Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1346615
My Dad's Truck Yadira Chavira My dad had a 1949 Chevy truck for over 20 years. When purchased, it was definitely a fixer upper - a hunk of metal with a bad paint job that actually saw more action being relocated from house to house than on the road. But he loved that old truck! He talked about it all the time. He would mention the few items of investment he had purchased for it and the conversation always ending with the desire to really get started on the restoration. Unfortunately, my dad did not get to see this classic beauty renovated in his 63 years of life. At the time of his passing, I looked over at Robert and with all certainty and simply said, "We will get this truck up and running." When the Chevy got hauled to our house, Robert began to talk with all his connections. Little by little we were encouraged to see how "not so bad of shape" that truck was actually in. It was bitter sweet to know the possibility for it to hit the highway was well within reach. The motivation behind getting the truck restored was first and foremost to do it in my dads memory. Keeping his memory and honoring him with it was representing who he was and keeping his spirit alive. At his memorial I described my dad as having JOY, and finding joy in all aspects of his life even when it didn't make sense. Dad's priorities were Jesus, others and then himself. Oh man, he was just that guy! He was the one who would give you the shirt off his back, be the first to contribute to our outreach events and he even made Black Sheep raffle prizes with his wood work. He was a giver and he loved the Lord! What would be more suiting than to use his beautiful truck for ministry. Then his love and compassion for others would continue to be represented through his truck. What makes this build so special is how Robert restored the majority of it himself. Endless hours of wiring, body work, patching rusted out metal, bondo, sanding, and wood bed panels, custom cut and stained. We finished it with a beautiful paint job to match the exact model car my dad had left behind as his example. A build as extensive as this could not be completed without at least one minor set back. While lowering the rear end, a leaf spring dropped, bringing the truck directly down on Robert's hand. There was a quick trip to the ER, a few stiches and back to the truck we went. Are you kidding me!? My hubby did it all, and it took slightly over a year to get this Chevy where it is today. Through this build, is where the connections to the classic car community began; meeting amazing people who were down to earth and willing to help and guide us. But they were precious people who needed to find Jesus! Robert could see how the presence of ministry within the car culture was much needed. We see again how the Lord uses the gifts we have, both spiritual and material to reach out to others. Our hearts have been stirred again to share the Gospel even more. (Mark 16:15) Welcome to Black Sheep Classics, established in 2020. b If you have a classic American car or truck, 1975 or earlier, and would like to use that vehicle to the glory of God, contact Robert and Yadira Chavira at: RobertChavira.rc@gmail.com