Oil changes for single moms the “Christian” thing to do

By Lee Roberts
Texas Independent Automotive Association (TIAA) – Executive Director
Posted on Saturday, October 18, 2008

In Biblical times, being anointed by oil symbolized an acceptance of the Holy Spirit. On Oct. 18, 2008, more than 350 single moms received a similar spiritual gift that not only filled their cars with oil, but also replenished their hearts with love that only comes from genuine kindness and giving spirits.

Hill Country Bible Church Northwest, located in northwest Austin, partnered with five Christian Brothers Automotive centers to provide single mothers with free oil changes, minor maintenance, inspections, car washes and spiritual support simply because it’s the “Christian” thing to do. During the event, volunteers from these organizations and other area vendors and churches worked on cars, fed participants and volunteers, prayed with single mothers upon request, and took care of children with a play area, face painting and crafts.

Chip Jennings, the owner of Christian Brothers Automotive-Round Rock, (413 Louis Henna Boulevard) , and member of the Texas Independent Automotive Association, said the event was a great way to give back in a Christian way to single moms who really need auto care and spiritual attention. “There are 53 Christian Brothers Automotive centers across the United States,” Jennings noted. Being part of Christian business can be a target on your back. We walk each day realizing that we are boldly standing and claiming to be Christians. All of our locations walk in a way to bring honor on his (Jesus) name. We all pick up his cross daily and follow him,” which is why an event that helps and touches these mothers in such a real way appeals to me, Jennings added.

For Neil Hand, owner of Christian Brothers Automotive – Austin, (9200 Brodie Lane in Austin), giving back to the community is why he and 100 percent of his employees donated their time and effort to support this cause. Hand, also a member of TIAA, said, “This feels good to support the community that has been supporting us the past three years in such a bountiful way. We’re blessed to be a part of it. The number of volunteers has been incredible. There have been plenty of people to vacuum and wash the cars. They brought hoses and vacuums and were a self contained unit ready to work.”

For the participants, they not only enjoyed the value of a free oil change, they realized just how much the community joined together to care for them. This event “makes me think of the song ‘We are the Hands and Feet of Jesus,’ and these people are just that,” said Theresa Wade, a single mother who received more than just an oil change at the Round Rock Christian Brothers Automotive location. “What I like about it is this brings the community together regardless of gender or race. They are bringing us together in unity with one thing in mind… just to serve the community. It impacted me knowing that they care about us not only in word, but also in action,” she explained.

Dawn Rehbein, another single mother who enjoyed getting a free oil change at the carrollton Christian Brothers Automotive location, said getting the service really helps because she isn’t able to budget much toward car maintenance. “It means a lot that they are here for me,” Rehbein stressed. “I heard on the radio that Christian Brothers were doing this on a volunteer basis. That’s really amazing that they would work every day and show up on Saturday morning on their free time to work on our cars. It’s actually been a blessing for me,” she said.

At the Christian Brothers Automotive-carrollton location, which is also a member of TIAA, Service Manager Fred Scharnberg said the interest and turnout was tremendous. “A lot of single moms came in today,” Scharnberg said. We did some other minor repairs. We had some fuel leaks and bulbs that were out on cars. We also got their cars washed and cleaned. This is the best thing I could ever do to give back to the community in partnership with Hill Country Bible Church.”

Janice Campbell, the event coordinator from Hill Country Bible Church Northwest, said the single moms benefitting from the free oil changes are all very grateful. “It’s such a blessing for us all to have the opportunity to do this,” Campbell said. “The moms are very surprised that we’re doing the vacuuming and car washing. We also ask the ladies to fill out a questionnaire… asking them what is on their hearts that we can pray for? So that’s when they kind of open up and we get to minister to them.”

Campbell said that the event they organized is only possible because of the relationship with Christian Brothers, which is so unbelievable. “These five men that we’ve been working with to organize this have been just phenomenal,” she said. “They are so sweet. Everything is donated. The mechanics donate their time. It couldn’t be better. God has worked this out in a beautiful way.”

Michael Samples, from First Baptist Church in Round Rock, said his church joined the initiative led by Hill Country Bible Church this year because it is such a great way to serve God and the single mothers in need, and to partner up with Christian businesses. “We appreciate businesses like Christian Brothers Automotive that open their doors to help others, and I personally see this as a great volunteer opportunity to help these single mothers. I feel so humbled to be able to help them,” Samples said.

Stephen Sturgeon, a master technician at the Round Rock Christian Brothers location, said his volunteer service was the right thing to do. “A lot of these ladies have a difficult time doing this alone, so I pitched in a helping hand. That’s why I’m here. It’s also nice to counteract the perception some people have that mechanics are dishonest. The moral values here, the way they treat their employees and customers is just a step beyond what anyone really expects. It’s fun to be a part of that.”

This community service event began three years ago when Hill Country Bible Church Northwest and Steve Berry held the first Oil Change for Single Moms at the carrollton location. Then Jennings joined in, followed by Zach Bynum in Georgetown, and then Hand. Berry has since opened a second Christian Brothers location in Vista Ridge at 906 N. Vista Ridge Boulevard, which also participates.

Event organizers said they are very thankful for the support received from their generous local suppliers including;
Allied Sales, Arnold Oil/A-line, CARQUEST, Discount Tire, Main Auto Parts, O’Reillys, Parts Connection and Parts Depot.