Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D., click
here to update your pages on AuthorsDen!
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.'s
Success Story
If you have followed my writings closely, you will notice that a significant number of my books center around the concept of grace. I thought about calling this success story "From Brokenness to Purpose: How One Trucker's Journey Touched Lives Around the World."
During the 1980s, I found myself in a deep struggle, questioning the very worth of life itself. For more than seven long years, I battled a debilitating nervous breakdown that left me feeling lost and hopeless. In the midst of overwhelming chaos, I embarked on a quest for meaning and direction, grappling with my own pain and longing for a better future. Throughout this journey, I encountered not only my personal demons but also a community of individuals whose stories intertwined with mine, ultimately revealing the extraordinary connections we encounter in our pursuit of purpose.
At one point, I looked more like something out of a Young Guns movie than a preacher. I had friends connected to the Kansas City Mafia, and ministry was the last thing on my mind. Then came one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. While I was sitting in a restaurant, a black man approached me and called me "Preacher." I cursed him. He smiled and said, 'Don't get mad, preacher. The Lord God Jehovah sent me to tell you that He does not ordain all marriages, and He does not expect you to put up with what you are putting up with in yours.' Then he placed the pepper and salt shakers apart, emphasizing that getting off the fence allows God to work in your life. Years later, I would understand why God sent that messenger. He would call me to the inner cities, to the highways, and eventually to nations around the world.
Today, in 2026, and after forty-three years behind the wheel and twenty-six years as a Trucker Evangelist, retiring in 2021, I am happily married to a beautiful Filipina woman who loves God and loves revival. Together we celebrate nine years together and five years of marriage.
Looking back, I realize that the answer to the question I struggled with for so long—'Why was I born?'—was found in God's purpose for my life, not in success or material things. I am confident in saying, 'I Am Not For Sale!' because maintaining integrity is essential to me and should be to you as well.
Years ago, I received an email offering me a role on a reality television show. My trucking company was willing to provide the truck. It seemed like the kind of opportunity many people spend their lives pursuing. But something didn't sit right in my spirit. I still have that email. Not because I regret saying no, but because it reminds me of something I never want to forget. I am not for sale. Titles are not for sale. Popularity is not for sale, and Ministry is not for sale. The message God entrusted to me is not for sale. God answered that question not with fame, but with purpose, reminding us that His guidance is what truly matters.
God watched over and allowed me to travel the highways for forty-three years, preach the Gospel for twenty-six years as a Trucker Evangelist, and see lives touched around the world through books I never charged for. I have bought them by the case, paying the printing and shipping costs myself, simply because I wanted people to know that their lives matter.
I have learned that God's greatest blessings cannot be bought, marketed, or manufactured, and if He opens another door, it will not be because I sold myself to obtain it. It will be because He opened it. Until then, I am content to remain faithful. Because I am not for sale. And neither is the message I preach and teach.
After four years of conducting monthly miracle revivals throughout the Philippines and witnessing creative miracles, I found myself facing another unexpected chapter. Since March 2026, I have battled tuberculosis, with tumors developing on my neck. Yet even in the midst of my own physical struggle, God reminded me that His work continues. During visits to my Christian doctor, I witnessed something remarkable. His son, a microbiologist who had been born without a right eardrum, experienced restored hearing.
In moments like these, I am reminded that faith is not merely believing when everything is going well. Faith is trusting God when we ourselves are still walking through the valley.
For years, I wondered why I was born and whether my life mattered. Looking back over the highways, the brokenness, the miracles, the nations touched, and even the present battle, I have come to understand that life is not found in ease or comfort, but in knowing Jesus Christ, the Giver of life itself.
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 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. There were instances where 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. By putting my journey into words, I hope to reach others who may be grappling with their own battles. My goal in writing books is not for monetary gain, but to encourage and enrich lives. That is why my writings are designed to create an authentic, relatable narrative that showcases the incredible resilience of the human spirit and articulates how transformative God’s life-changing grace can be in overcoming adversity.
Through my books, I hope to shine a light on the road from despair to renewal, illustrating that even in our most difficult moments, we can find the strength to persevere and the courage to heal with the realization that no one is beyond 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. Yes, that is one of the reasons I wrote the book: "Escapades of Grace."
Think about it, The Escapades & 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 are crafted to deeply resonate with readers who yearn for genuine narratives that showcase the profound love and grace of God. They are designed to open our eyes to re-evaluate our perception of people living on the streets, urging greater compassion and deeper understanding 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.
In summary, this love is not content to remain confined to the limits of ordinary existence; instead, it ventures boldly into uncharted territory, 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.
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 deeply appreciate this truth throughout my years in ministry. 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.
