Tuesday afternoon, we were heading from Willis, Texas to Fort Worth, Texas to begin a revival with The Pentecostals of Fort Worth, pastored by Michael Watts.

Less than an hour from Fort Worth, the gas light on the truck came on and the bell sounded. We knew we had about 50 miles left…we forgot we were pulling the toy hauler and getting less miles per gallon. Suddenly the truck shuts down! We ran COMPLETELY out of gas! We were both on our cell phones and failed to hear all the warnings.  

We coasted as far as possible, but were still taking up a large portion of the right-hand lane on a busy highway in rush hour traffic. Traffic was horrendous, and the drivers didn't appear to be overly "excited" about our new parking place! In fact, one semi drove within three feet of our trailer!   He locked up his brakes, and was able to change lanes at the last moment.  

Two patrol cars arrived to block the lane. Julie and Beamer were sent down a big ravine by the side of the road (for safety purposes). The officers advised us to get away from the vehicle, as there had been two fatalities at that exact location within the previous month.

We called every towing company that was listed on our GPS.  Julie called her dear friend, Gina Jones.  Her husband, Brent Jones, pastors a great work in Colleyville, Texas.  She advised us that her brother-in-law, Gregg Hogan, worked close to where we were stranded!  We called Gregg and although he was already home, he said he would be en route asap.  After purchasing a gas can, filling it with diesel fuel, and driving across town to assist us in getting back on the road….. the tow truck showed up.

One of the sweetest things happened during this transaction that we would like to recognize and commend.  Gregg knew that he was taking a chance at missing us totally.  He knew that the tow truck was previously called, and that the police were determined to get our truck and trailer off the highway, one way or another. However, he assured us that he would still show up and make sure that we were okay.

Words can't express the impact this overt act of kindness made in our lives! We were so humbled to know that he would make such an effort to help us.  After pulling out of the parking lot, we looked back to see Gregg watching to make sure that we were safe, and back on track. 

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Thanks a million to Gregg for his willingness to go the "extra-mile!"   

We learned two important lessons that day:

1) It's wonderful to have church family and friends.

2) When the gas light comes on, it's time to stop!