The Truck Drivers' Chapel Ministry Manual

Periodically throughout the day on Saturday, the worker should use a Citizen's Band radio to announce chapel, church, and the free dinner. Because truck drivers use the C.B. Channel 19 to communicate with each other, the worker should use the same channel.

The worker may also use the public address system of the truck stop. A sample announcement could be: "Good afternoon drivers, and welcome to the Petro Truck Stop! You are invited to the Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry services that will be held here at Petro tomorrow morning at 8:15 in the T.V. lounge! We'll have free doughnuts and coffee for those who attend. Drivers, let me remind you that after chapel, we have free transportation to and from church. After our church services we have a fre e home-cooked dinner for all who attend. It's come-as-you-are! Come and enjoy the good, old-fashioned preaching and the old-fashioned singing! Please join us for chapel at 8:15 Sunday morning here at Petro in the T.V. lounge. Thank you for stopping at Petro."

The worker's time in the truck stop on Saturday could be divided into two general areas: promotion and soul winning. There are some times that are best used for promotion, and other times best used for soul winning. The best time for promotion is during a busy part of the day when many drivers are going in and out of the truck stop. In most truck stops, a good time would be from 5:00-8:00 P.M., when many drivers end their day and come to the truck stop for a shower and a meal. The best time for soul winning is usually the slower part of the day when the worker can speak to drivers one-on-one, with little or no distraction.

The period of promotion should be used primarily to invite drivers to chapel, church, and the free dinner. The worker may witness to drivers (as the Holy Spirit directs), but the main focus this time period should be inviting drivers to chapel and church. The worker should find a "high-traffic" area in the truck stop and position himself out of the flow of people in a location that is well-suited to his greeting each driver as he enters the truck stop. The worker should hand each driver a gospel tract, along with a small flyer announcing chapel, church, and the free dinner. While handing him the flyer, the worker should extend a quick and cheerful invitation. "Hello... we're having chapel here at 8:15 tomorrow morning in the T.V. lounge. We'll have free doughnuts and coffee for you. After chapel we offer free transportation to church and a free dinner for all the drivers who come! Can you join us tomorrow?" (Remember to use the word "free" because truck drivers rarely get anything for free.)

During this promotion time, the worker should remember that his goal is to invite as many drivers to the services as possible. He should be careful about chit-chatting too long with one particular driver. He should also remember that using posters, signs, and public announcements will help to increase chapel attendance; however, most truck drivers will not attend without a personal invitation.

4. Chapel Services on Sunday Morning

"A home away from home to the 18-wheeler" is the motto of the Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry. Everything that is done throughout the day on Sunday should be done with this motto in mind. The Sunday morning chapel service should include free doughnuts and coffee, friendly conversation, Gospel singing, a warm-hearted joke, and most importantly a clear and simple presentation of God's free gift of salvation.

Most professional truck drivers rarely attend a church service because of their schedule. As a result, these men are in desperate need of spiritual strength and encouragement. The chapel service provides only a brief taste of church; therefore, the chapel preacher must stress the importance of church attendance. Many drivers welcome the opportunity to leave the truck stop and be graciously chauffeured to a local Bible-believing church. Each of these ingredients play an important role in making the ministry a home away from home to the 18-wheeler.

SUNDAY MORNING PREPARATION

On the way to the truck stop on Sunday morning, the worker should stop at a local Dunkin' Donuts store to purchase a box of doughnut holes. The worker should arrive at the truck stop early enough on Sunday morning to set up the chapel room and the coffee table. The worker wants to leave as much time as possible for inviting drivers to chapel. Prior to entering the truck stop, the ministry worker should use his citizen's band radio to invite truck drivers into the chapel service. The worker may even make a spirited announcement on the truck stop P.A. system (ask permission of the manager first), but he should remember that most drivers will not attend without a personal invitation.

Because the chapel service is the most successful tool for influencing the truck drivers to come to church, every effort should be made to bring a warm, friendly, and inviting atmosphere to the room in which the chapel service will be held. The television lounge is ideal for a service because it is a convenient and well-known location in most truck stops. The worker should remember to turn the T.V. off when he arrives.

