A Lifeline for Motorists in Distress

We welcomed a young couple to the every-Wednesday Plaza Bible Study. They shared a story of having left Ohio the previous day, embarking on a spiritual odyssey with no destination or itinerary.

Following Bible Study, we provided them with travel/camping supplies and were eager to hear how the Holy Spirit had called them to such an adventure. But before that conversation happened, they made a quick departure from the ministry office.

About 15 minutes later, the woman came back to us alone and shaking. She said, “I have to let my dad know I’m OK,” and wrote a quick note to her dad, asking us to take a picture of it and text it to him. She had a broken wrist from abuse she suffered previously, and he had a warrant for his arrest on assault charges.

Within minutes, the boyfriend came looking for her and she left with him. The true story emerged further after a conversation with the dad: she was in an abusive relationship, and they had left Ohio the previous day (possible abduction) in the middle of the night.

We contacted law enforcement, who were later able to apprehend them in Hagerstown, MD. He was arrested, and she was later reunited with her family. Thanks to the Lord for guiding her into a plaza Bible Study so she could quietly reach out for help!

A traveling couple hitchhiked into Breezewood with camping gear, planning to bed down wherever they could find a spot. They slept in the grass adjacent to the Gateway Plaza and attracted the attention of employees.

We introduced our ministry and were able to assist with camp resources during the three days they slept (camped) in downtown Breezewood. The couple had met online last year, thinking their long-term highway lifestyles matched up. In early September they began traveling together and discovered within a few days that a romantic relationship would not work.

She wanted to part ways in Breezewood, but their alliance continued out of practical mutual benefit with a ride out of town toward Massachusetts, where he grew up. They traveled with a dog and many pounds of backpacking/camping gear, which sometimes elicited compassion as they received money and food from travelers.

We were glad to have her join us in Bible Study, but he did not; his spirituality was all over the map. He was more content to smoke (a CBD by-product) and organize life through his cell phone. We are very thankful for a traveler’s outreach in the name of Christ to help provide direction and an anchor for wandering souls.

A local employee with a young family has started to attend the Plaza Bible Study and requested a baby dedication for their daughter, which we were happy to celebrate at the Gateway Plaza.

The father is also interested in developing ministry and pastoral skills/training; we are glad to encounter his enthusiasm to serve the Lord!