With thankful hearts and renewed trust in the Lord, the missionaries started the trip to La Paz, the Capital of Bolivia. It was another strenuous journey over high passes, causing renewed problems with "mountain sickness." They were thankful for the strength the Lord gave them to carry on.
As they drew near La Paz, about midnight, they noticed their gas tank was very low and wondered if they would really have enough gas to get to La Paz. Then they saw a house with all the lights on. Seeking courage from the Lord, the missionary knocked on the door. He asked the man who answered the door if he knew where he could buy some gasoline. Imagine his surprise and joy when the man said, "I have a tin of four gallons which you can have." He graciously sold it to them and they went on their way marveling at the grace of God and His never-failing provision for their every need.
They had another bad night traveling because of the high altitude, but at last they found a small hotel where they were able to get a room. They parked the truck in the rear of the building and went to their room where they enjoyed a good sleep of many hours. They were bone-weary. How refreshing and needful was that sleep!
The next afternoon when they went through Customs with the truck, the authorities demanded $1,000.00 duty before they would allow the truck through. This was a shocking blow. What were they to do? They didn't have much money on them to begin with.
As he was returning to his wife, the missionary was mulling over in his mind this tremendous problem, when, unexpectedly, he met a young lawyer whom he knew very well. (An interesting fact was that years ago when this young lawyer's father was dying, he asked the missionary if he would care for his son, which he gladly did. He even sent him to college for his law course.)
After embracing the missionary (as is the custom there on meeting each other) the young lawyer asked him what he was doing in La Paz. The missionary told him of his difficulty, explaining that he did not have even half enough money to pay the duty. The young lawyer answered, "Leave it to me! Remember, years ago you were like a father to me when I was in need; now it is my turn to help you. Leave it to me!" The missionary marveled again to see the way the Lord was leading them step by step, as He had promised, and was abundantly supplying their every need.
The young lawyer went to the Minister of Government, who was a good friend of his, and explained the missionary's difficulty-how he had given his life to the Inca Indians, educating them, and treating them medically when they were ill, never charging a cent. He also explained the missionary had sent him to college after his own father died. Then he added, "As a member of Parliament I request you to let his truck go through duty free. He has done much for our Country."
The Minister of Government smiled. He had heard of the missionary before. Then he said, "Bring his papers to me." He signed them with large letters "DUTY FREE." This was a sequel beyond anything they could even ask or think. How largely the Lord bestows His favors!
What a relief this was to the missionary and his wife. And oh! how they thanked the Lord for His loving kindness in every detail-allowing him to meet the young lawyer at the crucial moment and preparing the young lawyer's heart to intercede on their behalf. Truly His ways are perfect!
After thanking the young lawyer and wishing him "Adios," with overflowing hearts they started out on the trip to Potosi. How wonderfully the Lord cares for His own!
Often the missionary and his wife sang Hymn 174 (Little Flock Hymn Book) together as they traveled along in the midst of trials known to the Lord Himself alone.
O Patient, spotless One!
Our hearts in meekness train,
To bear Thy yoke, and learn of Thee,
That we may rest obtain.
Jesus! Thou art enough
The mind and heart to fill;
Thy patient life—to calm the soul;
Thy love—its fear dispel.
O fix our earnest gaze
So wholly, Lord, on Thee,
That, with Thy beauty occupied,
We elsewhere none may see.