We played a concert in Olathe, KS last week. I always like playing in Kansas because I get to see my family and hang out with old friends. We drove all night to get there, and everyone at the rock church was incredibly hospitable. While we were unloading the trailer, some of the guys that were helping noticed our tires. They seemed very concerned as they began to notice the tread was completely worn off. In some places, the steel wires were showing through and they were obviously on their last leg. I explained, as I have many times before, that we blow tires all the time. Since we have a dual axle trailer, it's not really that big of a deal and we (usually) always have a spare. The warranty policy on the tires replaces them if they blow anyway, so in the name of pinching a few pennies we tend to just "go till they blow." I realize this probably isn't the safest ideology to abide by as a band on the road, but I felt like I had eased their minds a bit, and we continued to load in. I was fortunate to have dinner with my parents after sound check, and when I got back Tim and Seth had some news for me. They explained that the guys who were concerned about our tires kidnapped our van. They drove off with it and somebody told us that it would be back in a couple hours. Right before we played that night, they brought the van back. They took it to a tire shop and put brand new tires all around. This was huge. This was incredible. One of the guys gave us the receipt so that we could get a free rotation, and let me tell you...it takes a lot of money to put brand new tires on a van and trailer. I couldn't believe it. As much as I tried to telll them we didn't need their help, we actually did. They saw a need and met it. They knew we couldn't afford to do do that, and they knew they could. We played the concert that night, and Charlie ( I think he was the pastor) shared from the stage. He talked about his experience helping the victims from the recent tornado in Joplin, MO and encouraged us to look out for one another. As he spoke I realized that I was listening. I mean really listening. This guy was for real. He was telling us that we can do something in this world. That we can make a difference. And I heard him. Maybe because he was passionate. Maybe because he drove down to Joplin. Maybe because he put his faith into action. Maybe because they bought us new tires. I talked with Charlie after the show. I told him I've never heard the voice of God Audibly. I've never had a vision or dream or seen a lame man walk. But I see people like the people at that church and I believe. When people step in and help those who need it, that's God. When volunteers drive down to Joplin to help people who have lost everything, that's God. When guys at a church chip in to buy new tires for a travelling band: that's God. When I see his people put actions behind their faith I see him.

thanks for the tires guys!

dexter