“Now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest as he promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side of the Jordan.” – Joshua 22:4.
In 1981, Joe Hunter started “Truckstop Ministries” in Georgia. He reached out to truckers at fuel stops, in parking lots, on the CB and through a radio show called “Heaven’s Road.”
He heard all sorts of stories: tales of loneliness, thoughts of suicide, struggles with guilt. A Vietnam veteran, he’s even lived a little of what he’s heard.
Trucking wasn’t simply Joe’s ministry. It was his first love. He started working at a truck stop at 16 years old and drove a truck for 20 years.
“America moves by trucks,” he said. “Without trucks, America stops.”
Hunter’s Truckstop Ministries Inc. works like a spiritual gas station. He prayed with truckers, coaxed them to make tough decisions and handed out taped sermons that fortify them on lengthy business trips.
“The greatest thing about being a truck driver is that you have a lot of time to think,” Hunter said. “The horrible thing about being a truck driver is that you have a lot of time to think.”
There’s plenty of time to do ill as well. Drug dealers, prostitutes, runaways — they all hover around some truck stops, Hunter and drivers said.
Joe Hunter went to be with the Lord in July 2018. But the Truckstop Ministries continues to provide spiritual rest in 28 states and at 70 different truck stops.
The Lord desires us to take breaks often and to rest in Him. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that His yoke is light and He gives rest to all who are weary and come to Him.
“The stops of a good man are ordered by the Lord as well as his steps.” – George Mueller.
God’s Word: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28.
