76 Miles Per Gallon?

Reverend OJ Nicholas' car gets 76 Miles per gallon? You may get even better than that if your errand has eternal implications.

The family of Art Wheeler showed up at our Benevolence Center on Garden Street and had a poignant request.

"Can you come with us to visit our Dad, Art Wheeler? He's on his deathbed with spinal cancer and can't leave his room. He wants to be saved." The look on the family members' faces told us that there was no time to waste.

Seldom does a minister get such a ready-made Salvation opportunity. So Reverend OJ Nicholas, a part-time staffer for South Side Mission, jumped in his car and followed the Wheeler family back to their house.

Halfway to the other side of Brimfield, IL, where the Wheeler family live, Reverend OJ realized that his gas tank was on empty and he had only a dollar in his pocket. OJ knew that his errand was critical, but did not know what to do. At that moment, God put in OJ's spirit a peace that said, "it will be enough gas." Sure enough, the needle did not move any further toward E, and OJ pulled into the Wheeler family's driveway.

Inside, OJ met other family members and exchanged pleasantries. But he knew that he was here on the Lord's errand, so he quickly excused himself to go in to talk to Art. God has given OJ much experience ministering at the sickbeds of those in need. He listened to Art as the sick man shared with OJ his life and the state of his disease. OJ shared some scriptures and led Art in the prayer of Salvation.

As Art finished his heartfelt prayer and experienced the "peace that passeth all understanding," he asked another request. "Would it be too much trouble to baptize me?" So, while Art was too infirm to undergo a full-fledged dunking, Reverend OJ, with the help of family members, was able to fortify Art's bed with a few towels. OJ filled a pitcher with water and baptized Art a few minutes later.

Driving his car the 38 miles back to our Benevolence Center on the South Side of Peoria, OJ felt that same peace that flooded Art Wheeler an hour earlier. And yes, the gas tank needle on OJ's car never moved.