Carla Clark | For The Republic Bishop Johnnie Edwards, Abundant Harvest Ministries, speaks during the Columbus Unity Church Service, at the Commons, Columbus, Ind., Sunday, January 21, 2024.
Bishop Johnnie Edwards and his outreach staff figure they came up with a whopper of idea for those accustomed to a fast-food lifestyle — drive-thru prayer.
So he and his members of Abundant Harvest Ministries International at 1531B Cottage Ave. just off Central Avenue in Columbus will hold a roll-up prayer event open to all from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 31 at the storefront church that began in November. Two pop-up tents next to Donut Central will be where motorists are invited to pull up for an estimated 1- to 2-minute prayer on any topic.
A free meal of hotdog, chips and bottled water will be offered also.
“We’re looking for ways to engage with our community,” Edwards said, “and to provide an outlet for them to know that someone cares amid these hard and trying times. We have found that there are a lot of people out there who feel that no one cares about them or understands.
“And I’m a firm believer that prayer changes things, and prayer gives us hope. And prayer is the key that unlocks our faith.”
Edwards added that the church will invite people to visit an 11:30 a.m. Sunday service, but only if they are without a home church or are seeking a church home.
“We are really focused on how we are able to get out into the community and help people in need,” said church member Kaitlin Jowers.
Abundant Harvest Ministries International currently averages about 40 people per service.
Before Edwards launched this church, he pastored a United Methodist church in North Vernon for several years. Besides ordained ministry, he also serves the community as president of the Columbus/Bartholomew County Branch of the NAACP, and also as a member of the local African-American Pastors Alliance, speaking up for Black residents and others in everything from education to the media.
Isheka Randon is the church’s outreach coordinator who ventures out monthly with church members to sometimes go door to door to pray for people.
“We’re just trying to encourage them,” Randon said. “We’re finding out that a lot of people are hurting, so we tell them about God’s love.”
