The true story of Roger Simms and Mr Hanover

Roger Simms had just left the military and was hitchhiking home when a shiny, black, luxury car pulled over and the passenger door opened. Sliding into the leather-covered front seat, he was greeted by a friendly distinguished older gentleman.

"Hello, son. Are you on leave?"

"Discharged," answered Roger, "and I'm going home."

"You're in luck if you're going to Chicago," smiled the man.

"My home is on the way," said Roger. "Do you live there, Mister?"

"Hanover. Yes, I have a business there." And with that, they were on their way. After talking about everything under the sun, Roger felt a strong compulsion to witness to Mr. Hanover about Christ. But witnessing to a wealthy businessman who obviously had everything was a scary prospect. Roger put it off, but as he neared his destination, he knew it was now or never.

"Mr. Hanover," he began, "I'd like to talk to you about something very important." Then he explained the way of salvation and asked Mr. Hanover if he would like to receive Christ as his Savior. To Roger's astonishment, the big car pulled to the side of the road and the gentleman began to cry, affirming that he did in fact want to accept Christ. He thanked Roger for talking to him, then dropped him at his house and travelled on to Chicago.

Five years went by, and Roger Simms married and started a business of his own. One day, while on a business trip to Chicago, he sought out the offices of Hanover Enterprises. It would be impossible to see Mr. Hanover, the receptionist informed him, but he might speak with Mrs. Hanover. Roger was led into a poshly-decorated office where a woman sat at a huge oak desk.

She extended her hand. "You knew my husband?"

Roger explained how Mr. Hanover had been kind enough to give him a ride home.

A look of interest crossed her face. "Can you tell me what date that was?"

"It was May 7th five years ago," said Roger, "the day I was discharged from the army."

"And did anything unusual happen on your ride?"

Roger hesitated. Had his witness been a source of contention which resulted in a marital breakup? But he must be truthful. "Your husband accepted the Lord into his heart that day. I explained the gospel to him, and he pulled to the side of the road and prayed a prayer of salvation."

The woman began to sob. Finally she composed herself and explained: "I prayed for my husband for years, and I believed God would save him. But just after he let you out of his car, he passed away in a horrible head-on collision. I thought God had let me down, and I stopped living for the Lord five years ago because I blamed Him for not keeping His word."