The first step to achieving the right atmosphere is to have coffee available for the truck drivers. Some truck stops will provide coffee for the chapel services free of charge, but others may prefer the preacher to supply his own coffee. Usually eighteen cups of coffee is a sufficient amount for the service. A percolator coffee maker is convenient because it can be transported to the truck stop easily. A hard plastic crate is ideal for carrying the coffee maker and supplies. An extension cord will probably be needed at the T.V. lounge in order to plug in the coffee maker. The coffee, sugar, and creamer should be placed on a table near the entrance of the T.V. lounge. Any truck driver who walks by the lounge will be curious to know what is going to take place. An additional worker (perhaps the truck stop preacher's wife), would be a valuable help by greeting the drivers at the door of the T.V. lounge with a hot cup of coffee and a cheerful invitation to come to the service. The following items are needed every week and should be kept in good supply to prevent any last-minute worries:

1. Styrofoam cups

2. plastic spoons

3. sugar

4. non-dairy creamer

5. napkins

A second necessary step to achieving the right atmosphere is to have a good cassette tape player so that peppy Gospel music can be playing. The music will help create a wonderful atmosphere which is extremely opposite to anything heard in that room during the week.

Prior to the service, the preacher should walk throughout the truck stop greeting drivers with a friendly, personal invitation to the service. Some of the most "rough-and-tough-looking" truck drivers are very appreciative of a heart-felt request to come to chapel. (Always remember that most drivers will not attend your service without a personal invitation.)

Finally, many drivers will be unaware of the coming chapel service; therefore, a cheerful announcement on the public address system will be very beneficial for increasing the attendance to the service. The following is a good example of an effective announcement over the P.A.: "Good morning, drivers, and welcome to the Flying "J" Truck Stop! There's something different in the air! It's Sunday! We have fresh perked coffee and munchkins from Dunkin' Donuts. Starting in five minutes, an old-fashioned preaching service for the professional drivers will be held in the T.V. lounge. Drivers, we care about you and want to be an encouragement to you during your stay here. We have a wonderful morning planned for you and a free home-cooked dinner for this afternoon! Services for the professional driver are in the T.V. lounge. See you there!"

BEGINNING THE CHAPEL SERVICE

Before the service can begin, every driver present needs to have a visitor's card, hymn book, and a John & Romans booklet. During the time before the actual chapel service starts, the wife of the preacher could be greeting the drivers, introducing herself and her husband, and making the drivers feel welcomed. This type of personal touch aids tremendously in preparing their hearts for the service.

The preacher should come in promptly at 8:15 A.M. and offer a warm handshake and greeting to each driver. The preacher should include a brief introduction of each ministry worker present, and a summary of the Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry, including the sponsoring church and pastor. The first congregational song should always be a lively and somewhat familiar hymn, and should be used at this time. (Remember to ask the drivers to stand). The songbooks used may be old hymnals no longer needed at the church building. The list below contains several songs that are appropriate to begin the chapel service:

1. Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

2. Are You Washed In the Blood?

3. Nothing But the Blood

4. He Lives

5. Blessed Assurance

6. Jesus Saves

After the first song, a word of prayer should be given, and the drivers may be seated. At this point in the service, several announcements should be made about the items each driver received when he entered the chapel service. In addition, a paperback booklet of the gospel of John and Romans should be provided by the ministry, so that each driver may have a souvenir of his visit to the chapel service.

The preacher should also request that each truck driver fill out his visitor's card. This card is an extremely valuable piece of information for the chapel preacher. It is a 4" x 6" professionally printed card. (The details requested on the card should be the driver's name, home address, and the name of the company for which he works.) Probably the most vital words printed on the card are located at the bottom in bold print: Remarks or Prayer Requests on Back. This information on the back of the card can be used to warm the preacher's heart toward the driver and will help the preacher determine the needs, burdens, and heartaches of each driver, in addition to providing the preacher with valuable sermon ideas. By referring back to the visitor's cards, the preacher will consistently be reminded of the drivers he met on Sunday. Many truck drivers are lonely and spiritually needy. Knowing that someone is praying for them throughout the week will be a great encouragement.

