It was the coldest Feb 16th New Yorkers had to face in 127 years.
The old C train screeched to a halt. I came up out of the ground a bit slower as I pulled my scarf a bit tighter around my neck. The wind chill factor! Thoughts of home immediately brought a smile that froze to my face for 2 blocks. When I rounded the corner on the last block before our house, I could see smoke coming from a building very close to our house. My pace quickened and prayers passed my lips “Please Lord not our house…!” but as I drew closer, I could hear the fire alarms and realized it was. Everything suddenly inside me changed. It was as though someone else inside you takes over.
It all happened so fast.
KNOWING Debby wasn’t home gave me peace but I knew there could be one other! AND BOB our 20 year old pet bird! I raced up the stairs to the piercing sound of fire alarms. There was a short circuit in my brain. As I inserted the key, I couldn’t see through the glass but I could not smell smoke. When I jerked the door open, a wave of ice water rolled over my feet. Once again, an immediate relief came over my spirit for a split second. It was fog not smoke and it was water not fire! Something propelled me up the falls, I mean stairs 2 at a time through rain from bubbles and cracks in the ceiling. I opened our door and realized although the air was like a chilly North Shore like fog, there was no water on the floor of our apartment. I yelled “BOB!” – he greeted me as usual but I recognized it despite the ear piercing fire alarms and instantly knew he may have been scared, he was alright. I turned and bounded up the 3rd flight to floor 5, the door of our neighbor and pounded on it shouting “DEB!!! DEB!!”, (yup, her name was Debbie too.) I knew she either had to be dead or not home. No one could stand stay asleep through the sound. I turned to follow upstream and opened the door of #D. Another cold wave rolled over my feet as I opened the door. A geyser of water from the back of the toilet shot up with such force it was hitting the ceiling. Ugh! I got on my knees to reach for the shut off behind the toilet blindfolded by water, turning the valve off but having no effect on the flow. I knew I would have to get to the main in the basement 5 floors down. I don’t remember the trip down but I do remember pulling out my headset flashlight I keep in the side pocket of my backpack, a geeky boyscout thing, and strapping it over my head. I knew I would need it going downstairs. I found a valve but rigor mortise beat me to it. Hundred year old
gate valves don’t stand a chance to time. I knew then I needed help.
Somehow a sense of grief and defeat comes over me and I dial 911.
The courteous New Yorker patched me through to the fire department and assured me they’d be right out. Relief came to me as I knew they were only 2 blocks away. I paced up and down the stairs to the front door several times while calling a plumbers. Thank God for iphones. I don’t really know how many messages I left but I got a call back from one who was 90 min away and would call me back. The next call came in and he said he was an hour out but would come right away. More than a plumber/pipe fitter, he was seasoned and was uniquely equipped with the gift of empathy. He asked if I could get the main shut down. When I shared it was frozen, he said “no problem, I’ll talk you through this.” Instantly I knew I was in capable hands as long as the phone wouldn’t go dead from getting wet or from lack of charge. Fortunately I kept the phone charging at our office/warehouse that day. The voice said “you’ve got to get to the very front of the house underneath the front stoop. Start there and work your way down the main until you find another valve. It was as though he’d been to our house before. Sure enough, I found a ball valve that could not have been more than 5 years old. I reached around the other pipes and pulled the lever down. It worked! The water was off!!! He asked if I thought he should come right out. By now it was after 8pm. I was so grateful at that point, I said I’d prefer getting it done tonight but would wait ‘til morning if he couldn’t make it. His reply stunned me. “On jobs like this, I’d rather get started now because you don’t know how much time you have.” Once again, I was relieved! It hit me that without water we have no heat. No heat, everything would freeze!
I called 911 again. This time to cancel my emergency. After 30-40 minutes they still had not arrived. About 90 minutes later, the fire department called to ask if I’d called and if I still needed them. I thanked them for checking back but we had it under control. I pounded on the neighbor’s door to see if they got any water. Fortunately, the 12” thick walls held the waters back for them. Ptl!
I knew it was time to call the building owner. My heart sank for him because I can call him friend first. I knew this would be troublesome at best as the house was in contract for sale. Another delay in closing was certain. Our call was good by God’s grace. We prayed and talked several more times thru the night as I text’d photos & videos.
At 4:20 am, Richard the plumber had fixed the 5th leak and I turned the water on. It was cold in the house by then. Perhaps the coldest its been in 127 years. Richard stayed with me until I got the boiler back on and heat flowing. Fortunately the owner had 2 sump pumps installed 2 years earlier. They worked overtime for 2 days. Something I knew we would have to do too over the next few weeks.
2 weeks have gone by. We’ve been taken in by dear friends. 30 year New York Cru staffers who moved to New York City from Nebraska to raise 4 children and faithfully demonstrate the love of Jesus as an inspiring example to all who meet them.
We are so encouraged by the outpouring of generosity and kind words. One long time partner doubled their monthly giving and shared that if we’re under this much fire, you MUST be headed directly into enemy territory and making headway.
Personal prayer praises requests…
- Praising God for His always holding us steadfast despite pressing circumstances.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1b-3a
- Debby’s health. A recent discovery in her routine physical mamo requiring a further urgent look. Procedure scheduled for next Thursday 3/12.
- We find a permanent home. Ideally the same home but if not God’s will, another permanent space we can call home. Pray for enough space to express hospitality well to guests whom we know and whom we don’t know yet.
- Praise God for funding us with energy and perseverance. Realizing His adventure is not always safe but is always good.
- Praise God for the generosity he’s shown through our faithful financial partners in ministry and what He is about to do next. For he opens doors no one can shut and shuts doors no one can open. (Rev 3)
in His grip,
Dan & Debby
minell minute 