Greetings,
If you have followed my writings closely, you will notice that a significant number of my books center around the concept of grace. This theme is deeply meaningful to me, as grace is a gift that is unearned, unmerited, and freely given to us. It is what sets Christianity apart from all other religions and moral systems, serving as the foundation of our faith and hope. Throughout my writing journey of more than 20 books, I have had the unique experience of crafting many of my published pieces while on the open road. Specifically, I have written from the cab of my 18-wheeler, a setting that has been both my office and my sanctuary over the years. This writing process is intrinsically linked to my 43 years of experience in over-the-road (OTR) trucking. During this time, I spent 26 years as a trucker evangelist, dedicating my efforts to working in ministries primarily in urban areas.
My outreach has taken me to places such as Knoxville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and College Park, Georgia, where I have had the opportunity to connect with diverse communities and share the transformative message of God’s grace. This type of ministry involved facing the dangerous gangs wearing my brave Indiana Jones hat, and winning their hearts by being real. It consisted of befriending and reaching out to people experiencing homelessness, getting to know them, going under bridge overpasses where they have makeshift homes, sharing their food with raving rats, and many times having their clothing stolen while they slept. I physically fought them and befriended them for more than 12 years before they discovered that I was a famous preacher and Christian author. You are not going to go in and preach to these kinds of people without placing your life in danger. You must first win their trust and their hearts, and let them see Jesus in you. Many times, it involved visiting abandoned houses, and yes, even some crack houses, many times placing my life in danger, but trusting in God's protection and guidance every step of the way.
For seven long years, I endured a profound struggle with my mental health. This difficult journey compelled me to leave my home in search of a way to cope with my overwhelming feelings. To maintain my independence and avoid being committed to a mental health institution, I took up a job driving a truck. Driving an 18-wheeler allowed me to escape from my immediate surroundings, but it also meant spending long hours on the road, often alone. The endless stretches of highway, while offering a sense of freedom, frequently left me feeling isolated. As I navigated through miles of open road, I grappled with my emotions, which sometimes surged to an unbearable intensity. The solitude I once sought for peace often became a source of anxiety, amplifying my struggles and making each journey both a physical and emotional challenge. The pressure of my job, along with the solitude of the road, became a breeding ground for my inner turmoil.
In my attempts to cope with these feelings, I found myself relying on substances, using them as a temporary escape from the pain and anxiety that consumed me. Three desperate attempts on my life marked this tumultuous journey, each one a heartbreaking reflection of the deep pain I was experiencing. These moments brought me to the edge, where hope felt utterly elusive, and despair reigned supreme. Amidst this darkness, I encountered a remarkable Heavenly Father who pursued me with unwavering love and grace. It was through this connection that I met real angels—extraordinary individuals who assured me that the Lord God Jehovah sent them to support and uplift me during my darkest hours. Their presence felt reminiscent of the show "Touched by an Angel," where divine assistance manifests in tangible ways. They helped me see that I was never truly alone and that there was a greater purpose for my struggles.
Despite the harrowing challenges I faced, I feel a deep urgency to share my story and experiences through my writing. I want readers to see how God's grace transformed my life, inspiring faith and hope. My goal in writing books is not for monetary gain, but to encourage and enrich lives by illustrating how God’s life-changing grace can help us overcome adversity. Through my books, I hope to shine a light on the road from despair to renewal, showing that even in our most difficult moments, God's grace can bring healing and redemption.
I know there are readers out there who have been told their whole lives that grace is free, but then given a thousand rules about how to earn it. Yes, readers who are tired of a grace that sits on a shelf and does nothing. My books are written to introduce readers who want to hear about a grace that runs and jumps and falls and gets back up, which is why my book is titled Escapades of Grace. The places grace goes, and the things grace does when no one is looking, reveal a loving Heavenly Father who is not looking for us to fail but one who planned our lives before the creation of the world.
Think about it, The Escapades of Grace—two words that typically don't coincide, yet they should. Grace embodies the essence of an adventure, a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. The stories woven throughout this novel reveal God's love in the most unlikely places, encouraging readers to see His grace in their own lives. They are crafted to resonate deeply with those seeking to understand God's presence in everyday moments and to foster greater compassion for those often overlooked in today’s society.
Each chapter is designed not only to touch the hearts of those who read it but also to inspire a film that could one day be compelling. Through rich storytelling and relatable characters, this work aspires to illuminate the transformative power of faith and its impact on our lives. Stories woven throughout this adventurous novel reveal a love that knows no bounds, an extraordinary and profound connection that defies all conventions and expectations. This love is not content to stay confined within the limits of ordinary existence; instead, it ventures boldly into uncharted territories, exploring the depths of emotion and the heights of joy. Thus, God’s amazing Grace is a reminder that true love has the power to transcend boundaries and ignite the spirit of exploration.
In conclusion, I invite you to pause and consider my current circumstances. Not long ago, I completed the writing and publication of Escapades of Grace, and found myself here in 2026, facing the challenging reality of undergoing tuberculosis treatments while continuing my work in the Philippines with my beautiful wife as an International Evangelist. These treatments are not only physically draining but also lack the glamour that often surrounds stories of resilience and triumph. They are lengthy and take a toll on my energy, often leaving me feeling isolated and struggling to maintain my usual pace. The struggles that accompany this illness can often remain unnoticed by those around me, leading others to overlook the personal challenges I am battling daily.
These challenges can be both emotionally and physically draining, creating a sense of isolation that is hard to convey to others. However, in the midst of these trials, I find profound comfort and strength in the unwavering presence of God's grace. Scripture reassures us that His grace is sufficient for all our needs, and I have come to appreciate this truth throughout my years in ministry deeply. Hence, it is precisely this grace that walks alongside me through each exhausting day, reminding me that I am never alone in my journey. It provides me with the hope and courage necessary to face both the physical and emotional hurdles that arise while I strive to maintain my commitments to my church community.
As I navigate the complexities of my healing process, I draw strength not only from my faith but also from the supportive relationships I am fortunate to have within my church, including my spirit-filled physician God placed in my life. Together, we cultivate a sense of belonging and understanding that sustains me as I work toward recovery, allowing me to share my experiences and receive encouragement from those who genuinely care. This journey may be challenging, but with God's grace and the support of my faith community, I remain hopeful for brighter days ahead.
You can easily find and purchase my book “Escapades of Grace,” as well as a variety of my other literary works, on Amazon. Additionally, these books are available at other leading retailers, both online and in physical stores. Whether you're looking for engaging stories, insightful reflections, or captivating narratives, you'll find something that piques your interest. Happy reading!
Sincerely,
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
International Evangelist,
Miracle Life Church International.
Remember: "Those that labor to bring sunshine, happiness, into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves!"