The baker assured me that his friend Joe, who mounted the first sign on the building, would replace it with the new one.

Between Tuesday afternoon and Friday morning GNH Lumber gave the wood and paint, Devon Balta designed the sign, I cut the wood to shape, primed and painted it, the baker approved the 4′ X14′ sign design, Devon painted sign and it was delivered in two parts.  I was assured the sign would be mounted quickly.

On Monday the sign was not up, nor on Tuesday, or Wednesday, or Thursday.  On Friday morning I asked if there was a problem.  The baker told me Joe did not answer his telephone messages. I asked if I should get the sign mounted.   “That would be good.”  Obviously the baker was embarrassed.

John Benson was the only man in town that I knew would do it right. John owns and operates Greenville Saw, the equipment dealer in town that sells and repairs everything from battery powered weed whackers to commercial mowers, chain saws, generators and large tractors.  It is a busy place.  On one side of the large show room, which is totally filled with power equipment, is the service counter with four or five people ready to help.  Attached is a large service garage with many mechanics that are in and out for parts.  John is most often behind the counter as he seems to know every part of every machine, what it does, and where the replacement part is located in the $750,000 parts inventory.  He is incredible!!  I have known for John well for 30 years – since he began selling chain saws out of his garage.

I called…John was out checking on the installation of a large self-start generator.  A few minutes later the shop called. John was back.   As I drove the three miles to the shop I realized that I should to talk with John without others listening.  I asked the Lord to provide the few minutes alone with John.   Whereas I thought John would say yes, I did not want to put him on the spot.

When I arrived there was only one car in the large parking area. Inside was one man, buying parts from John.  No one else was in the room – not even behind the counter.  When the man left I explained to John what needed to be done and why.  Just then his son walked in:  “A.J, you are about to become a sign hanger!   He went on to tell A.J. to take the tilt bed truck, for it would give him a good surface to work from 4’ above ground level.  He was also to take a good man, two ladders and some tools…

On Saturday, Greenville Saw closed at 3:00 PM and by 3:15 A.J. was there.  The bottom of the sign was about 8′ above   the truck platform and the two men, working on ladders, were having a hard time getting the existing ¾ plywood sign loose from the front of the building. (I was the ladder holder!)  Joe, who had mounted the first sign, drove up and it quickly became obvious he had no interest in helping.  He did explain the two different fasteners he had used to mount the first sign – before he went inside to get a pastry.  Joe came back and sat down to watch.

It took 2 ½ hours to change signs and caulk the top of the sign so water could not get behind it.  When I thought the work was done, A.J. asked for a bucket of soapy water so he could wash off the fingerprints!  Truly a professional job!   The baker gave the men all the pastries they wanted!!!

Hopefully there will continue to be times when I know what needs to happen, but do not have the resources to do it.  At such times I must not “chicken out” – for it is at such times that I experience God’s provision, and I am reminded that I am In Partnership with God.

When you believe you know what God would have you do, be it big or small, “Be strong and courageous, Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9