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I find myself on the return journey from Confirmation classes in Berne. Between catering to the “inner man” and exchanging ideas with the parents, the time just flew, and so it has become late. It is going on for midnight. The petrol gauge stands at the reserve mark. Already on the way over, I told myself: “call at the next Service Station”. I approach the motorway, and comfort myself: there’s at least ten litres left, which should see me home. But naturally, I determine to refill at the first opportunity. Calmly and uninterrupted I drive on. No Service Station in sight. Then on a slight left turn, the motor starts to splutter. Impossible! The gauge still shows fuel! After the turn, the motor restarts. There – once again all is well. Where is the Service Station? I sit as though on “needles”, still, the car runs and slowly I becalm myself. But suddenly another splutter. Although the reserve shows fuel, the motor dies. Should I call the emergency station? No; for if I tell him I have no petrol in the tank, I will be fined. I let the car roll, on to the break down strip and switch the warning blinker on. Silence. Hardly any traffic. What do I do? None of the few speeding passersby stop. It’s clear, they want to be in bed, as soon as possible. I too. “Dear God, I beg, it’s up to you, help me in my predicament! It’s dangerous here and nowhere to stay overnight. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! Amen. Try the starter again – nothing! Twice, three times, four, five times – nothing. Tears are close. Can’t speak any more, only silently, waiting, praying. Eventually, I try it again. The motor springs to life! Unbelievable! A miracle! Quickly, as long as the motor runs – away from here! “Dear Father, please help me, please, to the next exit. “Will it never come? The headlights fall on to a sign, “Exit 1,000m.” At the exit, the motor splutters anew, comes good, then finally gives up at the village entrance. There I stand on the street. Midnight is long past. A light burns here and there in the houses. Blinkers on, and off in search of the next Service Station. The village is unfamiliar – a “sleepy hollow”. There in the village square, a man is stepping  into his car. I hurry; excuse me please, can you tell me where the next Service Station is? “Follow me”, I can’t, I have no petrol.” He alights from his car, opens the over flowing boot and endeavours to “dig out” his petrol can, without success. He asks where my car is; says, “I’ll drive home, unload the boot, and be back in ten minutes.” – You’re an angel, sent from Heaven.” The man waves tiredly and drives off. Reflecting, I go back to my car. Hopefully, he’ll come back! Again I try, but the starter won’t even turn now. And what good is the petrol now? I become angry with myself. Neither petrol can or jump lead on board. I’m ashamed of myself. How could I have been so careless? My “angel” returns, and puts the petrol in. “Now start, and follow me to the Service Station. “Many thanks.” – I start the motor: click! The man hears and is astounded “That also; have you a jump lead?” “Sorry, no”, I meekly say. “Man, you must have faith in God or luck; I have one,” and rummaged for a torch. Silently, we attach it to the batteries. It works. I breathe a sigh of relief and send a “thank you” up above. We drive to the Service Station, and I fill up. This man has earned a generous tip. He firmly refuses. “Just pay me for the petrol, 10 francs for 10 litres; more I will not take.” I insist: “Man, you are truly an angel, what would I have done without you; take at least ten-fold.” – “That’s out of the question. I’m human too, and should such misfortune happen to me, I hope I would meet someone like you also.” – “I can’t promise, I would be on the spot.” He laughs. “Good night and arrive home safely.” – “Heartfelt thanks and God reward you.” At home tired, but overjoyed and satisfied, I bend my knee; “Thank you, Lord, for all I’ve experienced, and for your wonderful lesson, thanks.” And the moral of the story? On the coming morn, I will drive to a car accessories shop: – “a petrol can and jump lead please.” No faith, you think? No, Luke 22:46, “Lest ye enter into temptation” But naturally, neither petrol can or jumper lead can replace the “Oil”, so also have oil with you! In a spiritual sense, the words of the Lord ring clear in my mind in Luke 12:40. “Be ye therefore ready also: for the son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”