From a Quick Ride to Eternal Impact: How One Moment Changed Kevin's Life

I had just finished a discipleship meeting with a young man, talking about faith and music, when I noticed an elderly gentleman bent over on the side of the road. It was 100 degrees in Round Rock, Texas, and he looked like he was struggling. I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to stop, so I pulled over and asked if he was okay. Out of breath, he told me he was having trouble breathing, so I offered him a ride. He didn’t hesitate and quickly hopped into my truck.

As we drove, he shared that he was on his way home from HEB, where he’d just sent money to a woman in need of a tire repair. We arrived at his retirement apartment complex a mile up the road, but before he got out, we ended up sitting in the truck for a while, talking. Kevin opened up about his life, sharing stories from his younger days and how, lately, life felt like one punch after another. He spoke about feeling like a burden, unloved, and distant from his family, who rarely visited him.

As he shared, I could feel his loneliness, and it reminded me of some of my own struggles with feeling like an outsider. I took a moment to tell him about my faith and shared the hope I’ve found in Jesus. I explained how Jesus brings us comfort, connection, and purpose, no matter our age or situation. Then, I asked if he would like to invite Jesus into his life as his Lord and Savior. He nodded, and there, in my truck, we prayed together.

When we finished, Kevin looked at me with a sense of peace, and I knew something had changed. He thanked me and suggested we keep in touch, even inviting me over for a BBQ at his apartment complex. He mentioned wanting to gather some friends from his complex for a Bible study and asked if I’d join. We exchanged numbers, and as he got out of my truck, I realized what a blessing it had been to meet him.

This experience reminded me of how the Holy Spirit can use the simplest moments to meet not only a person’s immediate needs but also to impact their eternity. Kevin’s life may have been filled with hardships, but now he has hope and purpose in Jesus—and we’ll get to see him in heaven one day.

I’m still waiting to hear back from Kevin about that BBQ and pool day, and I have to admit, I could use some good BBQ and a swim! But until then, I’m grateful for the privilege of that brief encounter and the joy of knowing Kevin is now my brother in Christ. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected stops along the road that lead to the most meaningful destinations.