Drive-thru healing church service

HOUSTON (CNN) - When you think of Lakewood Church, you think of a congregation large enough to fill a former basketball arena several times over. But there is another side to the church.

"Just believe that the people who come today will get healed," said Dodie Osteen.

On a recent overcast winter morning in front of the building, a new program was launched. It is a drive-thru healing service led by Dodie Osteen, who said she received a message she could not ignore.

"He just said in my heart, 'why don't you have a drive by healing service?'" said Osteen. "And it's the first one I've ever had. I didn't know what would happen, but if one person comes that's enough. I'm doing what God told me to do."

For Osteen, it is personal. It goes back to 1981 when Lakewood, founded by her late husband Pastor John Osteen, was growing into the church it is today. She was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and given a few weeks to live. She said she prayed without wavering for a full recovery. She is not a vibrant 76 years old.

"I wish it wouldn't have happened to me, but if it hadn't I wonder if I'd be praying for people," said Osteen. "We don't know why we go through things. We just have to trust God."

She conducts a traditional healing service each month, recently adding one for children with medical issues. The drive service is for anyone too ill to attend those.

"In the name of Jesus do a corrective miracle for Miss Lovie and make her whole, Father," prays Osteen.

Because of her health, Lovie Louise McNeil has not been able to get to church. She did not expect she could until the drive-thru.

"She climbed in the back of that ambulance and prayed with my mom and at that moment, I saw a hope and compassion that I have never experienced, but it changed my life," said McNeil.

The first drive-thru service was advertised by word of mouth. Though small by Lakewood standards, it will grow. They said it has created hope where there might have been none. Osteen will tell you she is a living example.

"You know what, I can come to them," said Osteen. "And I'm perfectly willing to do that. If I have to crawl out there to them, I'll do that. That you'll all for bringing her, it touches my heart."