The journey from La Paz to Potosi in those days was a very difficult one at best. There were no good roads such as exist today. The anticipation of the trip was definitely not the happiest! The missionaries were both very weary, but the Lord knew all about it even though they did not know what lay before them. The Lord had wonderfully undertaken for them thus far and would take care of them to their destination. They knew it!
As they came out of the hotel in La Paz to get the truck from the back of the hotel, the missionary met a friend from Potosi whom he knew well. This friend, surprised to see them, inquired, "Whatever are you missionaries doing here? Where are you going?"
The missionary answered, "We are on our way to Potosi."
This friend was an influential man in the City of Potosi. He responded, "I have to go to Potosi. My car is too low to make the journey. I was just looking for a friend who could take me in a stronger vehicle. May I go with you? You both look so weary. I would be glad to drive you there and I promise to get you there safely." The tired travelers were willing and thankful to accept this offer. It was such a great relief to have help in driving over those hazardous roads.
After two days' journey they arrived around midnight in Potosi. How very disappointing to find the city under martial law. A great chain had been stretched across the main street and a gruff voice greeted them, shouting, "Halt! What is your business?"
The missionary identified himself by name and explained that he was on his way home. Immediately the officer recognized his voice and said, "Adelante" (go on), lowering the chain for them to pass. He advised them to be careful because of the "revolution" going on in the city. They hardly needed the warning.
Proceeding with care, and with a prayer in their hearts, they found a gas station about four o'clock in the morning. Prior to this the missionary had changed places with their kind friend, who had driven nearly all the way from La Paz. At the gas station their friend left them and they never saw him again. The Lord had used him as His instrument in their extremity and had seen them safely through to their destination.
After buying the gasoline he needed, the missionary asked the owner of the service station if he could leave the truck with him while they were in the hotel. Reluctantly the owner told him they could leave it but he could not assume any responsibility because of the civil war going on. Also he warned them the Military were commandeering every vehicle available for military service; however, he promised to do what he could to keep it for them while they were in the hotel.
Leaving the truck with him, they went wearily to the nearest hotel. They so desperately needed sleep. Despite the rattle of the machine guns on the outskirts of the city they were able to sleep for a little while. What a blessing sleep is!
About nine-thirty the next morning the missionary went out to claim his truck. Who should he meet as he came out of the hotel but the Judge of the Court of Potosi, whom he knew very well from the days when he was teaching English in the University of Potosi! The Judge, very surprised to see him, embraced him in Spanish style. Then he asked, "However did you get here?"
"By truck from Lima," the missionary answered. "I am just going to get it from the gas station where I parked it. We are on our way home from the States after being away for some months."
"Where is Trudy?" asked the Judge anxiously.
"She is waiting for me in that hotel," stated the missionary, pointing to a certain window facing the Government Building. "We are staying in that room."
The Judge then said emphatically, "Senor, get out of there as quickly as you can! Go fetch Trudy right away and bring her to my home! My wife will give you a room and take care of Trudy. Go quickly! Then go for your truck before the Military claims it. They are expected to bomb this district very soon."
As you may well guess, the missionary lost no time in getting his wife and their luggage out of the hotel and to the Judge's home. As he was returning to get his truck from the service station, he was shocked to see that in such a short time the whole side of the hotel where they had been staying was completely bombed out-nothing was left of it. What a timely deliverance this had been! How perfectly the Lord had timed all the events. Continuing his brisk walk to the service station, he thought of the Lord's promise in Psa. 91:77A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. (Psalm 91:7): "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee." His heart was filled with praise to the Lord for His goodness to him and his loved one.