The final announcements should be information about transportation to church and the free dinner. Many truck stop chapel services throughout America do not provide transportation to a local church; consequently, bringing the drivers to a fundamental, Bible-believing church is an essential part of the Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry. The preacher should clarify such things as when chapel will end, what time transportation will leave to go to church, where the church is located, what time Sunday school starts, the time church starts, the time dinner starts, and the approximate time of return to the truck stop. Two more Gospel hymns should be used before the chapel sermon such as Amazing Grace and The Old Rugged Cross. This will prepare the hearts of the people to receive the message of salvation.

THE CHAPEL SERMON

Every chapel service must include a clear and simple presentation of the plan of salvation; however, several other topics may be used to meet the varied needs of the truck drivers. Most of the men come to the service out of a sincere desire for comfort and encouragement and for a thirst for the truth. Many truck drivers rarely spend much time at home, so they come to the chapel service lonely, discouraged, or depressed. Many sermon texts to meet these everyday needs can be found in the books of John and Romans. (These two books are commonly used because of the booklet given to the drivers at the beginning of the service.)

Whatever topic is chosen for the sermon, the preacher should always conclude the message with the plan of salvation. At the end of the sermon, a brief invitation should be given. The preacher should ask for everyone to bow his head and to close his eyes. The drivers should first be given an opportunity to respond to the message by simply raising their hands. The focus should then turn to the need of salvation, and the "Romans Road" verses should be repeated again. The preacher should then lead the drivers through the sinner's prayer and allow each driver to repeat the prayer while remaining seated.

After the chapel invitation, one last attempt should be made to encourage each driver to come to church. The preacher should make the driver aware that he will not be the only truck driver in church and that folks will not expect him to dress in a suit and tie. Before closing the service, the preacher should remind the drivers of the free dinner after church; then give a very sincere and spirit-filled plea to all the drivers to accompany him and his family to the local church. The church can truly provide a "home away from home."

5. The Ride to Church

After the chapel service, the worker should escort the driver to his own personal car or van and do his best to make the truck driver feel as though he were being "chauffeured" to church. Of course, the worker should always have a clean vehicle, realizing that a first impression is a lasting impression.

While on the road to church, the worker should introduce himself again, "If you don't remember, or if I've not told you yet, my name is Mike Harris; would you please tell me your name(s)?"

It is important to make the drivers feel comfortable. Many times, a truck driver will say nothing because he simply doesn't know what to say (especially to a preacher). The worker should control the conversation. He should keep the driver informed of where he is and which route he will take to church.

After the introduction, the worker should ask the truck driver to put his name, city, and state on a 3 x 5 card, so that when they arrive at church, the driver can be properly introduced to the preacher when the visitors are recognized in Sunday school. Because a driver may feel that he is not a good enough Christian to say anything in God's house or because he may feel awkward by not wearing "church clothes," the worker should remind him that he is welcomed dressed just as he is, and that the driver will not have to say a word because the worker will introduce him.

The worker should then talk about the order of service at church: Sunday school, a ten minute break, the main church service (with congregational singing, choir song, special singing, preaching, invitation) and the baptismal service. When mentioning the invitation, the worker should explain that many church members have gone from house to house during the week to spread the Gospel. As a result, many people have accepted Christ as Savior in their homes. Those who have accepted Christ are invited to tell the church about their decision by making a public profession of their faith. The way to make this profession public is to go forward at the invitation.

The worker should tell the truck drivers exactly what it means to be saved. He may give his own personal testimony of salvation and tell how he walked the aisle to make a public profession. Sometimes, the worker should give the "Romans Road" again, explaining the plan of salvation thoroughly. If the driver is listening intently, the worker may "draw the net" and pray with him once they are parked at the church.

Sometimes the drivers who are riding to church have just accepted Christ during the chapel service invitation. The worker may then go over the plan of salvation again or give assurance of salvation from the Bible, encouraging the driver to make a public profession after the church service and also to get baptized.

6. At the Church

After arriving at church, the truck drivers should be directed to a specific area of the auditorium set aside just for them. If possible, all the drivers should sit together, in order to make them feel comfortable with the new surroundings and to make them feel as though they are not the only ones who have no suit or tie. This reserved area should be close to the front of the auditorium, so that the drivers will have no difficulty walking the aisle during the invitation. The ministry workers should also sit with the drivers and make every effort to help each driver feel welcome.

