Dorothy Brush "Random Thoughts" Published May 29, 2002

"God is everywhere"

How early in life I don't remember, but the truth that "God is everywhere" was planted and grew. Several years ago, we were traveling to our granddaughter's college graduation in Ohio. We stopped for gas at one of those huge truck stops. In a corner of the parking lot was a small mobile unit with the words over the door "Trucker's Chapel."

Our time was limited and there was no time to investigate, but I never forgot about it. I knew hospitals and even airports set aside small chapels for meditation, but then I began seeing articles about unique worship offerings for those whose jobs kept them from church attendance. I began filing those stories and each proved that truly God is everywhere.

It was a former truck driver from Dayton, OH who founded the national Truckers' Christian Chapel Ministries. Glenn Cope, a Southern Baptist, understood the life of the drivers. They are usually out on the road for two weeks or more. He knew the dangers and temptations they faced and the loneliness they felt being separated from their families.

Cope wanted to establish on-site chapels at truck stops so drivers could refuel their souls as well as their trucks. He traveled across the country to get the support of truck stop owners and of local churches near those stops to become sponsors of the worship centers. His efforts were responsible for over 100 ministries at truck stops across America.

In Denmark, TN, near Jackson, Wilhite's Truck Stop was an early supporter of Cope's efforts.

In 1992 Cope met Bill Wilhite and the Rev. J.V. Davis, pastor of Araat Baptist Church in Jackson, and they shared his enthusiasm for the venture. The Rev. Davis' congregation has been a sponsor since then.

Some truck drivers rearrange their routes to make stops at those that have ministries. They can attend services or be counseled. Religious-themed tapes are available as well as New Testaments. The most popular tape at Wilhite's Truck Stop is "Winning Over Temptation."

For many years there has been an ecumenical ministry for crew members of ocean-bound and Great Lakes transport ships. Just two years ago the first-ever ministry for boat crews on inland waterway crafts began because Joy Manthey knew there was a need.

As a youngster Manthey dreamed of being a riverboat captain, but deep in her heart there was a yearning for the religious life. For more than 20 years she followed the call of the river but one day she was first mate on a fuel barge when the boat almost capsized. That was her turning point. She said, "Okay, God, I won't put it off anymore. I'm all yours."

For the next five years she prepared for her change of vocation with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille. This order believes their nuns can pursue varied and unique ministries and careers. Manthey took her vows in January 2000 and shortly after she organized the ministry for riverboat crews. She was supported and given help by the Seaman's Institute.

Just as truckers have long, lonely hours of duty so do the crews of riverboats and Joy understood because she had been there. In no time she was welcomed as "Sister Captain" by the crews. She has built a network of ministers close to the many river ports who are willing to be of assistance when someone needs help.

"Sister Captain" spends time at boat yards in New Orleans and on riverboats traveling the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. An associate said of her, "Joy is a true Godsend."

These are just two examples of God is everywhere. Next week's column will give a few more.

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Dorothy Copus Brush is a Fairfield Glade resident and Crossville Chronicle staffwriter whose column is published each Wednesday.