In February, about the time we retired the yellow short bus, we began praying for a new bus. We have two great buses, but with the amount of field trips we take and serving 300 youth we felt like having a third would allow for safer transportation and more opportunities. In late March, Jerry, our mechanic with J and E Automotive, called and asked if we were interested in a bus
donation. HCA has a bus that they were phasing out and were willing to donate to a non-profit. I spoke with Allison Appleton at HCA and she began the process of paperwork and getting company approval for the donation. Allison called last week to let me know the title and bus were ready. She also warned me that the bus did not start the week before and that it might need to have some work on it before moving or be towed to a mechanic. I was prepared for that.
However, when I arrived the bus—very clean and well-maintained—started on the first try. Delighted that the doors worked and the driver’s seat was new, I noticed that the gas gauge was on full. For free, we were getting a bus that would allow us to increase the safety of our students, the number of students we can serve, and the opportunities for enriching trips—and on top of that, a full tank of gas. I felt like God was saying to me, “Trust me. Not only am I going to answer your prayers and provide for PTM needs, I am going to let the blessings overflow.”
I am ever thankful to serve a God who abundantly provides and grateful for a chance to serve at a place where I sense His presence often.