During the specified time in Sunday school or church for introducing visitors, the worker should stand and introduce his truck driver in a clear voice, "Pastor, this is John Doe, a professional truck driver visiting from Dallas, Texas." When the visiting driver is handed a visitor's card, he should be encouraged to fill it out. Each time the driver responds makes it easier for him to respond to the invitation at the end of the church service.

During the Sunday school lesson the worker should share his Bible with the truck driver and encourage him to follow along by pointing out the verses the teacher is teaching. Some drivers who bring their own Bibles still need help finding the verses.

The short time between Sunday school and church can be used to escort the drivers to the restrooms. If they choose to remain in their seats, the worker can use the time to speak with his drivers concerning their spiritual condition. This time is an excellent opportunity to present the Gospel again, give assurance of salvation, and explain how to make a public profession and how to be baptized.

During the invitation after the main church service, the worker should approach each truck driver. After finding out the driver's spiritual need, the worker should offer to pray with him at the altar. If the driver has received Christ as Savior on Saturday soul winning or in the chapel, he should be encouraged to walk the aisle to make a public profession of his faith.

The worker may show him Romans 10:11 which says, "...Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." The worker may say, "Now, John, you just asked Jesus to save you, and I know you're not ashamed of Him, are you?" (John answers, "No.") "Well, Jesus suffered and died for you. He paid the price for your sins. He saved you from punishment in Hell, and He is going to let you live with Him forever in Heaven! You know what? The next thing He wants you to do is simply show that you're not ashamed of Him. We could go back to the truck stop, pound on every truck door, and yell, 'Hey! I'm not ashamed of Jesus!' Or, we could go to the restaurant cashier back at the truck stop, jump on top of the counter, and yell to everyone in the restaurant, 'Hey! I just got saved, and I'm not ashamed of Jesus!' That would be another way. John, I don't know about you, but I'd be a little scared to do something like that, wouldn't you?" ("Yes I would," John responds.) "Well, fortunately, Jesus has made it a little easier for us to show that we're not ashamed of Him."

"What Christians have done, down through the years, is come to a Bible-believing church like this one, to make a public profession of their faith and to show that they're not ashamed of Jesus. All you have to do is walk down the aisle with me. There will be a lady who will take down your name and address. She'll also write that you've received Jesus as your Savior today. After that, we sit back down. Then, the pastor calls off the names of all the people who have received Christ. When you hear your name, you and I will simply stand up. Then one of the men will come over, congratulate you, and shake your hand. That's all there is to it. You don't have to make a speech; you don't have to say anything at all! It's simple! Now, John, I believe with all my heart that God wants you to make a public profession this morning. I will walk the aisle with you. What do you say? Will you go with me?" ("Sure!" he answers.)

After the truck driver's name is taken down and during the time he and the worker are waiting for his name to be called, the worker may explain about believer's baptism. The worker may show him verses such as: Acts 2:41, 16:30-33, or Matthew 3:13, 28:19-20.

The worker may say, "Now, John, after the man shakes your hand, he will tell you that the first step of obedience after you're saved is to be baptized. Remember- baptism doesn't save you: it's only a symbol of your faith. It is what Jesus wants you to do after you're saved as a way for you to start off your new Christian life in obedience to Him. Baptism is like wearing a wedding ring after you get married. Wearing a ring doesn't make anyone married. What makes a person married is when he makes a decision to say, 'I do take this woman to be my wife.' You made a decision today to say 'Yes,' to Jesus. You said, 'I do take Jesus as my Savior,' which is what got you saved. But now, Jesus wants you to wear His 'wedding ring.' He wants you to be baptized. John, the baptismal workers have everything ready to go for you- it's not hard at all. When the man comes over to shake your hand, I will go with you to the baptistry."

It is important for the worker to be sincerely interested in the truck driver. Truck drivers are not inexperienced in dealing with people; they can tell when someone truly cares about them, and they can tell when someone does not. The worker should try to make the driver feel like he's just one of the family. At First Baptist Church of Hammond, Brother Hyles jokes with the truck drivers to make them feel very welcomed. Many drivers are amazed at how First Baptist folks receive them so warmly. This reception is one of the keys to the success of the Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry at First Baptist Church. Over 80 percent of the truck drivers who walk the aisle for salvation at First Baptist get baptized immediately.

