The Uber Ride That Changed a Life — And the Inspiration You Need Today

The Bible says, “They will know you by your fruit.”
Not by your bumper sticker.
Not by your church attendance.
Not by your social media posts.

No — they’ll know Jesus by the way you live your life.
By how you love people.
How you treat people.
How you honor people, even complete strangers.

Uber driver Beni Lukumu had a chance to do just that — to be Jesus to someone he’d never met.
What he didn’t know was that his simple act of compassion would go viral.

He’s now been featured on the Today Show, viewed by millions online, and has captured hearts.
But that’s what the love of Jesus does — it’s so astonishing, so outlandish, so undeserved, that it stops us in our tracks and turns heads.

Seven years ago, Beni picked up a ride request from a young man named Joey Romano.

Joey had been skateboarding when he swerved to avoid a car, crashed into a ditch, and broke his wrist.
Because he didn’t have good insurance, Joey called an Uber instead of an ambulance.

When Beni arrived, Joey was still lying on the ground. Carefully, Beni helped him into the car.
Their first stop was urgent care, but the injury was too serious — Beni rushed Joey to the emergency room free of charge.

When Beni found out Joey had no family nearby, he chose to stay with him at the hospital.
Beni had immigrated to the United States from the Congo at age 25, and he knew what it was like to be far from loved ones.

So there they were — two strangers in a hospital room, talking, laughing, and at times, Beni even encouraged Joey with songs.

What Beni didn’t know was that Joey wasn’t just dealing with a broken body, but a broken heart.
He met Joey at one of the lowest points in his life.

Joey’s younger brother, Johnny, had died of leukemia at age 10 in 2008 — and the grief was still heavy.

Joey says Beni pulled him out of that dark, isolating place.

“That one act of kindness helped me see the good in the world again,” Joey says.
“Having him spend his entire day with me — a complete stranger, for no reason than the goodness of his heart — helped me to put things into perspective. Beni absolutely changed my life.”

Seven years later these guys are still friends. 

That day, Beni didn’t just give someone a ride.
He gave Joey dignity. He gave him compassion.
But most importantly, he gave him Jesus.

I have to wonder — what was happening in Beni’s life?
Was he struggling himself? Was he praying for God to get him through a hard time?

Regardless, that day, he had a God-given appointment — and he showed up for it.

May we all do the same.

It’s in those acts of love, one human to another, that can change the world for the better.

With love,

Your friend,

Reyna Reyna

Why did Beni stay in the hospital? Hear what he shared with Rachelle & Carder here: 

 

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