By Stacey W.

We all know that bad things happen to good people. And for some, more than once in their lifetime. Many of us either are those people or we know them personally.

I would like to tell you about Joe and Lara Chandler of Pioneer Woodworkers.

I don’t know them personally, but I do know their story. And I think you will want to know it too.

Several weeks ago, I received an email from their D.I.L., April, letting me know that they were leaving for Portales, New Mexico that very wee morning. 2:00 am to be exact! Her husband’s parents had just lost their business; their sole means of living had been totally destroyed by fire. The building, the wood, the tools, EVERYTHING! They live next to their business, and thankfully, their home was not harmed.

Later, I found out that lightening had struck the building.

Twice.

It does happen.

To make this story hurt even more, due to financial circumstances, they had been forced to discontinue the insurance on their business about a year before.

No insurance. No business. No income.

Also, sadly, Joe has dealt his whole adult life with a debilitating bone condition which has resulted in numerous surgeries, with another surgery scheduled when this happened.

Upon returning from New Mexico, April shared with me the amazing things they saw happen as they were there last week to help Matt’s parents. The church and the town rallied around them. They loved them and took care of the many needs they had.

To date, about half of the destroyed building has been cleaned up, a new temporary structure has been provided until a new one can be built, tools and wood were provided, money was provided. And I am sure a lot of prayers and emotional support, as well.

I wanted to share this with you today because Joe is obviously an incredible builder. The website displays the most stunning pieces of craftsmanship you might ever find. You can also read about them and their business. Their dil, April, said, “They are literally one of the sweetest most kind people I have ever met. They have faced many tragedies through their lives but have always looked for the answers from God and not their own wills.”.

And the outpouring of support just keeps coming! Even strangers (or I am thinking God’s angels!) are giving them what they need. Just last week, Rick Hadley the owner of Original Wood Designs Original Wood in Dallas, Texas (yea, for a hometown guy!!) loaded up a 40 foot trailer full of machines for Joe. Matt, Joe’s son, had once worked for Rick and remembered he had lots of extra equipment that was not currently being used. He called Rick and told him his parents story to see if he could buy the extra machines. Rick would not sell them the machines but insisted on giving them the equipment instead. Joe and Lora Chandler were astonished at the truck load when they arrived back in New Mexico.

While they have a long way to go, they are beginning to get the business back in swing. Truthfully, prior to this happening, business had been such that they had had to let go of most of their employees. My hope, by telling their story, is that their business, their lives, and those they employ, will be blessed 100 fold. I am even more confident in saying that because of this precious response I received from Lara after telling their story on my own site.

Stacey,
April shared your blogsite with me. Thank you for mentioning our fire and website. Kindness like this is the reason we are finding hope in a desperate situation. God’s far-reaching power is humbling. We are amazed at the gifts we are receiving from Him through family, friends, church family, our community and many strangers who have never seen or talked to us, but have heard our story. Life is uncertain and can drastically change in an instant. When it does, you come to understand that abiding in God is the only place of safety. We don’t know if God is trying to teach us or humble us or re-direct our path, but we are going to trust Him to lead us toward a new life that is literally springing forth out of ashes. It won’t be easy. There is so much work to be done. But, we can face it knowing that God is faithful and He will never forsake us.
Thank you!
Lora Chandler

No, Joe and Lara, thank you for your testimony of hope and faith!

If you or anyone you know is looking to purchase quality, hand-made, American made furniture, please go check out Pioneer Woodworkers.

You won’t be disappointed!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR-
I am constantly striving for the balance of life that sits precariously on an edge. I dedicate my time to my family, my pediatric therapy clients, my business, my church, my friends, and a few “just me” enjoyments along the way. Creating my own internet “place” has allowed me many ah-ha moments of God’s truest blessings- “He told me that the angels talk about me. I asked Him what they say. ‘If you could hear them whisper in hushed and reverent voices, you would hear them say’, ‘How beautiful, how glorious, how highly favored is she for whom the Son of God, the Lord of Glory chose to lay down His life.’ This is the truest thing about me.”

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