7. Dinner After Church

HOW THE DINNERS STARTED AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

The Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry dinners started in the individual homes of the ministry workers. Years ago when the ministry was small, bringing only one or two drivers to church, I took the drivers to my home after church to eat dinner with my family. Our first organized dinner was a chilli supper. On that Pastor's School Sunday morning in March, 1990, the Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry workers brought thirteen truck drivers to church. Afterwards, they were taken to my home along with 19 workers and children. Now, the ministry has grown to as many as 48 truck drivers on Thanksgiving Sunday.

The dinners got started on a weekly basis after I went to preach at the Pacific Garden Mission on State Street in Chicago, Illinois, and after I watched hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands of men get fed. All those men had to do was to go to chapel services to listen to a preacher preach. When I saw that happen, I went to God and said, "If the Pacific Garden Mission can feed men, then the Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry of First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana, can too." At that time, I wanted to start feeding the drivers every Sunday, instead of just on big days once, twice, or three times a year.

Soon the ministry workers found a room to use at the church and began inviting truck drivers to have dinner after church. These meals started off with cold ham and cheese sandwiches and Kool-Aide, along with a jar of mayonnaise, a bottle of ketchup, and a bottle of mustard. After many weeks, one of the ministry workers opened his home, so that the dinners could be served as they are today.

Please understand that you may never have one hundred people to feed, but I want to encourage you to have a vision of someday having twenty, thirty, forty, or fifty truck drivers come to church and to dinner. For that reason, I have included some menus the workers have used that may be helpful for you.

The dinners can be accomplished by one family or maybe by two families getting together to fix a spaghetti dinner or a chilli supper. At first, you may use your own silverware, cups, and dishes. Later on, you may find people in the church who are willing to donate Styrofoam cups, paper plates, and plastic forks, spoons and knives. Or, you may find an individual who will donate their time to make desserts and salads. Once again, please do not think that you must have seven course meals. God will watch you and will realize that you mean business for His service. My testimony to those getting into this ministry is that God will take care of you if you will take care of His.

- Mike Harris

PREPARING THE HOME OR FELLOWSHIP HALL

The place to be used by the Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry should be prepared on Saturday. Workers should start by thoroughly cleaning the room, by setting up the chairs, and by placing the table cloths, plates, cups, silverware, napkins, salad bowls, and salt and pepper shakers. Before the workers leave, the tables and place settings should be covered so that dust will not settle on them overnight.

Another item for consideration in preparing the room for use on Sunday is to ask a worker to provide a quality stereo cassette tape player or to play a piano before and during the dinner. This effort will help the drivers feel at home.

PREPARING THE DINNER

Cooking and preparing the dinner can be a multiple family affair. One family may cook the main course, another prepare the vegetables, another cut up the salad, and still another prepare the desert. In order to provide enough soft drinks, each family should be responsible for bringing two or three two-liter bottles of soda pop. A sign-up sheet could be placed in the home or room for the workers to list items they could bring for the following week. It is important to make sure that there are enough plates, glasses, cups, saucers, flatware and beverages to supply each person. Sunday's menu should be selected a week in advance and arrangements should be made to divide the responsibility among the ministry workers. Some workers may volunteer to obtain items in bulk quantities for the meals. A new ministry just starting may choose to ask each family for a five dollar contribution to pay for meat. Depending upon the amount and type of meat, Saturday may be used to prepare the food in a crockpot.

The workers should regularly check the area newspapers or shoppers' guides for coupons or specials on meat, vegetables, and deserts. Keeping within a budget for each item will cause less frustration for the family and will help them to be good stewards of the funds God has provided.

The ministry worker's wife will be an integral part of the work. Without her cooking and willingness to open her heart, her home, and her refrigerator to truck drivers, there would be no home-cooked dinner. The services of an excellent cook are priceless; therefore, each cook should be treated as if she were gold.

