Record Article about upcoming oil change ministry at Hesston MB

Published in the Oct. 7, 2010
edition of The Hesston Record.
By Jackie Nelson

The Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church is looking for people in need of a change, an oil change, that is.

The Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church is partnering with Lords Lubers of Valley Center to provide free oil changes for the Hesston community.

“When people are in need, the first place they should look is the Church, but unfortunately that isn’t always the case,” said J.L. Martin, Associate Pastor of Family Ministries.

Martin, said the idea has been gaining momentum for the past year. “We gathered a group of women, mostly single moms, and asked what the most helpful things we could do. Car care was something mentioned by almost all of them as something that was helpful and appreciated,” said Martin.

Martin said after speaking with the group, he then rallied support behind the idea. “I presented it at the men’s breakfast. We knew that we couldn’t do this on our own we would have to have some help from our church members,” said Martin.

Martin said at first, he was afraid there could be a little resistance to the idea. “People pretty quickly realized this isn’t some weird idea, this is a great way to help people,” he said.

Martin said church members’ response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive. “There is a lot of excitement about this project. It’s a great way to bless people. The congregation has really come together around this as something they want to support and promote,” he said.

In partnering with the Lords Lubers, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Valley Center which provides free oil changes as a non-denominational Christian ministry, the church will be helping cover costs. “The Church will pick up the cost of supplies, oil and filters for Lord’s Lubers. We feel God will provide and we will be able to cover the costs no matter how many cars come through,” said Martin.

For those who bring in their car, the Church will supply refreshments inside. “The ladies will be inside with goodies and drinks for people waiting on their car,” said Martin.

The initial project was one which kept expanding. “We were originally talking about single moms, then widows, then we decided anyone in need could come and get their oil changed,” said Martin.

Martin said he did not want the project to be perceived as a church membership drive. “One thing, this is no strings attached. We want to show people God’s love, and this is one way we can show we care and one way to reach out to people and lend a hand,” he said.

While Martin is realistic about the first-time event, he said he would be pleased if he can better the lives of Hesston residents. “We will be happy with however many show up. If it is five cars, if it’s 50 cars, we will help as many people as we can,” he said.

Martin said the event is open to everyone who could benefit from a free oil change. “We won’t be turning anyone away. We want people here. We would hate for someone to think, “There are others who are more in need than me,” and not come,”

Martin said on the day of the oil changes, at least 10 men from the congregation and four to five Lords Lubers will be working to get cars through as quickly as possible. “We would really like to see four cars get through every half-hour,” said Martin

Martin did request those who are in need of an oil change to call and make an appointment. “We want to get as many people taken care of as we can in those three hours. And, if we have six cars show up, and we already have appointments, we don’t want anyone waiting, and we never want to have to turn someone away,” said Martin.