Now-a-days, motorists can do pretty much anything from their convenience of their auto: deposit a payroll check at a bank, grab lunch and pray.

Since last September, Fountain Hills Christian Center has provided prayers to drivers from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Mondays.

Pastor Todd Forrest read an article about the success other churches had in offering a drive-thru prayer experience to members and passers-by.

Churches of varying denominations have provided a similar mobile ministry from California to Florida to Texas.

“I thought we were in such a perfect location to do this,” said Forrest, referring to the three-way traffic stop sign in front of the church at Fountain Hills Boulevard and Ironwood Drive.

“We thought, ‘How could be make Monday a great day?’”

Rain or shine, every Monday morning, church members volunteer to provide a blessing to anyone driving into the parking lot. Most request divine assistance for a variety of issues involving everything from coping with illness to troubled youths.

“We have heard some incredible stories and we’ve actually had people come back and say thank you for praying for me. You gave me such a better day,” Forrest said.

“It surprises me how many people are in tears or dejected,” recalls Forrest, “It’s a great opportunity to show them the love of Jesus and encourage them.”

He remembers a mother stopping one morning on her way to the hospital to visit her son who had attempted suicide the previous night.

The reception has been overwhelming. Forrest has counted as many as 500 automobiles passing by the location on a single day. Some motorists honk their horns; others wave while headed to work, the airport, and even court.

“We try to move them through with a 30-second prayer, ask them how we could pray for them and encourage them for the day,” he added.

Church members ask for nothing in return: no donation nor proselytizing. The church has about 100 members.

“We have never had a ton of people for prayer but we always have at least a handful,” said Forrest. A typical turnout is six to 10 vehicles, although as few as a single car has come.

Several motorists are weekly regulars. Others say that they have driven passed by for several weeks before deciding to stop.

Forrest and his wife, Debbie, frequently take their turn.

“This is my child. This is something that I believe in personally and I’ve invited my church to join me in this,” said Forrest. He also teaches theology full-time at Grand Canyon University.

A pastor for 25 years in the Assembly of God church, he has ministered to congregations in Illinois, Missouri, Montana and Wisconsin.

The Forrest family including two children attending Grand Canyon University and a senior at Fountain Hills High School has lived here for more than five years.

“The vision of our church is sharing our hope in Jesus Christ through acceptance, love and care. That is what we try to give people: a framework for ministry in everything we do.

“In a perfect world, we would be here every day,” commented Forrest.

Drive-thru prayer Mondays will continue throughout the summer.