THE SUNDAY DINNER

Upon arriving at the home, every effort should be made to make the drivers feel comfortable. One of the ministry workers should stand at the entrance, greeting each driver as he arrives. The truck drivers should sign a prepared "guest register," stating their names, hometowns, and states. This activity will help each driver to feel like an honored guest in the home. After signing the register, each driver should be offered a cup of coffee or a soft drink. Other workers may use this time to get acquainted with the drivers who should be made to feel as though they are part of the family.

After a word of prayer, the truck driver should be the first in line to be served, a condition which affirms to him that he is the special person of the day. Once everyone is seated, a normal family conversation should take place around the table. It's important for the workers to be themselves and to be friendly. A family atmosphere is what makes the day for the drivers.

At the end of the dinner, one of the workers should give his testimony, the plan of salvation, and one last invitation to accept Christ. A driver has a limited amount of time in his schedule so it should be important to keep the driver no longer than one hour for dinner. The ministry leader may then give various announcements, say, "Goodbye" to the drivers, invite them to attend the evening church service, and dismiss in prayer.

SPECIAL DAYS

Certain occasions can be used to promote big days in the ministry. The workers should try very hard to make these days extra special for the truck drivers.

Chilli Suppers and Hog Roasts during the Spring and Fall Programs

The goal should be to reach as many truck drivers for the Lord as possible. Special singers and a special speaker may be invited to this meal. The special speaker may give a ten minute salvation message and an invitation to accept Christ as Savior. A chilli supper is prepared during colder weather, and a hog roast during warmer weather. For the hog roast, a large tent may be set up outside with tables and chairs underneath.

Easter Dinner

Several days before this special day, inexpensive Easter baskets can be made from milk cartons to give to each truck driver. The baskets may be filled with Easter grass and candy. Younger children may decorate the baskets and include handwritten notes of encouragement which welcome the driver to the dinner. The special speaker of the day may choose to dress up like the "Easter Bunny" to hand out the baskets to the drivers after the meal.

The Sunday before the Fourth of July

On this day, the big event is a cookout! Hot dogs and hamburgers may be cooked over mesquite coals for a tasty treat. These items may be prepared on Saturday then warmed in a microwave oven on Sunday: the taste is still the same. A large tent may again be used to cover the eating area. Appropriate decorations should be used to give the look of patriotism and pride in America.

The Sunday before Thanksgiving

On this day, turkeys should be baked and served with the flair of an old fashioned Thanksgiving dinner! There should be special singers and a very special speaker (perhaps the pastor of the church). Drawings may be held in which the drivers may win special prizes. No one should go away hungry from this special meal!

The Sunday before Christmas

This day can be a time when many drivers need encouragement. (Imagine being away from home during Christmas time!) Every effort should be made to make the drivers feel like part of the family. The dining area should be appropriately decorated for Christmas with a Christmas tree, special trimmings, and tinsel. The young children could decorate small brown paper bags to look like a reindeer. These special bags should contain notes as well as homemade cookies and candies. The workers should personalize each bag with a driver's name. During the appropriate time on the program, "Santa Claus" could pull one of the bags from a white pillow case and present each driver with a special gift.

SAMPLE MENUS

A salad bar menu may contain such items as lettuce, bacon bits, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, jello salad, beets, dill pickles, deviled eggs, and a vegetable tray containing carrots, celery, cucumbers, green onions, green peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, and vegetable dip.

The following is a sample of eleven possible menus (each should contain a salad bar, vegetable tray and beverages such as coffee and soda pop):

Menu 1: Fried Chicken Mashed Potatoes Gravy Corn Cottage Cheese Homemade Pie

Menu 2: Ham and Bean Soup Potatoes Corn Muffins Cookies Ice Cream

Menu 3: Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches Mashed Potatoes Green Beans with Ham Cake Ice Cream

Menu 4: Chilli Hot Dogs Nacho Chips Nacho Cheese Dip Crackers Cake Ice Cream

Menu 5: Chicken Biscuits Corn Mashed Potatoes Brownies Ice Cream

Menu 6: Sloppy Joes Baked Beans Mashed Potatoes Potato Chips Brownies Ice Cream

Menu 7: Lasagne Corn Garlic Bread Brownies Ice Cream

Menu 8: Spaghetti Garlic Bread Corn Cookies Ice Cream

Menu 9: Hot Dogs Hamburgers Baked Beans Potato Chips Brownies Ice Cream

Menu 10: Roast Pork Baked Beans Corn Mashed Potatoes Potato Salad Cole Slaw Bread Homemade Pies

