Help!”
It all began with a phone call from a dear friend who asked me if the Mission ever received any Grant money. My stuttering response was, “Ah, you know…well, actually no…we don’t have Grant writers … and, ah, there’s so much paperwork and, ah…it’s ah…well, no we’ve never done it. Why?”
“I know where there’s some Grant money available. It has to be used for capital improvements. Can’t be used for cash flow. Can’t be used for debt. But, anything that’s “hard” is okay. Like, you could use it for a new truck, or computers,” he said. “It’ll take about 30-45 days to get it done.”
“I’ll put it in motion for you, if you want,” he offered. How could I say, “No”?
Before I get to, “the best of times,” let me tell you about the, “worst.” It started life in 1999 in the International truck factory somewhere and made its way into the rental truck substrata where it lived most of its life. When we bought it, used, with about a gazillion miles on it, it was white on the outside and rental truck yellow on the inside. We drove that truck all over the Pacific Northwest for years and then it broke down…again and again. If you’ve ever repaired big, old trucks you know it gets expensive, fast. The last time it broke, the rear brakes and tires caught on fire while sitting at a loading dock. The tow bill to just get it to the garage for repairs was almost $900.00. Sheeesh!
Now, let me introduce you to, “Pete.” This is the newest and shiniest member of the Pacific Northwest family. He’s also the biggest. He was born in 2013 with a 380 horse power diesel engine, a 10 speed transmission, a 26’ enclosed box and 4,000 pound, power lift gate. Pete is not only strong, but best of all, red!
In recent trips to the Quinault Reservation and Celilo Indian Village, I couldn’t help but recall those dark winter nights and my one word prayer vigils. God not only heard my plea, He responded. In fact, He fulfilled His promise, “…exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…” Ephesians 3:20
So, enjoy these family pictures from the album. Welcome home, Pete!
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