For over 40 years, Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry, Inc. has met the needs of thousands of truckers, travelers, transients and employees who use and work at the truck stops and businesses along U.S. Rte. 11, east of Carlisle, PA. Rev. Dan Lehigh faithfully served as our Chaplain for 13 years before going home to see his Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 26, 2016. He is deeply missed by all.
Even as we grieved the loss of Chaplain Dan, we prayerfully sought the Lord’s will regarding his replacement. As we did, it became increasing clear that the Lord had been at work for over a year preparing us, and others, for who would replace Dan. As early as spring 2015, the Board felt the need to hire an Assistant Chaplain who would be able to provide weekend coverage and fill in for Dan as necessary. The Lord graciously provided two individuals – Dave Braithwaite and Craig Shambaugh – who we hired in January of 2016 on a part-time basis. Chaplain Dan was able to mentor them both and they fit into the ministry very well.
Both Dave and Craig expressed a desire to continue ministering with us after Chaplain Dan’s passing. As we sought the Lord’s will and wisdom, we realized that the Lord had been preparing them all along for greater roles in this Ministry. After much prayer, the Board extended a call to them to be our new ‘Co-Chaplains’ which allowed us to have eight hours/day, seven days/week coverage.
After Chaplain Craig’s resignation in December of 2020, The Board of Directors announced the hiring of Michael K. Kelso as Assistant Chaplain effective May 1, 2021. Mike is no stranger to the Ministry having served as a Sunday morning worship service volunteer since 2016. Mike worked for over 20 years with several trucking and transportation companies as a driver manager and operations manager supervising fleets of up to 40 vehicles. This experience gives him a real working knowledge of the problems and stresses that drivers face every day. Despite a stroke in January of 2018 and a heart attack in January of 2021, Mike has been given full medical clearance from his physician for normal activities. While considering Mike for the position, he voluntarily spent time with Chaplain Dave and ‘shadowed’ him through all the activities assigned to the chaplain.
Chaplain Dave retired from the Ministry in 2026 to care for his wife who experienced a stroke. Mike now works 35 hours a week with full chaplain responsibilities. We sincerely thank the Lord for both of them and have seen His sovereign hand at work in bringing them to us. We ask that you would pray for both of them as they minister in their new roles.
Chaplain Mike
If you would like to have Chaplain Mike or a Board member present the work of Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry to your church or group, please let us know through the “Contact Us” page.