Greetings, beloved brethren, in the name of God, our Saviour.  Divine mercy be upon you all, and true peace (Romans 5:1) be multiplied.

I apologize for the communication gap over the past few days.  Since my last post, not much in the way of adventure has occurred.  To make a long story short, we are still encamped at the Life Action Ministries Retreat Center just outside Niles, Michigan.  Better yet, we are stranded here (not necessarily a bad thing other than the fact of an encroaching winter).  On Sunday, we were pelted with much rain.  At this point, I noticed that our new camper shell (i.e. truck cap) shared something in common with the previous one (formerly replaced back in Raleigh, NC)—IT WAS LEAKING BADLY.  Warped windows after the exact same manner of the previous shell once again produced a soaked and stinky mattress.  Thanks be to God that this was noticed before we headed north.  Once we hit the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin/Minnesota, there will not be much in the way of repair/replacement options.  Besides, a wet mattress will be much harder to dry out when the temperatures do not exceed 40 degrees F (as will be the case very soon in the Far North).

Since this discovery, progress and solutions have come slowly.  At the outset, I was hesitant to go the way of replacement.  We had been this route back in North Carolina, resulting in a 1-2 week delay, and nothing was solved.  Since then, the new shell withstood the persistent rain of Virginia and West Virginia, but the windows on this particular model are apparently in a bind that leads to a warped gap after some bumpy miles of travel (two examples serve to prove my theory).  I first noticed the problem when we went to Chicago—all my stuff seemed to be wet.  Also, we had to pull out the mattress back in Cleveland so as to dry.  It was quite mildewed in one spot, but we assumed (perhaps wrongly) that this was a result of condensation produced from the cooler sitting on top of the mattress.  We moved the cooler to the trailer, the next couple of weeks were bright and sunny, and the problem seemed solved.  When I contacted the company (AGAIN), I asked them to consider refunding my money because I did not believe that another replacement would result in a permanent solution.  I even offered to drive the shell to the nearest dealer (about 90 miles away) and accept the loss that would come with a refund of the wholesale price (how much the company sells the shell to the individual dealer).  I cannot return the top to the place of purchase—IT’S IN PORTLAND, OREGON.  Besides, I do not have the original top anymore; it was replaced.  I believe such a request is entirely reasonable considering the fact that I have gone through two brand new camper shells in less than 90 days.

Well, this is where I encountered a major roadblock.  The company who was so helpful when I encountered the problem before “hem-hawed” around and would not give me an answer.  They wanted me to drive to some distant dealership, so it could be examined and “repaired.”  Then, if need be, they would order me another one.  This would really delay us and quite possibly result in the same problem a few hundred miles down the road.  With cold temperatures and icy precipitation coming, this is a risk I am not willing to take.  Besides, this route would lead to a delay of at least two weeks.  Thus, without blowing my Christian witness, I requested a refund of $800 (the wholesale price).  Since I paid $900 for the unit in Portland, Oregon, I would be taking a little bit of a loss.  I wanted to be reasonable.

Unfortunately, the company continued to dance around the issue.  No one would call me back.  Every time I called, the secretary would give me some lame excuse as to why “so and so” was not in the office (e.g. out to lunch at 10:00am?).  Finally, I got through to the same guy who was helpful to me with the original problem back in Raleigh.  He told me there was nothing that he could do for me, blah blah, blah, blah.  I would have to accept a replacement.  From a business standpoint, we were past this point.  I had lost faith in the product, and the delay involved in replacement was no longer an option.  I had to do something, so I checked out another brand of camper top at a local dealership in Elkhart, Indiana.  This top came highly recommended from my father-in-law and several others who had used it (leaks, I was assured, would not be a problem).  The Lord quickly demonstrated that the 30-mile drive to Elkhart was worthwhile.  The salesman was a Christian, and he agreed to accept my old top on a $350 trade-in (not normal for a dealership that deals in tops from a completely different company).  He also added another $200 discount which would make the total cost of a new top fall at $1000 even.  Another plus—the new unit could be painted and on the truck to be delivered by Tuesday of next week (only a week’s delay) if I would let him know something immediately.  All of this was tempting, but I hesitated to commit to anything because ultimately, such a purchase would result in a loss.  He would have given me that $200 discount anyway, and the $350 trade-in still meant that I was staring at a $550 loss (the cost of my present top minus the trade-in value).  $550 of God’s money seemingly in the garbage can????  As I pondered these things, a guy rode up on the property whose lease had run up on his truck.  He was having his camper shell temporarily removed so he could turn his truck in, pick up a new one, and have the camper shell reinstalled.  This man quickly noticed the Scripture magnets on my truck, and we began to converse.