Menu 11: Turkey Mashed Potatoes Dressing Cole Slaw Gravy Sweet Potatoes Bakery Rolls Cranberry Sauce Corn Homemade Pies Cool Whip

SAMPLE RECIPES

The following recipes are for a large number of people. (Be sure to use restaurant-sized cooking vessels or large roasting pans to prepare the food.)

Sloppy Joes for 100 People

20 pounds of lean ground beef

3 cups chopped onion

1/4 cup worchestershire sauce

1 pound brown sugar

1 cup prepared chilli powder

1 gallon ketchup

salt and pepper to taste

100 hamburger buns

Directions: Brown ground beef and drain fat. Add the next seven ingredients; simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Ham-Potato-Bean Soup

3 pounds navy beans

2 large onions, sliced thin

1 large ham bone

5 pounds of ham; sliced and cubed

Potatoes as desired; peeled and cubed

Directions: Soak the beans in water 8 to 10 hours. When ready, drain water and place beans in a large stock pot or crock pot capable of holding 8 to 10 quarts. Add 3 or 4 quarts of water to beans. Add ham bone, cubed ham, and potatoes. Cook on slow in a crock pot or over low heat about 200 degrees F for 5 to 6 hours.

Peach Cobbler

1 - 5 pound can of sliced peaches

1 restaurant sized box of white cake mix

2 - 9x13 pans

Divide peaches evenly into the pans. Prepare cake mix according to the instructions, and pour it over the peaches. Place a slice of margarine on top of cake mix in each pan. Bake in 350 degree oven until cake is golden brown on top and springs back when touched with a blunt knife. Serve with ice cream if desired.

8. Sunday Evenings

After the Sunday afternoon dinner, the worker can go back to the truck stop to go soul winning and to bring drivers to the evening service. If time allows, the ministry worker can use Sunday afternoon and evening to teach a newly saved truck driver how to become a fruitful Christian. Usually a "one-on-one" personal conversation is the best way to influence the driver to change for Christ.

First, the worker should stress the importance of reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating upon God's Word. The worker should show the truck driver verses such as I Peter 2:2, Matthew 4:4, and II Timothy 2:15-17. If the convert does not have a Bible, the worker may offer him one as a gift. Most truck drivers have a cassette tape player in their truck and would greatly appreciate a worker supplying him with the Bible on cassette tapes. The worker should also explain that the King James Bible (A.V. 1611) is the preserved Word of God in the English language and that all other modern English "versions" are nothing more than Satan's attempt to change or question what God has said. Many truck stops sell Bibles, but unfortunately, they are usually the New International Version or the Living Bible.

Second, the truck driver should be encouraged to pray on a daily basis. He should be shown verses such as I Thessalonians 5:17 and Luke 18:1. One advantage most drivers have is that they spend many hours behind the wheel, and therefore can use the time to talk with God. The more time he spends with Jesus, the more he will become like Jesus.

Third, the worker should explain the importance of attending a good, soul-winning, fundamental, independent Baptist church. He should read Hebrews 10:25. Church attendance is an area in which many truck drivers have difficulty. It is hard to obey God and faithfully attend church every Sunday when a trucking company dispatcher tells the driver where to go and when to go there. Some drivers have found that if they beg for the Holy Spirit's guidance and if they ask God to influence their dispatchers, they usually find themselves at a Bible-believing church on Sunday morning. Other drivers have found it necessary to leave the trucking business in order to stay right with God.

Fourth, the driver should be taught how to become a soul winner. He should read Acts 1:8 and Matthew 4:19. Sunday afternoons are an excellent time to take the driver back to the truck stop, and show him first-hand how to lead a soul to Christ. Perhaps the best way to begin, is to have the new Christian truck driver observe while the worker presents the plan of salvation to another driver. The new Christian driver could then give his testimony and pray with the other driver as the new convert accepts Christ as Savior. There is nothing more exciting to a driver than being able to lead a fellow truck driver to the Lord. Truck drivers have opportunities to preach the Gospel across the nation, but they must be taught how to do it. Drivers who would like to become a "truck stop missionary" should be provided a pocket New Testament, a supply of Gospel tracts, and a book such as Let's Go Soul Winning by Brother Hyles.

