Dear Friends,

Always check your antifreeze.

In fact, if you cannot now testify before all men as to just what temperature your engine is protected, go directly to the man with the star, or whomever, and check, on it! I will forever be repentant about this omission in my own life.

I lost a mighty good car last week.

It had about 90,000 miles but it was always faithful and cheerful. It rose up early in the morning, like Abraham, and it always said, “Whither thou goest, I will go.” It ran uncomplainingly on discount parts, spent little time in service stations, and drank only moderately.

During last month’s unseasonable freeze-up in Dallas it gave up the ghost. I tenderly lifted its hood and cried, “Come forth,” but all that came forth was oil from the crack in the engine block.

When I think about this car, I almost feel I’ll see it in the Kingdom to come, when all of us will be splendidly resurrected. In the meanwhile, it’s hard for me to tow it away. I may dig a great big hole in my yard and bury it.

The tragedy led to a blessing, as so often happens in the believer’s walk. A dear friend of the ministry drove a fine used car to my driveway and simply left it there. Now I’m back on wheels and deeply appreciative.

I don’t know if all of you are aware of the fact that you may give anything of value to Christian ministries. Your gifts don’t always have to be in money. The tax deduction you get is based on the value you place on the item. This ministry has gratefully received a typewriter, a copying machine, stationery and some particularly delicious cookies home-baked in Oklahoma.

Now I’m not particularly asking for typewriters or cookies (if you have a 1970 Chevrolet 350 engine block, don’t hesitate to contact us). But please know that your local church or some other worthy ministry could greatly further the Gospel with your cast-off items. When you do your spring cleaning think about what you might give to the work of Christ. Many powerful and effective ministries have received their most important support in the form of everything from vehicles to office supplies to stock certificates.

We’re enjoying a short breather on TV production here at the ministry. We recently put the finishing touches on the last programs in our “Holy Places” series, and we’re now cautiously planning some excellent spring shows. We need to remake our Passover shows since we literally wore out the video tapes with repeated plays. And we’re planning a pleasant surprise for you in the way of “musical Bible studies.”

Thank you so much for all the year-end gifts. We truly scraped bottom in early January, having to ask one station to let us be late paying a bill, but we made it. I’m continuing to count on you for the spring shows and I hope you’re enjoying what we’ve done so far this season.

Let us hear your comments on the “Holy Places” programs, stay well and in prayer, and remember—check your antifreeze!

Your messenger,