October 21, 2009

Dear Friends,

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! These words have come to my mind over and over again as I think about God and all He has done for us. I am especially thankful for His protection to me this week. Let me tell you what happened and you will understand why I am so joyful…

On Monday, Steve was having his regular meeting with Pastor Parfait and Pastor Emmanuel, praying for the church and discussing ministry. At the same time, I was meeting with Parfait’s wife, Raouline, so we could go over what she would be teaching for the ladies seminar this weekend. After our prayer time, I took Raouline home. Coming back to the house, I decided to take the main road which heads towards the shipping port. This is the only section of 4-lane highways in San-Pedro.

On the right, I saw a large forklift (from one of the large shipping companies) which was carrying another smaller forklift on its forks. Trying to avoid the forklift, I started watching the oncoming traffic on the left to see if I could move into the left lane (I think there was a car in front of me that did the same thing). What I did not notice was that the forklift on the back was faced in the direction of the lane I was in with the tines (forks) sticking out in the lane. Since there were no flashing lights or cloths hanging to give a warning, I was totally shocked when my car was hit!

The airbags suddenly came out, the car tire went flat, and smoke filled the car. I was able to pull to the side and get out. I found someone with a cell phone and was able to call Steve. I remember telling him, “I was in an accident, but I have no idea what happened”. It wasn’t until I went and looked around to the other side of the forklift that I noticed the two forks extending about 5 ft. into the passing lane. I couldn’t believe it! A man from the same company stopped and said that the man should have known to face the forklift in the opposite direction. There was no warning for oncoming cars.

I began to thank God that I wasn’t hurt worse. Where the airbag rubbed against my hand, it took off the skin. It burns, but that is minor in comparison to what could have happened. People standing by kept saying that if it had been a motorcycle or another car (like taxi drivers who have no seatbelts), they could have been killed. I have received so many calls from people saying, ‘Mama, are you all right?’ This has given us opportunity to praise God.

Since the fork hit and bent the chassis under the car, we are unable to drive it. Steve found out from our insurance company that it could take up to a month or two, just to try to get the money for repairs. He suggested that we pay for everything and then they will work at trying to get back the money from the company’s insurance agent. But we know how things go out here. We even met a man tonight who told us he was in an accident last November and still hasn’t seen any of the insurance money! That’s no surprise to us. Steve called to find out the cost to have the insurance adjuster to come from Abidjan to estimate the cost of repairs. He wants about $400.00 just to travel here and then they charge 10% of the cost of the repair. Knowing that many people here can work for one month and get only about $80.00, he’s got ideal job! The car will probably have to be repaired in Abidjan, the capital. Please pray for Steve for the decisions that need to be made. Thanks so much.

Yesterday as I thought back on the accident, I was so thankful that it wasn’t worse. I read Proverbs 3:5, 6 and was reminded of the trust we can have in the Lord even through the difficult times. I am confident that God will continue to work in and through us throughout this ordeal. We are meeting new people as we travel in taxis. One day we will look back and see God’s plan, I’m sure!

Please pray for our ladies seminar this weekend. I have prepared the notes and five ladies will be doing the teaching. The subject is the Biblical way to react during a conflict. I was reminded of this these last few days. God always give us occasions to practice what we teach, right?

Read Caroline’s testimony on our web page : http://www.steveandgayleking.com/gpage.html

In His love, Steve and Gayle

PS. Here is a picture.