But 30 minutes into their train ride, their trip took a sudden turn when Larry discovered his backpack — which had both their passports and a laptop computer in it, along with other personal items — had been stolen. Feeling angry and panicked, the Erwins found themselves helplessly asking other passengers if they’d taken the backpack by mistake, compiling a mental checklist of what they had lost and trying, to no avail, to get help from the train’s on–board ticket agent.

But as they disembarked the train in Paris and prepared to fly to Corsica, God began providing for Larry and Trish. Some colleagues in Paris allowed them to use their computer to cancel credit cards and change online passwords. Their plane tickets were easily replaced at the airport, and they were allowed to fly to Corsica. And in Corsica, Trish’s prayer for favor with the police was answered when a young police woman allowed them to avoid the line of people at the station and take care of their paperwork in a separate office.

In Corsica, the Erwins found a myriad of ministry opportunities awaiting them. They were still able to prepare things for the picnic, visit friends who worked at the local flea market and share their story with people they met, though it was difficult to talk about.

“Our friends were all upset about the theft,” Trish explained. “But Larry kept saying God was bigger than the theft and would take care of our needs. Many comments were made about the theft, and Larry kept saying God would work this for our good.”

The theft came at a difficult time for the Erwins, as transitioning, albeit temporarily, to another country has been a trying event. But Larry says that despite the challenges they’ve experienced, they have to rely on God’s provision and plan.

“In all of this, both of us know God is in control. None of this caught Him by surprise,” Trish said. “He loves us and wants to use us here in Holland. We can’t see how He is going to use this for His glory at this point, honestly, but believe He will. So we are walking in that truth.

“The event has opened many doors to talk about what happened, and in most cases, it has allowed us to talk about our response to the event and our faith in God,” she said.

Fortunately, after such a challenging trip to Corsica, on the Erwins’ return trip to the Netherlands, they found themselves ministered to by a variety of people with whom God crossed their paths. From a Tunisian cab driver wanting to talk about international affairs to two French ladies who helped the Erwins get their luggage off the subway car, Larry and Trish found themselves overwhelmed by divine appointments that they saw as blessings as well as open door opportunities.

Though some consequences of Larry’s stolen backpack are still unresolved months later, the Erwins have kept relying on God’s sovereignty and look for chances to talk about that when asked about the theft. They are confident that He’ll bring more good things out of this particular situation, so they’re keeping their eyes open as to how.