I would like to introduce you to Bill Thomas.  Bill is no stranger to many of you because he and his wife, Gertie, have been active members at McKernan Baptist Church since 1957.  For the last ten years Bill has been a chaplain with Transport for Christ, an international, inter-denominational Christian organization dedicated to “winning truck drivers to Jesus Christ and teaching them to grow in their faith”. So how does a retired family man, who has been a painter all his life, find himself ministering to truck drivers as they roll in and out of the Road King Travel Centre on Highway 16, near Sherwood Park? Here is his story.  

 

One Sunday morning, probably in 1997-98, Pastor Lyle preached a sermon on ‘stepping out of your comfort zone’. These words struck a chord with Bill. When he was invited to go to a breakfast meeting of Transport for Christ, he heard the Canadian director talk about the need for chaplains.  Bill prayed, filled out an application form and soon found himself going to Omaha, Nebraska where he was immersed in three weeks of intensive practical training. Get Bill to tell you how God provided the finances for him to go. The rest is history.  For the past 10 years Bill has faithfully ministered to truckers as they make their way across the country. Over countless cups of coffee, lunches and hours of discussions, Bill has shared the love of Christ with men and women who drive trucks for a living. 

 

Bill’s testimony shows how God opens doors for people to use their God-given talents and abilities in new, exciting environments that they would never dream of on their own.  It is also the story of one man’s decision to step out of his comfort zone when God spoke to him through his pastor’s sermon.  

 

This is what Bill has to say about living fully, living holy: 

 

“I thank God that I am a part of this church family and for opportunities to serve Jesus Christ, especially with Transport for Christ.  Each day at the Road King Travel Centre is different. I serve a loving Saviour and it is my desire to fulfill the Great Commission found in Matthew 28.  I need your prayers as I continue to serve Jesus Christ who is Lord of all”.

 

It took faith to transition from being a painter to being a chaplain, but God has blessed Bill’s ministry and added purpose to his life.  Bill loves to share his faith and he loves to pray, so track him down and hear the rest of the story.