Jesus Christ Is Lord, Not A Swear Word

I actually heard about this story on the radio driving to work one day last week and I loved it so much, I found the article online to use for one of my posts this week.

If you happen to be driving along interstate 40 in Amarillo, Texas, you'll definitely see plenty of truck stops and travel centers. There is one, though, that will probably catch your attention a little more readily than the others. That's because the name of this one isn't Love's or Flying J or Pilot.

This one is called the Jesus Christ is Lord Not a Swear Word Travel Center. Owner Sam Kholi wants to provide a clean, safe atmosphere for travelers that also puts his Christian faith at the foreground. There are Bible verses on the support columns at gas pumps, t-shirts with the travel center logo and Sam even bought his own fleet of semi trucks with the travel center name and Bible verses painted in red letters. Sam doesn't sell any cigarettes, alcohol, lottery tickets or racy movies in the non-smoking facility.

The travel center seems to be a pretty big hit with Christians traveling along I-40. Michael Burton of Inverness, Florida, says he admires Sam's boldness.

"I am a person who, when I know a Christian is offering what I need with competitive prices, I'll go to the Christian business," Burton said. "I am prejudiced for God's people."


When I first head this story on the radio, the word that best describes my immediate reaction is tickled. I think it's great that there are still Christians out there who aren't apologetic about their beliefs. I think too many of us are afraid of steppingon someone's toes if we talk about our faith too much. And heaven forbid we do anything that's not considered "politically correct" (whatever that even is anymore).

I think it's great what Sam has done. What better ministry than a truck stop? He's going to encounter every kind of person you can think of with this business and every single one is a chance for him to share Jesus.
As Jeff Criswell, manager of the store, says, "If they've never opened a Bible, they'll be able to see it here."


The more I read about Sam Kholi, the more I like this guy. I wish that I could be that bold. Heck, my fears cause me to shy away from talking about my faith with co-workers and here is someone who is doing the equivalent of shouting from the rooftops. No, he has surpassed that. With the fleet of trucks, he's able to spread this message all over the country, to MILLIONS of people! At the truck stop, he has countless opportunites every day to share and teach.
I think it's wonderful that he has been blessed enough to provide a service like this. While he does provide for the basic needs of travellers and truck drivers, he is also providing so much more than any other roadside convenience store can offer.

Sometimes all it takes is just to pique someone's curiosity. While a traveler might not talk to anyone while at the Jesus Christ is Lord Not a Swear Word Travel Center, maybe one of those verses on the gas pump might stick with them. It'll stay in the back of their mind until God sends the right person at the right time to them and they do start asking those important questions.

I think what Sam has done is pretty fantastic. I hope he is able to open more of these travel centers eventually.
I drive I-44 all the time. Maybe I'll see one of his trucks on my way to work one day. I'll certainly honk and wave with a smile on my face.