How did this happen? Many times in the past 10 years, we have thought how wonderful it would be to have a van. It can be used weekly serving the different churches. And it would be used by teams (2 are coming this summer!). This past winter, I raised the question again with a close friend who knows quite a bit about our life and ministry. I didn’t hear back for a while but then one day, he called and said his church had considered this need and would like to contribute $10,000 towards buying a van. I was stunned, and am still stunned! Since then, we have shared this need and we have raised a huge amount totaling $21394! Praise the Lord!
Along with this friend and few others, we created a van policy. The van policy includes things like that it would be a ministry vehicle that would be used by United World Mission’s ministries and also directs that it’s maintenance would be paid by those who use the van.
So, praise God, the van you see pictured is our Ministry Van! It is a 2007 Nissan Urvan and holds 15 passengers.
Finding the right van was a lot harder then I expected. Originally we hoped to buy a newer van but as we saw prices and compared vans, this one was in the best condition. Just a few days ago, I looked at a 2013 van and I didn't even bother calling my mechanic. It wasn't in the same condition as this one. The mechanics, after looking over a few 2011 vans, looked at me and said, none of these are as good as the 2007. Buy the 2007.
So we are excited. A van will be a great ministry tool, opening up many opportunities that we haven't considered due to the challenges of transportation.
In addition to the front row, it
has 4 passenger rows. It holds 15. The seats you see are covered with pretty worn leather covers. Eventually, we will replace these. In this picture, the back row is folded up, which is great for airport runs.
We want to say a HUGE thank you for all the gifts and prayers. And I want to pass on a thank you from Pastor Damazo (El Montaña) and Pastor Jesus Delgado (Los Higos) who have been praying with us here for the right vehicle and the right price. Praise God!
¡Vaya con Dios! (Go with God!)
(Updated 6/5 with pictures from the van we bought!)