As it turned out, he was a Mennonite Christian.  He informed me that a faction of the Mennonite Brethren (the faction his church fell into) was becoming very liberal.  Ultra-pacifism and the ordination of homosexuals were two problems that were making their presence felt.  I could not believe I was hearing this.  The Mennonites too?  In many way,s Baptists and Mennonites share a common spiritual heritage, so I was saddened.  Oh America, “Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin” (Ezekiel 18:30).  Anyway, Tony talked about how he needed to get out of his church and find a solid Bible-believing local body of believers.  Our discussion eventually led into a testimony of what Jamie and I are doing.  He seemed impressed and offered to remember us in his prayers.  I gave him a card, and that was that.  I went back into the office to talk with camper shell salesman so as to witness to him before I left (I did not initially realize that he too was a believer).  I thought Tony had left, but about 10 minutes later, he walked into the office and handed me an envelope.  He said that that Holy Spirit had pricked his spirit to give me this.

As I drove back to Niles, Michigan, I was in prayer, seeking the Lord’s will.  The Elkhart salesman needed to know something by noon the next day if he was going to be able to have the top delivered by next Tuesday.  Otherwise, the delay would be two weeks.  I kept coming back to the $550 loss that would result if the company representing my top refused to refund the money.  I called them again, and the guy would not take my call.  At this point I knew, we needed a reliable topper.  The $900 was God’s money anyway.  If He cared about it, He would work on the hearts of those rejecting me or make up for it in some other way.  He had already provided for $350 of it in and through the possible trade-in (something I did not expect).  So, as I drove, I opened the envelope from that Mennonite brother.  He had been touched by my predicament and the loss that would result, so he penned a check for $200!  Had I not driven to Elkhart and sought out the possible purchase of another top on faith, this blessing would have been missed.  Now, we would only lose $350 on the deal, unless of course, the company would agree to refund the money.

I decided to continue in prayer that night.  By noon of the next day, I believed that the Lord wanted me to order that new top.  Everything was processed, and it will be in by Tuesday.  I was assured that leaks would henceforth cease to be a problem.  This situation would give me a week to persist with my company for a refund.  This would be in God’s hands.  The last couple of days, I have continued to call and seek help.  I am persistently overlooked, put on hold, transferred, etc.  Right now, I have a call in to the head of the company.  I was promised that he would return the call.  That was over 24 hours ago.  At this moment, I will not mention the name of the company.  I am still giving them an opportunity to do right before mention of their name might hurt their business and/or reputation.

Story of the predicament started to circulate around the retreat center (undoubtedly through my sister).  Today, two young Life Action Ministries missionaries (who live upon meager support themselves) insisted upon helping, and the Lord made up for another $120 of the possible loss.  Now, without the refund, God will only be out $230.  The Lord is faithful, and He provideth always.  I am still waiting to hear from the original shell company president.  If he refuses to help, the Lord will take care of those who take advantage of His servants.  And, you all will then know who NOT to do business with if you ever need a camper shell for a pickup truck.  The sad thing about this whole predicament is that the way I have been treated by this company is the norm in American society today, NOT the exception.  The customer is no longer ALWAYS RIGHT, and everybody is out to make a buck, even if it means taking advantage of traveling preachers.  Warranties are not worth the paper they are written upon, and quality assurances are most likely empty words.  Alas, the days are evil.

Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward (Isaiah 1:4).

So, we’ll see if I ever hear back.  It’s the Lord’s money anyway.  As he did back in Washington, DC when my truck was towed and I had to fork out $200, He will make up for it one way or another.  Please pray with us that this company will do the right thing.  If not, I will simply petition the Father with a couple of imprecatory Psalms, make known the company’s name in a subsequent email, and rest in the knowledge that I did everything I could to be a good steward.  The winter is coming, and my wife is five months pregnant.  The back of our truck is our nightly shelter.  It is our home, and we must stay dry.

