I experienced something all traveling business consultants hope will never happen. God used the Palanca Press to relieve my pain. My computer bag was stolen and then found on the side of the road in Texas. In it were my computer, smart phone, blue tooth headset, iPod, car keys, my thumb-drive, etc. I had a knot in my stomach the moment I found that it was gone.
The hotel manager, police, and my phone provider were limited in options. I fought through the anxiety of having to replace all the “stuff”, the worry of who had it and what they might do with the hardware and the information on the hardware. I tried to “take captive of every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (II Cor 10:5) and put all into perspective from a kingdom view — it was only stuff and it had no impact on who I am in Christ and how God might want to use me today. Yet, the thought of losing work and needing money to replace the stuff was tough to get over. I prayed more than usual throughout the day.
Then, as I made a connecting flight on my way back to the Twin Cities, I ran across a “Free Internet Access” terminal at the airport. I decided to check my email and much to my surprise I had an email from the editor of the Palanca Press entitled “Luggage found in TX.” I didn’t know this person, but was I glad to get that email!
The thoughtful gentleman who came across my bag on the side of the road (with everything in tact ... nothing stolen) found a Palanca Press I keep handy. He used the contact information on the back to contact UEC with my name and address. With the use of the UEC database, a few minutes later, UEC was emailing me with the good news (relatively speaking).
God sure works in mysterious ways.
Rob Chvatal UEC #245