I recently returned from one of the most relaxing vacations that I have had in a long time. It was a great blessing for which I was very thankful. While relaxing in a condo on the Gulf of Mexico, I was able to enjoy one of my favorite vacation activities: opening the balcony door for the Gulf breeze, cranking up the air conditioner, drinking homemade espresso, and watching the Food Network! Now, most of you probably think this is a crazy way to spend part of one’s vacation, but when you typically move at warp speed–and do not have cable or satellite TV–doing nothing and chilling out in front of the television is a rarity.
While I received my fill of the Food Network, I was introduced to a show that I had heard about but had never watched: “Ice Road Truckers”.
Interesting. Entertaining and troubling at times. Definitely crazy stuff.
But I guess folks in Northern Canada need their Tim Horton’s coffee as much as those in Toronto.
I don’t know if it was the couple of episodes of watching truckers drive across frozen lakes or the fact that I spent 25 hours driving on the interstate to and from our destination or the numerous country music truck driving songs I listened to on my iPod as I drove, but I felt that I needed to do a post on the potential for gospel dissemination via the 18-wheeler.
Most churches do not realize the potential to spread the gospel across their countries by reaching truck drivers. Across the world, countries are dependent upon the trucking industry. Every year, drivers log thousands of miles and stop at numerous destinations along their routes, encountering a multitude of people.
When I was in high school, I assisted a man from my church who set up a chapel for truckers at one of the local truck stops. Every Sunday, he would visit and pray with the drivers, and hold a worship gathering in a room on site. Many people made professions of faith in Christ and many believers were encouraged in the faith and better equipped for ministry. I believe this brother realized the potential of equipping truck drivers to spread the gospel as they lived their lives.
The life of a truck driver is a life on the road, often encountering new faces–sometimes in new places (Hey, this post is starting to sound like a country music song!). Drivers are able to travel to locations and meet people that you and I will never be able to meet.
Do you see the opportunity for the rapid dissemination of the gospel along the roads of your country?
I have posted a few links at NorthAmericanMissions.org to resources for Trucker Ministries in the United States. It is my hope that these will get you started in considering ministry to those driving along the highways and hedges of your country.
Do you and your church see the Great Commission potential among drivers? What small steps can you be doing now to lead y0ur congregation to begin ministering to truckers? Do you have truckers who are members of your church? If so, what are you doing to equip them to remain faithful and effective in their ministries as they deliver food, machinery, gasoline, automobiles, etc.? Are you praying for them and their families when they are on the road again?