Speaking of winter: While tooling around here in southwestern Michigan, I have seen a couple of pictures from the Upper Peninsula and other northern Great Lakes areas during the wintertime.  Brutal is the only way I know to describe things.  One, in particular, showed a lighthouse on the shore of Lake Michigan.  It was draped in giant icecicles and surrounded by large frozen seracs.  Even more strange was what looked to be a giant wave enroute to crashing against the side of the structure.  It looked to be frozen in mid-air?!?  In talking to people, I have also heard many other discouraging things about the cold in the Far North.  However, the Lord has remained silent.  I believe this is the route we are to go, as I have believed from the beginning.  Jamie is also in agreement.  Until the Lord tells us different, we determine to continue along this route, come what may.  Please start praying with us that the winter will be strangely dry and warm in this part of the country.  I have heard that the Pacific Northwest has been very dry and hot over the past couple of months.  This is extremely unusual.  Could such be a precursor to a dry and “warmer than typical” winter?  God’s will be done.

In the beginning, I anticipated just escaping the winter unless the Lord orchestrated differently.  Delays over leaky camper shells have done this, but we do not fret.  The first delay taught me this quickly.  It ultimately resulted in the salvation of souls.  What bountiful fruit will this newest delay bring forth?  We rest in the knowledge that the Almighty is so far above us, and His ways are so much higher than our ways.  This journey is not about us; it is about the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ.  The day-to-day shroud of the unknown just makes things exciting.  The last thing we need out here is boredom.  Thanks be to God that all of this happened in a place where we know people and have adequate lodging.  The Lord is good (Nahum 1:7).

Well, today is Thursday, and we have four full days until the new camper shell arrives.  Desiring to be good stewards of our time, we are seeking the Lord’s will on how best to spend these upcoming days.  I am wrestling with two cities in my heart—Detroit, Michigan OR Milwaukee, WI.  I will not go into details, but circumstances will only allow for the public proclamation of the Gospel in one or the other.  Without a “Macedonian Call” (Acts 16:9-10), how can one decide something that carries such eternal consequence?  If we go to Detroit, we can visit some family members that we have not seen in quite some time.  Undoubtedly, comfortable lodging and good home-cooked meals will exist in abundance and be of no cost.  However, the sacrificial concept of Luke 14:25-26 sits on my heart as it has for the past several days.  If we go to Milwaukee, we MIGHT be able to camp in the parking lot of a church in northwestern Illinois (about 60 miles from the city) where my sister’s Life Action Team will be involved in a 10-day revival crusade that begins Saturday.  As for home-cooked meals, these will be limited to what we can throw together in a single pot on a one-burner camping stove—Unless, of course, God’s unexpected provision awaits.  Nonetheless, checking out a day or so if this revival crusade could very well be of some spiritual benefit.  The road is lonely, I seem to be the one preaching and teaching all the time, and we could definitely use some spiritual feeding ourselves.  So, pray for us as we attempt to make this decision.  Either way, woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel!!!!!

I should begin winding down. Man, do I ramble sometimes.  We will keep you posted on how things develop.  I cannot wait to get back on the bike.  This respite has cured the “burn-out” that was festering when I pedaled into Michigan at 3:00am last Wednesday.  I was able to put together a Powerpoint slideshow set to music that promulgates the occurrences of this journey heretofore.  This morning, I shared it with my sister’s revival team, and I really believe they were ministered to.  It is always our desire to inspire in others a boldness for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  At the end of the slideshow, a picture popped up of me standing on the shore of Summit Lake in Indiana at sunset.  I was holding my Christian flag over my shoulder, and “Jesus Saves” highlighted the twilight hues.  Then, a message flashed across the screen:  “The First Chapter Comes to a Close.  1034 Miles, Another Leaky Camper Shell, The Road Ahead is Long.”  These adventures that I have shared with you all over the past couple of months are only the beginning.  Thanks for all the prayerful support.  We press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling which is only found in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).  Tomorrow night, we will either be heading for Detroit or Milwaukee.

