It doesn’t always happen, but I like taking Monday as my one day off. But if you get a 911 call, you must respond.

I was home yesterday when the phone rang with a voice on the other end saying the church bus broke down at the Wild Life Park and the children from the preschool were stranded. My first thoughts were, how many cars do we need to get together to rescue the children, teachers and parents. Then I was asked if I could call another church and see if they would be willing to let us borrow their bus. I only knew of one other church that owned a bus, and they had just finished a Friday–Sunday Family conference. I thought, I can’t call them – they are recouping from a very busy weekend.

But my options were few, since renting a charter bus at the last minute was going to be very expensive. I called my recently new pastor friend who had just given me his cell number the week before. (I hope he doesn’t regret that decision.) Without hesitation he said, “Not a problem.” Within minutes the Senior Pastor, his associate and their bus driver were on their way to pick me up and go rescue the children. Not only did they provide transportation, but they brought bottled water, juice, crackers and cookies for the children, knowing they had been waiting there for a couple extra hours.

When you find yourself in a difficult situation, it’s good to have friends you can count on. That’s why we encourage people to get plugged in to a small group – so people can do life together. Don’t be left stranded with no one you can call on for help.

Thank you Russ, Chris and Barry, for going beyond the call of duty and helping us answer the 911 call.

Pastor Donald Calder