Debra Winrich

Let me tell you a story. It is 2016, 4 AM. My alarm goes off. I walk from the bedroom into the kitchen, pour a cup of strong coffee, and go back to my garage, where my study is. There, at my computer, for another two or three hours, I write. One day a week I podcast. Then, around 7:30 AM it’s off to my job at Southeastern Freight Lines. I am a truck driver. I deliver and pick up freight in an industrial section of San Antonio. I write books, I drive a semi. I podcast, I push pallets. Over time, when speaking opportunities increased, it seemed like I had two jobs, working 70-75 hours a week. I was happy but, truth be told, really exhausted. To some of you who have been reading my writings for years, this is no surprise. But to many of you, I am a new voice. You are still getting to know me. I drove in the oil and gas fields of the Texas panhandle for about 3 years, then in the freight industry for almost 10 years. It was a great job. I worked with great people. But the last time I drove a truck was four years ago, in November 2019. What changed? What changed was a gift from God: instead of having two jobs, I could have just one. Doing what I love. Serving all of you. The job offer was to be a Scholar in Residence for the nonprofit 1517, whose mission is to declare and defend the Good News that we are forgiven and free on account of Christ alone. Before I had been a truck driver, I was a pastor then a seminary professor who taught Hebrew and classes in the Bible, especially the Old Testament. This position with 1517 would enable me to use those gifts and draw on that experience. Because of the Lord’s gift of my position at 1517, I am able to: -Speak on the Scriptures around the country -Cohost two weekly podcasts (“40 Minutes in the Old Testament” and “Hidden Streams”) -Produce daily videos -Write books -Teach 1517 Academy classes In other words, through 1517 God has enabled me to teach the Bible with an Old Testament accent, to give hope to others by giving them Jesus, to share with others the Good News that has sustained me through some of my most trying times in life, especially these last two years. I am beyond grateful. Today is Giving Tuesday, which is a very important day for nonprofits like 1517. Our very existence is based on support from generous donors. My wife and I will be giving back to the organization that has given so much to us. And we ask, as much as you are able, to join us. If you have been blessed by my work, know that it is possible because of 1517. So please consider giving, that the good work we do might continue and expand its reach. Thank you! 1517.org/donate-gt-2023