Before signing off, I desire to reproduce the introductory remarks found in a book I have been reading by a fellow street preacher. This book recently fell into my hands.  These words were powerfully convicting to me, and it was nice to know that I am not the only crazy Christian who feels the same way.  In other words, the Elijah syndrome was quickly remedied.  Interestingly, the book is not copyrighted, and reproduction is ENCOURAGED for the sake of ministry—RARE AMONGST “CHRISTIAN” LITERATURE IN THIS MONEY-GRUBBING DAY AND TIME.  Anyway, may your heart be pricked:

“Jesus Christ was an open-air preacher.  He preached the greatest sermon of all time, the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ in the open-air.  John the Baptist was an open-air preacher.  Peter preached in the open-air at Pentecost and the Apostle Paul chose to stand on Mars Hill and preach open-air to the Athenians.”

“I have had the privilege of speaking in million dollar churches, but despite the crowds of Christians, the colorful carpets, and cool clear acoustics, I far prefer preaching in the open-air, BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE THE SINNERS ARE!  Our Gospel ‘outreach’ services only reach a drop in the vast sea of lost humanity.  Our larger, combined church crusades cost the earth, and reach mostly Christians gathered for a combined church crusade.  Open-air services don’t cost a thing.  If we are serious about reaching this world, we must follow in the footsteps of Jesus and preach where the sinners gather.  In thirty minutes, a good open-air preacher can reach more sinners than the average church does in twelve months.”

“Thank God that the disciples didn’t stay in the upper room.  They didn’t carpet the place, pad the pews, then put a notice outside the front door saying, ‘Tonight—Gospel outreach service, 7 p.m.—all welcome.’  THEY WENT OPEN-AIR.  As soon as the power was put under the hood of their hearts, they stepped on the gas.”

“The Gospel is for the world, not the Church.  One third of the word Gospel is ‘go’.  Two thirds of God is ‘go’; but like King Og, we seem to have it the wrong way around.  We take sinners to meetings rather than meetings to sinners.  The Church prefers to fish on dry land rather than get its feet wet.  I think Charles Finney put his finger on the reason why: ‘It is the great business of every Christian to save souls.  People complain that they do not know how to take hold of this matter.  Why, the reason is plain enough; they have never studied it.  They have never taken the proper pains to qualify themselves for the work.  If you do not make it a matter of study, how you may successfully act in building up the Kingdom of Christ, you are acting a very wicked and absurd part as a Christian.’ “

“THAT SCRATCHES WHERE I ITCH!  He who loves his neighbor as himself will be concerned for his eternal welfare.  He who couldn’t care less that every day multitudes of living people, with the same fears and feelings as you and me, are being swallowed by the jaws of Hell, has a heart of stone indeed.” “

“Take a look at the average Christian bookstore.  Ask the attendant to show you the ‘evangelism section,’ but make sure you take a magnifying glass with you.  This isn’t the fault of the bookstores—they merely reflect the priorities of the modern Church.  The Church does need teaching on the family, and on moral issues.  We should be taught how to handle finances, etc., but we are rearranging the furniture while the house is burning if we ignore the lost!  Our priorities are wrong, if we have no zeal for the unsaved.”

“What would you think of a doctor who had a cure for cancer in his pocket, yet walked right through a cancer ward ignoring the cries of patients in agony, BECAUSE HE WAS ON HIS WAY TO FURTHER HIS STUDIES!  That would be so wicked!  He has a moral responsibility.  How much more then do we have a debt to the world?  We have been given everlasting life; how can we further ourselves as Christians while multitudes are dying in their sins?” (Comfort, Ray.  SPRINGBOARDS FOR EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM.  Bellflower, CA: Living Waters Publications, 1982).”

These words were penned over 20 years ago.  How much more so are they relevant today? I really like this Ray Comfort fellow. I wonder if he is still preaching these same truths.  As for us, our responsibility is grave.  Until next time, we are most affectionately your fellow-servants in the cause of the Cross of Christ, the ONLY WAY to Heaven.

Jesse & Jamie Boyd
Full Proof Gospel Ministries
I John 5:14-15