Yahweh Raah
~~~~
Yahweh Raah (rohi) means the ``Lord our Shepherd"
and denotes God's loving care, protection and provision
for His people. (Psalm 23:1)
facts and explained to us how very fortunate we were.
We have been in the houseboat business for over fifteen years. We have sold, refurbished, hauled, pulled and repaired hundreds of houseboats both new and used during that time. We like to think we exercise every safety precaution, but we find ourselves lax in the safety department at times and this was one of those times. Fortunately, we are still alive to tell the story and
hopefully admonish ourselves and others to realize the importance of safety first and foremost in every situation.
Much too often, we hit the blower switch that is designed to dissipate any fumes that may have built up in the bilge before starting the engine and busy ourselves doing something else while the blower is running or just hit the blower switch and crank the engine 30 seconds later assuming everything is okay. Those kind of assumptions can be very costly and sometimes deadly for us and those around us. Fortunately, God supplies each of us with guardian angels - some of us require more than others for protection.
We were in the process of pulling a refurbished 1975 - 13' x 53' Stardust Cruiser we had sold out of the water for resale after our customers had recently upgraded to a new houseboat. We had probably sold 50 houseboats similar to this, but this one was exceptionally clean and well maintained. It was equipped with a flybridge, rear davits for water toys, a 305 Chevy OMC outdrive and a 6.5 Onan generator.
We got the houseboat ready the night before taking it out of the water by doing everyone's "least favorite but necessary job" - driving to a marina and pumping out the holding tanks. The boat ran good and everything seemed to be fine. We returned and tied the houseboat up beside our houseboat. The next morning I hit the blower switch, started the engine and began untying the houseboat.
Nancy, one of the boat owners, was helping by untying ropes on the rear deck as I was untying ropes on the bow. After untying all the ropes, Nancy stepped off the houseboat, got in her van and I drove off, neither of us having any idea what was about to happen. I waved goodby as I was driving away from the dock.
I had cleared our boat from the dock but had only gone about 200 feet when I heard and felt an explosion. At first I thought someone had shot the window out with a shotgun. I hit the floor and crawled out onto the front deck. It was only when I turned around and looked inside the cabin that I realized what had happened.
The cabin of the houseboat was totally blown apart - the roof had been blown up in the air and had broken the fiberglass - all the drawers had been blown out of the cabinets - the helm where I was standing and driving the boat had been moved an inch away from the wall. The only windows left unshattered were the front sliding door which was open at the time, the window in front of my face at the helm and the sliding window to the right of my head. That window had been blown out of the frame, but was still in tact. The cabin walls had separated from the bottom of the boat and had been blown out with so much force the 3/4" steel rails down the catwalks were bowed out.
Although the explosion caused extensive damage - there was no hint of fire anywhere, even though the carpet on the engine hatch when it was blown open had gotten so hot it melted and stuck to the deck carpet. To say the least, everyone was quite shaken, but also felt very blessed.
My wife had a vision in church the following Sunday of
what had actually happened in the unseen realm where the angels were busy at work. There were angels surrounding me with their wings overshadowing and protecting me. At the same time, there were angels in the back of the boat blowing out flames. That is the only logical explanation for the absence of fire and any serious injuries or death.
Don Hevener, Owner
Dream Machines
5774 Charlotte Hwy.
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
Janet's comments concerning her vision:
We were in church the following Sunday and I was thanking God for saving my husband and those around him yet again from serious injury or death. I closed my eyes and began thanking God for providing guardian angels to surround us and protect us from any harm. I thanked Him for His Mercy and His Grace and His Presence in our times of need. I thanked Him for my precious husband and his life that He had preserved once more.
All at once God began showing me what had actually happened in the spirit realm. My husband was standing at the helm of the houseboat driving it to the landing. Then the houseboat exploded - walls were blown apart - windows shattered and blew out of their frames - drawers were blown out of cabinets - the roof blew up in the air and landed back on the deck at a crazy angle - the walls blew out with such force the handrails were bowed. Then the Lord brought my attention to where my husband was standing at the helm. He showed me several angels with outstretched wings covering him from flying debris and the concussion caused from the explosion. There were several angels throughout the houseboat extinguishing sparks that could have ignited an inferno. Even though the vision lasted only a few seconds it fully explained the absence of fire and the absence of any serious injury.
Once again, we give God all the glory for the miracles such as this one that take place in our day to day lives. He is a good God. Every good and perfect thing comes down from the Father of light. He provides everything we need for life and Godliness. Are not they all ministering spirits sent to minister to His heirs of salvation?
If you are a boat owner Don would like for you to read his
safety tips on how to prevent something like this from
happening to you.
Click here to find out how. 
Back to Angelwings
Back To Angel Story Index