“Tube from Heaven”
The big day had finally arrived. After 20 weeks of intense training, I was ready to embark on my first triathlon, a half Ironman. It was an exciting moment as I jumped into the water with my wave of about 100 other participants. After about 46 min and 1.2 miles later I walked up onto the shore elated that the first step had been completed. Stripping off my wet suit, I moved into the transition area where I put on the rest of my cycling gear – helmet, shoes, gloves and of course, the power bars and gels. I checked the tire pressure one more time and ran to the starting line. Jumping on my trustworthy bike which had taken the punishment of hour after hour of training, I rode off with upmost confidence that there wouldn’t be any problems.
I rode down the hill, and not even a mile away from the start, my front tire went completely flat. In that moment my whole world stopped - I realized that I didn’t have a spare, pump or proper tools. My heart sank. The only thought that I had was how this could’ve happened when I was just starting to embark on fulfilling a long time dream of mine?! I just didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know if I should cry or laugh at my problematic situation. It was a moment of complete despair.
Fortunately, the incident happened at a corner where there was a policeman and an official. The helpful policeman agreed to call and see if the helping van was close by in order to come and help. This was a glimmer of hope in a desperate situation. But … there were 56 miles of road ahead and the van could be anywhere. I asked what time it was and found out that my swim took shorter than expected so I had about an hour to play with in order to make the time cut off. So decisions had to be made … do I wait or do I walk to the start to see if someone could help without being disqualified in the process.
At that moment there appeared a man who just happened to park in a lot on the other side of the street. He asked what was wrong. After he saw the situation he said he just happened to have an extra tube and a pump. He went to his car and got the pump and tube. The only thing lacking was a tool but that did not stop his determination – he used the back end of a key! As we were in the process he mentioned that he had a bike identical to mine. I kept thanking him and said he must be an Angel. I asked how in the world I could ever thank him – he said there was no need to thank him just go out and have a fun race. I said thank you one more time, put my feet into the pedals and hit the road. What a great blessing from a faithful God – A tube from Heaven.
Completing the cycling, I moved into transition and on to the run. During the biking and running, I continually thought about how God had provided and not only provided, but how He even provides in the small things.
The tube I received was an incredible blessing. It reminded me that even in the small things of this world, God is faithful – This was a personal dream of mine and God was faithful in letting me complete it.
Prayer Points:
- Continue to pray for Andrew at his two-week handball camp back in Poland.
- Pray for the finances to come in: monthly support, Lubin church sound system project, Eager vehicle project.
- Good remaining 2 ½ weeks in the U.S. with family and friends and that everything will get done.
- Ukraine missions trip with youth from our church in Lubin and our Mother church (last two weeks in August) - safety, Spiritual fruit and wisdom for all involved.
Blessings, Paul, Carlene – Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
Mission: SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
Home Address: ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland +(48+ 76) 844 1351*
pauleager@ymail.com* eagercarlene@yahoo.com www.eagerlyblogging.blogspot.com / www.coffeehouselogos.blogspot.com / www.logoslubin.pl
Vonage Phone number: 574-830-1260
No comments:
Post a Comment