Falling Off the Bus on a Chilean Mission

It was late in the evening and we had returned from a missionary meeting in Santiago. For some reason the last bus out to Mellipilla was packed. I remember letting everyone go ahead of me -- including my companion. When it came to time to grab the bus

I had only one hand on a bar and one foot on the platform.

The bus barreled down the road happily on its way and I found myself facing the back of the bus. After a time my hand and foot went numb and I was unsure if I could make it. By that time we were out into the country with no houses around us and I didn't seem to be able to think clearly anymore.

I remember saying a prayer and asking my Heavenly Father to help me

but my strength did not increase.

I finally said a final prayer and left my fate into His hands and let go. As I did I became aware of this whistle sound. A policemen appeared in the middle of nowhere and had blown a whistle to stop the bus. At the time I let go, the bus was slowing down to stop and I wasn't even hurt. He made everyone pack on the bus tighter and I then had both hands and both feet secure.

I'm sure this story is not unique to my mission and that every missionary has a point in their mission where they had to

let go and trust the Lord.

I think life is that way. Letting go often opens the doors we need to go forward. I wonder to this day how that policeman appeared in the middle of a country road with no buildings in sight. I am grateful to a true and living God who hears and answers our prayers.