Truckstop Ministries

Interstate 40 sweeps across the heart of our Association for 100 miles going through the towns of Sanders, Sun Valley, Holbrook, and Winslow. Some 12, 000 trucks pass through these small towns every 24 hours. In 1998 with the Lord's leadership we began our first Truckstop Ministry at the Pilot Travel Plaza in Winslow. The following year we established a ministry at the Texaco Express Travel Plaza on the west side of Holbrook. That same year 1999 we opened a Truckers Chapel which is located on the east side of Holbrook at Hopi Travel Plaza. We also brought on staff Chaplain Duane Trudgeon and his wife Agnes to man the chapel in Holbrook and to give us direction in the other two ministries.

At this present moment we have a Chapel Trailer at the Pilot Travel Plaza in Winslow and Chaplains Matt Gaston, Jason Miller, Mel Brewster, Kevin Berg and Don Messer coordinate the functions there. At Hopi Travel Plaza, Holbrook, Chaplain Duane and Agnes Trudgeon, Ken & Thelma Elliot, Bob Scheikardt, Steve Hall and Eddie Valle conduct the largest ministry which has expanded to a full driver's area, family room, office, and Chapel area.

In 2008 we had 5 professions of Faith in Christ and countless rededications. Our Chaplains literally counsel hundreds of drivers every year. Last year some 932 drivers passed through our Chapels.

With a full time Chaplain and helpers, the Chapel at Hopi Plaza is now holding a Driver Health Fair Day 3 times a year with medical volunteers providing the screening. We provide a cholesterol and blood glucose test as well as the basic vital signs with a PA providing explination of results and answers to their questions. In 2008, we provided a full sit down hot home cooked meal for the drivers on Christmas Day. They were overwhelmed that someone would go to that effort for them. We served 115 drivers.

Perhaps this might be something you would like to get involved in. Because of the cooperation of our churches and Truckstop Ministries Inc. out of Atlanta, Ga. we are able to expose drivers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to help those who are already established in the Faith to walk a little closer to the Lord.

If this Ministry tugs at your heart and you believe God might be calling you to serve Him in this type ministry, please give our office a call and we will put you in contact with one of our Chaplains. You can call Chaplain Duane Trudgeon directly at:

• Office: (928) 524-1511
• Cell: (928) 386-1058
• e-mail: truckerchapel1@frontiernet.net