This isn’t an Onion piece.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — The corner of Airline Road and South Alameda Street epitomizes suburbia. A pharmacy, car mechanic, gas station, liquor store and credit union cluster nearby.
But next to McDonald’s — literally on the other side of its wood plank fence, within a french fry’s throw — there’s a new kind of drive-thru.
“Our philosophy: Like the post office, rain or shine, they deliver mail,” the Rev. Tom Ferrell muses. “We’ll deliver God’s mail.”
To be sure, the new prayer ministry at South Shore Christian Church, where Ferrell serves as associate pastor, is less a delivery service and more a come-and-get-it kind of service. But for the 5 o’clock commuter, the convenience is hard to beat. Engine running, just roll down the window and talk. Volunteers will pray with, or for, motorists. They might get nuggets — of wisdom, hope or comfort.
Huh. Drive thru prayer.
It began Jan. 15. Each Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m., a few church clergy and members stand by. Cars can turn off either street, then cross the parking lot to the awning at the front of the church.
South Shore wants it to be a low-pressure, high-comfort experience. There’s no requirement to adhere to any religion or denomination, nor to attend services. Confidentiality will be honored, Ferrell said.
They advertise the “service” with banners. So far, they’ve had a number of takers. You can also receive communion using one of their “individual, prepackaged servings.”
