History of Open Road Chapels

In August of 1992 a couple prayed asking the Lord to direct their future. With only a promise from the Lord Rev. Don and Suzanne Harrison stepped out and ask the Lord to give them a fresh vision of ministry. After a period of council from their Pastor and close friends, it was evident that the Lord would be using them to pioneer a new ministry. Very quickly the Lord put together a group of men with a united vision to reach the lives of men and women in the trucking industry.

It was decided that an information letter would be sent out to their supporters. This letter would explain in detail direction, immediate goals and a financial need that would be necessary to begin the ministry. Don Harrison was to meet with Fifth Wheel Corporation and share with them the new direction and goals. Ultimately permission to place a chapel at their Milton location was granted. The Fifth Wheel Corporation said they would appreciate regular reports on the operation of the chapel.

In late August '92, a large donation of $5000.00 was received from an anonymous individual. The Lord had provided the necessary funding to establish a new ministry. The weeks to come would see the forming of a Board of Directors, establishing an office. Legal council was sought to process government documents necessary for Incorporation, tax number and a name. Within weeks we received the name Open Road Chapels Inc. The months that followed we received our incorporation and non for profit tax number. In September of 1992 the first chapel for Open Road Chapels was placed in operation at the Milton 5 Wheel Truck Stop. The first day of operation a driver gave his life to Christ. Seventeen years later this chapel is still in operation on. its original position. Throughout the years many have come to know the Lord and many have been encouraged in their faith

In January of 1993 a request was received from the franchisee of the Cornwall 5th Wheel Truck Stop for a chapel. For the next 2 years various trips where made to Cornwall in anticipation of a chapel being placed at this location. Funding was received for this project, a used trailer was purchased and renovations began. In January of 1995 chapel doors where opened. In the first month of operation, during a very bad snow storm a driver came to the chapel and gave his life to Christ. Since then many have come to know the Lord. Several truck stop staff have been married officiated by Open Road Chapels staff.

Three years later, 1998 a request for a chapel was received from management of Bowmanville 5th Wheel Truck Stop. Ministry began by using a corner in the driver’s room. This was very successful on a short term basis. As the driver usage increased a permanent chapel was required. In the fall of 1999 a permanent chapel was placed on site. Volunteer and full time chaplains had the use of a chapel but the chapel was located some distance from the building. Later the chapel was placed at its existing location and remains their. Today chapel has a full time chaplain and a number of volunteers. Countless number of drivers have found Christ and are enjoying the kingdom of God. Many of found the chapel in time of refuge and have returned and thanked Open Road Chapels and or the management.

In 2001 a request for a chapel was received from manager of Dorchester Fifth Wheel Truck Stop. Ministry began I evening per week for the first year. Once again using a small corner of the driver’s room was very effective and easy access for drivers. As driver usage increased a facility for a chapel was necessary. A room close to the driver’s room became available and was very quickly equipped for a chapel. Today the chapel is located next to the driver’s room and has been very effective in touching the lives of drivers and travelers. This chapel does not have chaplains living quarters and hours vary from other locations.

In 2003 a high profile location for ministry head quarters and administration centre were acquired. This facility will provide meeting areas for Board meetings, staff training and annual events. It has the space to provide all aspects of ministry, large office, area for literature printing and mail processing. Parking is adequate for visitors and parking and repairing of chapels. This high profile location is easy access for supporters, motoring public and drivers traveling the highway. Large visible signs make it visible night or day. This location has made Open Road Chapels a part of the local and world wise community.

In 2004 the first mobile Chapel for Open Road Chapels was put into operation. A large mission Church in Toronto provided funding for the 38 ft trailer converted into a chapel. A generous business man contributed funding for the acquisition of a new truck to haul the chapel. In the first 4 years of operation the chapel was responsible for developing ministry in Quebec, responding to invitations to numerous truck and trade shows. It very quickly developed ministry at small truck stops that could not support a permanent chapel. It made a trip to Alberta and was responsible in the future development of ministry in Calgary. The mobile chapel has become a traveling advertisement for Open Road Chapels. Many have come to know the Lord and many have found refuge in traveling the roads of North America.

In 2007 the Lord began the process of developing a permanent ministry in Quebec. Since 2004 the mobile Chapel had made regular visits to a truck stop in Drummondville Quebec. A couple from Famham caught the vision and began to share the vision of Open Road Chapels. Permission was given to place a chapel at Drummondville and ministry began. A temporary chapel was placed on site until a permanent chapel was acquired. Ministry has continued on a limited basis waiting for the permanent chapel. Several have come to know the Lord through the Drummondville chapel, but many are hearing about the Gospel for the first time in their life. In September of 2008 a permanent chapel will be placed on site and doors will be open.

In 2008 the 2nd Mobile chapel was placed in operation, after 2 years of planning and financial preparation. After evaluating the ministry of 1st mobile chapel, it was decided that another unit should be put into operation. This began by ordering a new trailer built specifically for a chapel. A 2008 ford truck was acquired the pull the chapel to the many events in its schedule. A generous truck stop provided funding for the largest portion of the project. In June of 2008 the new chapel made it first trip to a truck show near Belleville. In the first day of the show 1 person gave his life to Christ and countless others heard a clear presentation of the gospel. At the time of writing this article the mobile chapel has been very busy, to God be the Glory. In 2008 literature distribution of literature began in the province of Newfoundland. A Local contact had the vision to reach drivers for Christ through Open Road Chapels. After 8 months of contact with corporate and local management, permission was granted to place a literature rack at a small truck stop in Newfoundland. In Oct of 2008 a rack will be place at this truck stop where drivers can pick up Bibles and other literature. We are asking the Lord to place a chapel in Newfoundland.