I got to Winnipeg earlier than I had hoped. Usually on these trips out to Manitoba I spend the night closer to Brandon. Which is about 2 hours west of the provincial capital.
But something told me to keep driving and end up in the city.
And for good reason.
I usually end up at the Flying J here in Winnipeg because that's where my good friend Mike is. Mike is the chaplin for Open Road Chapels here in Winnipeg.
What is that?
I've mentioned it before, but this is something that some may argue could be one of the most important Christian ministries in the country. I know I think it is.
Open Road is for truckers, by truckers. A place where truckers can pray, study and get to know Jesus. And if you know anything about trucking, you'll know how important that is....
Think about it.
Most of these guys and gals are literally by themselves for the bulk of their week. Sitting, driving all alone. And when you are all alone, you usually do a lot of thinking. Sometimes good, sometimes bad...But you are always in your head.
Imagine how important a relationship with God is for these type of professionals? I honestly cannot think of anything more important.
So tonight, I got to meet up with Mike at the truck stop and another member of our weekly #bible study group as well. As he was in town doing a drop. So we all sat down, and had a nice dinner together.
I got a nice hat from Mike tonight too :)
Yeah, the dinner was great. Plenty of stories from the road but of course, lots of discussions about faith, family and friendship.
This is what matters to me!
Everything else, is just noise. What matters to fellow believers is the friendships and fellowship with each other. Real relationships are being built by this group of truckers and most importantly, with Jesus!
I know it made my night and trip into Winnipeg that much better!
While I'm here for work, I will get to spend some more time with my brothers in Christ. And support each other as we walk with Jesus.
This all started because a gentleman in Ontario thought it was very important to start a Christian ministry for the truckers on the road. Which can be a very lonely road indeed...
But with God on your side, you are never alone. And now for me, I know I always have some family here 1000 kilometres away from home!