CAMBRIDGE, Md. - If you've ever driven along Cambridge back roads, chances are you've seen a large mobile prayer van parked along the road. Owner Charlie Rideout says he decided to make it after learning some people had to pay churches to get baptized.
Rideout says the truck is a place where you can not only get baptized on site, but also relax and find food and shelter. Through rain or shine, Rideout says he's already served hundreds through his truck.
"It doesn't make no difference who you are. What color you are. How tall you are," Rideout said outside his van Thursday. "He sent every one of us from the court house, to the ball pit, to the door, to the ceiling, to the floor!"
His two-part trailer holds an adult-sized tub for baptisms. Holy water is stored in large metal containers in the back.
But ask Rideout why he answered God's call: he attributes to his wife, Laurie, of 35 years, who died of cancer in 2013. Her portrait along with his mother and daughter sit taped to a wall inside the prayer truck up front.
"She was a good woman," Rideout said.
But Rideout remains thankful, bringing gratitude and saving souls. Rideout says he's already taken his truck across the Eastern and Western shores of Maryland. He hopes to travel across the nation offering his services to all.
