Without going down the airless hole of gender stereotypes, several studies suggest that women who step into an auto repair shop are more likely to be overcharged and generally taken advantage of than their male counterparts. Our church leadership sensed this as an outreach opportunity, and the Vehicle Repair Ministry was born.
Meeting a need, one car at a time.
In the early days of Living Water, there were a few guys (some of whom still serve today) who had mechanical knowledge and a heart for people. They worked on cars, generally that of single moms, on their own time, asking only to cover the cost of parts. In 2014 the Vehicle Repair Ministry (VRM for short) officially vroomed on to the Living Water Campus with a two-bay garage, a hydraulic lift, and all of the tools needed to complete basic auto repairs, most of which were provided by folks like you who attend Living Water.
Under the umbrella of Evangelism and Outreach, and led by Elder Jim Benna, the VRM serves our church family and the community at large. While clients of all backgrounds come for the sole purpose of getting their car fixed, Elder Jim says the key objective is for each person to have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. There are designated volunteers who come specifically to introduce clients to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, often for the first time, or to help new Christians strengthen their walk with the Lord. And they do this all in the proverbial waiting room. You won’t find that at a Jiffy Lube. After their car has been serviced, each client is given a devotional to follow them home. This multi-pronged approach has been effective; many clients have attended Sunday services at least once, and the letters of appreciation Elder Jim receives are an indicator of seeds planted.
While the abilities of our mechanics seem limitless, the scope of what the VRM can offer is not. The ministry was designed for repairs like brake pad replacements, oil changes, and anything that can be done in a three to four-hour time frame. Even with these limitations, the demand for this ministry is high. Since the garage bays are only open on the first and third Saturdays of the month, clients are scheduled two to three months in advance. That said, if you or someone you know could benefit from this ministry, Check out the VRM page at the link below.
Get behind the wheel! (Of a responsive ministry.)
While a ministry like this is driven by volunteers of all different abilities, what’s most valuable to Elder Jim is a servant’s heart.
Hebrews 13:16 ESV says “Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Clearly, the need for an oil change was not what the author of Hebrews was thinking when he wrote this, but “what you have” covers a lot of miles. If you have a heart for evangelism and a free Saturday morning, a talent working under the hood of a car, or desire to learn, I encourage you to reach out to Elder Jim Benna at romans510@gmail.com.
Let’s break it down by make and model.
Specifically, the VRM is looking for someone with mechanical knowledge, who would be willing to review applications, schedule clients, and occasionally trouble-shoot with other mechanics. This can be done from the comfort of your own home and computer. This position would be especially beneficial to someone who would like to use their mechanical abilities to serve at Living Water, but aren’t available on Saturday mornings. As the volunteer coordinator for the VRM, I can confidently say that you will work with some of the most hard-working, mentor-oriented, and gently comedic volunteers to ever hit a church ministry.
Be a back seat driver.
If you don’t feel the call to work in this unique ministry, pray. Pray that the clients will hear the Gospel and receive it. Pray for those who are struggling in their faith. Pray that the volunteers would be a light to the community, and pray that we find the volunteers to lessen the burden.
Because that’s what the body of Christ is supposed to do.
These men and women that do vrm are so kind so caring so knowledgeable and so willing to help and they are amazing teachers to my boy who volunteers there and who is learning a trade working with cars
Thank you Janet, for exercising the gifts our God has blessed you with, in order to be a blessing to others.