Friend-Mobile
I just peaked out my bedroom window to make sure I’m not dreaming.
Nope, not dreaming. There really is a 2010 Hyundai Elantra in the driveway. And I have the keys to it!
And in case you were thinking that you have the best friends in the world, think again, because I’m sure my friends are the best in the world. Case in point: earlier this year friends Michael and Gail Purath felt led to help me get a
car to replace the 1995 Pontiac Bonneville which was given to me in 2011 after my leased Honda Civic was totaled when I hit a deer and a semi hit me.
On April 25, 2013, Michael and Gail sent out an email with the subject line “Kim Needs a Set of Wheels.” I am stunned by what has happened since then: the family of God in three churches and twenty seven other friends have generously given enough funds for me to purchase the car that now sits in my driveway. See, I told you, I have the best friends in the world!
But God also used new friends to write this story. Alan was the first person we met when we stopped at our fourth dealership last Saturday. Within minutes we knew we were talking with an authentic believer in Jesus who just happened to be selling cars. Michael explained to Alan that I'm a missionary/advocate for homeless elderly in Romania.
“Then you’ll want to meet our sales manager, Dumitru," Alan smiled. "He’s from Romania.”
Don’t you just love how God orchestrates such things? I mean, what are the odds?
So this afternoon in Concord, North Carolina, I sat across from my new Romanian friend, Dumitru, and signed all the paperwork required when purchasing an automobile—or in this case, a Friend-Mobile. It took quite a while, but it had nothing to do with the amount of signatures. What took so long was listening to Dimitru brag on God, sharing story after amazing story of God's goodness. He eventually had to stop and help another customer, but I’m hoping it won’t be the last time Dimitru and I swap God-stories.
July 23, 2013, my friends bought me a wonderful vehicle: low mileage, great warranty, well-kept, high safety rating, good MPG, plenty of room for carrying Elder Orphan Care displays and donations, and all for the right price, thanks to the team at Modern Hyundai.
It’s not a dream. I just checked the driveway and the Friend-Mobile is still there. But not for long, because I can’t wait to hit the road!
“God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway!” (Psalm 119:33-35 MSG)
(Click HERE to read a story about my car accident entitled "Thank You, Dear Deer.")
Each week I write a BOG (Brag On God) post. My prayer is that my words will invite you to brag on God, too. And together we'll make God smile.
After the Facebook post, I was wondering how the shopping was going. Now I know! I am rejoicing in the good hand of God's blessing on your life and on your ministry. It couldn't have happened to a nicer person. To God be the glory!
ReplyDeleteThank you for rejoicing with me, Lori, and God bless you for being one of the "best friends in the world"! I am asking God to bless you abundantly....and then some! I am delighted that God gave me a car....and a Brag On God Story. Yes, to God be the glory!
DeleteYay!It's here, it's here! Friend-mobile - great name! Every time you step foot in your car, you will feel wrapped in the arms of love and God's goodness.
ReplyDeleteYes, Karen, that is so true: As I drive I feel surrounded by the love of my Father and sisters and brothers in Christ--it is overwhelming and wonderful! How great is our God!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI love the way you celebrate what God is doing in your life. It is such an encouragement to those who are struggling. You offer hope and remind each one of God's promises and His goodness. I rejoice with you as you celebrate how God has blessed you!
Nancy
Thank you, Nancy! I love bragging on God and He certainly gives me many, many opportunities to do so. I pray that my stories bring hope to others.... and glory to God! I am grateful for your ongoing encouragement and support--God uses you in ways far past my knowing...and your knowing! But eternity will reveal what your partnership in the Gospel has done....and your reward will be great! Thank you for rejoicing with me!
DeleteYou do have awesome friends. They must know Someone pretty high up. :-) Glad you were blessed in this way.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa. I have often said I am over-blessed when it comes to friends, and this story underscores, highlights and BOLDS that fact!
DeleteI wish there was a "like" button on this blog. I'd be pushing it for Lisa's comment. The car part is amazing enough... though that could be attributed to human ways by skeptics. But, the sales manager from Romania, wow! Great! Wondering now if you also opened his eyes to ways that he might help the poor elderly in his own nation. I hope so!
ReplyDeleteBetty Jo, God already took care of that: Dumitru was raised in an orphanage and God captured his heart to pour back into many lives in Romania! I will privately message you about his ongoing involvement in Romania -- but here I will just say that Dumitru's reward will be GREAT in Heaven!!
DeleteWhen I was praying for you during your car buying experience, I asked God to give you a story again along with the car he had for you. Sure enough, only He could have done this! I love seeing how he brings himself glory through your life, Kim.
ReplyDeleteAngie, thank you for your prayers and encouragement: YOU are a gift! I agree: I always want God to give me a story so I can brag on Him, bring Him glory, and encourage others. He is so faithful!
DeleteMichael and I have such joy in knowing how blessed you are with your new car. And we were also blessed by each contribution that came in for the Friend-mobile. But even more, we are blessed by where this car will take you and the things you will accomplish in it.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful on the roadways are the wheels of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation...
Gail, thank you for writing these sweet and powerful words....I love how God has brought us together for our good and His glory. You and Michael are such gifts to me! I can't thank God enough for you! I am thrilled with my Friend-Mobile and excited to hit the road to share His stories!
DeleteYeah, God!!! Congratulations on the new wheels, Kim!
ReplyDeleteCathy, thank you for rejoicing with me, and thank you for being used of God in my life and in the lives os so many others.... You make God smile (me too! :)
DeleteHow incredibly awesome Kim! Your life is such an story of trust and faith and God's great miracles. You are my inspiration!
ReplyDeleteSERENA! (I'm shouting because I miss you so much :) Thank you for your encouragement, and YAY GOD for sure. I love bragging on Him, and gives me so many reasons to do so! Let's get together sometime, Serena!
DeleteHow incredibly awesome Kim! Your life is such an story of trust and faith and God's great miracles. You are my inspiration!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing when Christians get together and give for missions/minitry. Michael & Gail are amazing!! God is wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteI heard about this already and saw a picture of your car with you and Gail(somewhere...can't remember where. I am honored that you shared it on WholeHearted Wednesdays.
Judith, you are such an Encourager! Thank you. And YES, Michael and Gail are BEYOND amazing :) I appreciate you hosting WholeHearted Wednesdays and beings so intentional in your encouragement. God bless you BIG!
DeleteWhat an incredible blessing!! Your friends are true evidence of what God can do through hands and hearts willing to serve Him. Praise the Lord these people were willing to respond when He called! Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring post at Walking Redeemed last week!
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure to Brag On GOd at Walking Redeemed, Kasey! Thank YOU for your encouragement! Yes, it is incredible what God and His children can do--and my life is proof of that time and time again! YAY GOD!
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