Just wanted to update you on our happenings these past few weeks. Clyde returned from a great trip to Maribel and headed off for a quick trip to Altamira. About 60km into the trip the truck broke down. He called on the SAT phone to let me know what was happening. What should of taken about 4 hours on the 111mi trip took him 16 hours to get the truck to Altamira. A big bed truck passing on the road stopped and loaded the Ford up(challenging procedure without ramps)and took the truck the rest of the way. Mechanics told him the motor was fried. He ended up running around for 2 weeks buying parts as the mechanics needed them and replaced everything on the motor. We joined him by day 10 and spent the weekend with him and waited for the truck to be fixed. We praise God for the funds that have been coming in the past few months. He allowed us the money to pay for the repairs with what was in saving and the extra that had come in from generous folks.
We know that it is totally in His control! The sad news is that the truck still isn't right yet. It's lacking power as we think the turbo needs to be replaced. On the way home, the truck couldn't get up hills without being in 1st or 2nd gear. A few times we had to put in 4Wheel drive. Also, God protected us as we made the trip. When we pulled into Uruara' we heard a strange sound coming out of the back of the truck. Clyde took it in to a mechanic and found out that there were broken parts all in the driver's back wheel and a thin wire holding the brakes together. One fast brake to avoid a pot hole or oncoming vehicle could of sent us in a roll over. Clyde had to brake often with this same scenario!!! God is more than faithful!
Clyde had to take off to Maribel again and the truck sits waiting for parts to arrive.
Please pray with us that this truck will go the distance or whatever it is we need for us to make the trips to do ministry on these challenging roads.
Thank you for your love and prayers!
Car broken down on the TransAmazon Highway about 37 miles from Uruara' on the way to Altamira which is about 74.5 miles further. The distance between Altamira and Uruara' is about 111 miles. When roads are dry and good, we make it in 3-31/2 hours. In the rainy season it can take 4 hours or more. This trip took 26 hours for Clyde.
The truck was brought in on the bed of this truck. It was traveling on the road and was nearly empty! Love how God provides!!! There is no cell reception on the roads and no Triple A services!!
The engine pulled out to start repairs
Clyde waiting patiently for them to start it for the first time with all the new parts. 2 weeks later and a few days.
Look at all those shiny new parts!!!
We are praying now for the wisdom to know which direction to go. New truck or keep driving this one with new parts!
One problem with this truck that we can not resolve is the height or clearance. We have already lifted the truck and we still can not clear many areas on the road to Maribel.
Pray with us that we will hear the Lord clearly on what to do!
Thank you!
The Bergquist Family