After the soul-winning time, the C.B. and truck stop P.A. system can be used to announce free transportation to the evening service at church. The worker should again place himself in a "high traffic" area where he can distribute tracts and invite each driver personally. The truck drivers are again chauffeured to church in the worker's personal vehicle.

Many truck drivers love to attend a church where the preacher will "tell it like it is." They aren't impressed with snobbish liberal ministers who treat truck drivers as lower-class citizens. After spending a day with the folks at First Baptist Church of Hammond, the drivers realize that there is a church in Indiana where they are made to feel like kings. They need and deserve to be treated like what they are: professional truck drivers.

The ride back to the truck stop can be a tough time for the drivers. Although the day has been long, many drivers have commented to the First Baptist folks that "this day has been the best day of my life." Drivers don't want to go back to the truck stop, because they love First Baptist Church, Brother Hyles, and the workers and because they have felt the love of Christ, and the sincerity of someone who cares.

One truck driver tearfully summed it all up while on his way back to a truck stop near Hammond, "I hate to leave here...," he said, as his voice quivered "I feel like I'm leaving Heaven..." That's why the motto of the ministry is "A home away from home to the 18-wheeler".

9. Starting a Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry

A Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry must begin with a Christian worker on his knees in prayer. The worker must beg God to open the door to a truck stop and open the heart of a truck stop manager. A new ministry cannot be initiated without God's help.

It is important for the ministry worker to know exactly what he plans to do in his ministry before he approaches a truck stop manager. The worker should be prepared to answer any questions a manager may ask. The manager should be assured of several things such as:

1. The Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry is not a "fly-by-night" organization. Someone will be at the truck stop every Sunday morning to conduct chapel services for the truck drivers.

2. There will be no cost to the truck stop manager.

3. The workers will arrive at the truck stop by 8:00 A.M. and will leave by 9:30 A.M. on Sunday.

4. The workers will not be going into the restaurant or store areas to "badger" folks to come to chapel services.

5. The workers will not post an excessive number of posters at the truck stop.

6. The chapel preacher will not "pass the plate" or pressure drivers to give money to the ministry. A basket or offering plate will be placed at the back of the chapel room for drivers who wish to give.

7. The workers will provide free transportation to and from church in their own personal vehicles.

8. The dinners are provided by the church free of charge.

9. There are many Christian truck drivers who appreciate a chapel service and a free ride to church. The chapel service encourages the hearts and uplifts the spirits of the truck drivers.

10. The Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry is a great asset to the manager's business because the drivers will return for more.

The worker should inform the truck stop manager that the worker is a Christian who cares about folks with hurting hearts. The Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry is an outreach ministry that is looking to heal those hearts.

Once permission is granted to establish a new ministry in a truck stop, the workers should begin by simply providing free transportation to and from church. After becoming comfortable with this, the workers may start chapel services on a regular basis. The workers should keep in mind that a smaller truck stop may have no room available for a chapel service. In such cases, free transportation to church can still be provided.

It is important to keep good "public relations" with the truck stop manager and his employees. Workers should periodically write letters (or talk to the manager personally) thanking him for the opportunity to serve the truck drivers in his truck stop. A ministry worker should never tell a truck stop employee what to do. If the worker needs the help of an employee, he should ask him for a favor. Workers should do their best to perform the work on their own without an employee's help. (You can act like you own the place, but don't run the place like you own it.) A truck stop is a private business. A truck stop manager will see a ministry worker as an "outside vendor." (A manager will be interested in what you can do for him.) The workers should be sensitive to the wishes of the truck stop manager and employees. Once established inside the truck stop, God will give the workers more freedom to do the work.

It is the hope and prayer of the Truck Driver's Chapel Ministry workers that you will take some of the ideas in this manual and ask God to help you start a ministry to the truck drivers of America. "And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." (Luke 14:23)