Trucker/Traveller Ministry

Services for our neighbors who travel Pennsylvania’s highways

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Chaplain Bob (right) handing the reins to the I-80 Trucker/Traveler Ministry to Chaplain Rick

As part of its mission statement to “share this Good News with our neighbors in words and deeds,” the Pennsylvania Council of Churches reaches out to our neighbors who travel the interstate highways of Pennsylvania to deliver the food we eat and the products we consume. We are partners with three trucker/traveler ministries that not only reach out to truckers, but are a friends to other travelers who face a crisis situation.

Each of these ministries has the service of a chaplain, supported by a local management committee.  The ministries offer what is appropriate to each situation: a listening ear, emergency assistance, and the good news of Jesus Christ.

Support for this ministry is always welcome!

Ministry along Interstate 80 in the northern tier of Pennsylvania takes Chaplain Rick (Youngdahl) through 42 miles of the I-80 corridor between Exits 60 to 102. There are five travel centers affiliated with the I-80 Trucker and Traveler Ministry where various services of the ministry are provided to truckers, travelers, travel center management and employees, in addition to transient folks:

  • Citgo Travel Center ~ Exit 60
  • All American Plazas ~ Exit 70
  • TravelCenters of America ~ Exit 78
  • Flying “J” ~ Exit 78
  • Pilot Travel Center ~ 97

Chaplain Rick started working with Chaplain Bob (Bickerstaff), longtime chaplain with the I-80 Trucker/Traveler Ministry, in February 2014. They continued as co-chaplains until August 2014 when Chaplain Bob retired and asked Rick to be the new chaplain.

Chaplain Rick and his wife, Dorothy, have been married for 48 years. They have two sons: Richard and wife Tracy, and Kenneth and wife Holly, and one granddaughter, Rachel. Rick and Dorothy have been involved with various youth ministries for over 40 years. They have also been members of the local chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association since 2002. Rick retired in January 2014 after 48 years as a truck mechanic.

All are welcome to participate in a weekly devotion, fellowship prayer breakfast at 7am on Tuesdays at TravelCenters of America, Country Pride Restaurant at Exit 78 Brookville.

For additional information contact Chaplain Rick Youngdahl: 55 S. Main Street, Brookville, PA 15825; e-mail: rickdot2@windstream.net; telephone: (814) 591-1568.