In the 1980s, I spent seven years fighting for my sanity. Drugs couldn't save me. Endless highways couldn't heal me. But God met me in the darkness, revealing that personal struggles are part of a larger spiritual journey-hope can emerge even in darkness, and your life can change, too.

In the 1980s, I embarked on a tumultuous journey that spanned seven years, fighting an intense battle for my sanity. I found myself trapped in a desperate struggle where neither drugs nor the endless open highways could provide the solace I craved. Yet, in my deepest moments of despair, I experienced a profound encounter with God, reminding me that hope can emerge even in darkness.

This pivotal moment ignited an undeniable hope within me —one I believe can also inspire you: that your life holds meaning and can undergo significant transformation.
This is the story behind my book, The Essence of Life—a narrative designed to answer your questions like 'Does my life matter?' and 'Why am I here?' — and to help you discover your purpose through faith.

Yes, throughout the 1980s, I faced an agonizing period where every day felt unbearably heavy and oppressive, a period that many know as a profound struggle with despair and a search for purpose, with questions such as: Does my life matter? Why was I born? Does my life have purpose? I was looking for a reason to live and was finding none.
It was during this challenging time, especially when my physician was persuading my parents to have me committed to an institution, that I made a bold choice to embrace the open highways of America.

I embarked on an extensive journey, driving big rigs across the country from coast to coast. The sights and sounds of the open road were captivating, but this physical escape did little to shield me from the internal battles I was facing.

My mind was often a turbulent landscape, filled with overwhelming feelings of despair and hopelessness. In an attempt to cope, I frequently turned to drugs, believing that they would help numb my anguish and keep me alert enough to handle the long, exhausting miles ahead.

The highs were fleeting, and the lows were devastating; with every passing mile, I was caught in a vicious cycle that seemed impossible to break.
As I continued to struggle through this chaotic existence, a defining moment came that would change everything for me. I had reached a point where I felt I had exhausted all my reasons for living.

I was at the edge of despair, nearing the end of a grueling seven-year fight with my mental health, and it felt as though I was in a deep, dark tunnel with no way out. Yet, in that moment of profound hopelessness, I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort and reassurance, as though the God who had guided my grandfather—a revered and well-respected preacher—was reaching out to me directly. It was a powerful realization: I was not abandoned; there was still hope, a guiding light in the darkness, reminding me that I did not have to face my struggles alone. This moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey toward healing and renewal.

In what I can only describe as miraculous interventions, He sent angels—individuals who approached me with messages, insisting that the Lord God Jehovah had sent them. These strangers seemed to know details about my life, both deep and personal, often revealing insights I had not yet uncovered within myself. Their presence extended support, kindness, and hope, reminding me I was not alone. What had begun as a frantic escape from my pain and turmoil gradually transformed into a rewarding 43-year career in trucking. During my time on the road, I discovered not only a passion for the open road but also a profound sense of purpose, showing that change and hope are possible.

For the last 26 years of that journey, God redefined my role from being merely a trucker to becoming a trucker evangelist. In this newfound capacity, He inspired me to reach out, touch lives in inner-city communities, and share messages of hope and encouragement with individuals across America through radio, TV, and other channels, which reached people around the globe.

Through my experiences and challenges, I realized that my struggles had uniquely equipped me to connect with others grappling with their own battles. It became my mission to spread messages of faith, resilience, and the belief that change is possible and attainable, but sometimes, like me, we have to come to the end of ourselves.

Later, I received news that a close friend’s daughter, overwhelmed by abusive circumstances and feeling utterly hopeless, made the devastating decision to leave her children in the care of a friend. She drove to a church parking lot and took her own life. This heartbreaking event raised a profound question that resonates with millions around the world: "Why am I here, and does my life truly matter?"

This question not only reflects a universal struggle but also serves as a reminder of the importance of reaching out to those in pain, reaffirming their worth, and walking alongside them in their journeys toward hope and healing.
"Why am I here, and does my life matter?" These questions reflect a universal struggle, reminding you that your search for meaning is shared by many and that hope is possible. These questions-'Why am I here?' and 'Does my life truly matter?'-are universal struggles.

My book, The Essence of Life, offers hope and guidance, showing that no matter your pain, transformation is possible through faith in Jesus Christ. Within its pages are subjects such as:

• Why Am I Here?
• Why Me?
• How Special Are You?
• Why Does My Life Matter?
• What If My Plan Fails?
• Great Minds Think Alike
• A Look at Man and Other Religions
• The Mind of Man and the Mind of Christ
• Understanding the Power of the Blood
• Is Jesus the Only Way to God?

The book examines man's search for meaning, explores Einstein's theory of relativity, and the thought of riding upon a beam of light through the universe. It also speaks of his ability to solve problems in his sleep.

The book compares the teachings of world religions, often allowing their own writings to speak for themselves. Yet above all, it points to Jesus Christ, the Author and Giver of life, encouraging you to see Him as the true source of hope and purpose.

Over the years, I have witnessed God use this book in remarkable ways that I never anticipated. One particularly moving story comes from a pastor in Nairobi, Kenya. Deeply impacted by the book’s message, he decided to invest his own financial resources to translate it into the local language, publish it, and distribute it widely across the nation.

The response has been extraordinary. Reports have come in from various regions detailing how the book has touched the hearts of many, especially among abused women working as prostitutes on the streets. Through its pages, these women discovered messages of love, hope, and worth—elements they had felt were absent from their lives. This newfound understanding empowered them to surrender their lives to Christ.
As a result, many of these women began to experience significant transformations, finding not only spiritual renewal but also a sense of purpose and identity. Their stories highlight the profound impact that this book has had on their lives, offering them a path toward healing and a fresh start.

This God-inspired book has the potential to change lives—yours included—by bringing hope and inspiration to those who seek it. Others have written to tell me they discovered copies in unexpected places. One testimony came from Mexico, where a person found the book discarded in a dumpster. After reading it, they said their eyes were opened concerning other religions, and they gave their heart to Christ.

Whether you're feeling lost, hopeless, or questioning if faith can truly transform your life, my book, The Essence of Life, offers practical guidance and spiritual insights to help you discover your purpose in Christ.

At its heart, The Essence of Life is about discovering purpose. It is written for those who have asked, 'Why am I here?' and for those feeling lost or hopeless. It is an invitation to find that your life does matter, that you were created with purpose, and that hope can be found even in the darkest moments.

The foreword is written by internationally known healing evangelist W. V. Grant, whose ministry has touched millions worldwide.

If you're questioning your reason for living or feeling uncertain about faith, The Essence of Life offers insights that can help you find clarity and hope.
For years, I struggled with the same questions many people ask. Why was I born? Does my life matter? Is life worth living?

Today, I understand that God was preparing me for a purpose I could never have imagined. I have become a third-generation preacher under the ministries of A. A. Allen and Don Stewart, serving as their International Evangelist and representing the message that changed my own life.

The greatest discovery I have made is this: The essence of life cannot be found in possessions, success, religion, science, or human wisdom. The essence of life is found in Jesus Christ, for He alone is the Giver of Life itself.

If you have ever wondered why you were born, why you matter, or whether life is worth living, perhaps my book The Essence of Life was written for you.
Because your life matters, and the One who gave you your life has a purpose for it, when we discover the essence of life, which is found in Christ, we will find inner peace, profound purpose, and a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves.

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!

International Evangelist

Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D. Miracle Life Church International