Making An Impact On A Driver's Life

Richard settled into the lonely truck-stop booth. This Petro station in Carnesville, GA., held unmistakable evidences of the lonely life of long-distance drivers. They were a trucker's connection to the world that sped by. Richard's spirits were low, and as he looked at his surroundings his depression engulfed him. Richard looked at his meal. It may have been as close to home cooking as he could get, but it was nowhere near close enough. He should be home.

Had he been home, maybe she wouldn't have left him. The last conversation he had with his wife tormented him.

Now, he was failing to find answers to his despair. What was left to live for? Why would he go on? As far as Richard was concerned, the road held no hope-just more friendless meals that could not fill his heart. Silently, Richard rose from the booth. There was no reason for him to keep feeling this pain. He had the power to stop it himself. He could end it tonight. End it. The finality of Richard's decision hit him hard. How had his life become so hopeless that he wanted to commit suicide?

On his way to the truck, he saw the chapel. He entered the building-shaking, broken. He did not want to face anyone, yet the person who approached him was so welcoming that Richard soon found himself pouring out the regrets that plagued him. The compassionate individual listened attentively to Richard's feelings of emptiness, and then offered words of hope. The counselor told Richard of the healing love of Christ-of how Jesus died on a cross to forgive Richard's sin. No matter how far he traveled, Jesus would never leave or forsake him.

The compelling words of the counselor slowly warmed Richard's heart. He wanted to be forgiven. He wanted a new beginning. He wanted Jesus. And there in the chapel, he invited Jesus to be his constant companion.

Today, Richard continues to enjoy his new life in Christ and volunteers at a mission in his home area. Had there not been a truck-stop ministry at that Petro station in Carnesville, Georgia, this story would have had a much different ending. Richard may have ended his life in the cab of his truck, and he may never have received Christ as his Savior.

Truck-stop ministries reach the long-distance drivers who experience loneliness in a way few will ever know.