Opportunity For An Oil Change
Love In the Name of Christ Heartland and The Highlands Church hosted a Spring Oil Change Event back in April. This event created a meaningful opportunity to offer something for free, encourage accountability, and extend compassionate grace.
The Oil Change Event is a Gap Ministry of The Highlands Church, in partnership with Love INC Heartland. In short, a Gap Ministry is a service that “fills a gap” within our communities—providing support for neighbors experiencing hardship. Participants in the Oil Change Gap Ministry are individuals or families actively receiving assistance from Love INC Heartland.
Something for Free
Who says, “You never get anything for free,” or “There’s no such thing as a free lunch”? Maybe—just maybe—if you do your part, there’s a chance to receive both a service and lunch at no cost.
Absolute Automotive Services in Delano, owned and operated by Chad Skartvedt, along with a team of volunteers from The Highlands Church, provided free oil changes, fresh coffee, and delicious bakery items. Together, they completed 22 oil changes!
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. — Proverbs 19:17 NIV
Something to Be Accountable For
To participate in this Gap Ministry event and receive a free oil change, participants were asked to:
- Sign up
- Drop off a deposit to hold their spot
- Arrive five minutes before their scheduled time. (Their deposit was returned at check-in.)
We expect people to be active participants in receiving services and support from Love INC Heartland and our church partners’ Gap Ministries.
We believe in offering a hand-up rather than a hand-out—a step toward independence and away from dependence. Our goal is to empower individuals to problem-solve and make thoughtful decisions about their unique situations.
A Moment of Compassion
Chad received a call from one of our Love INC families. The woman explained she would be late due to a domestic issue involving her children. Chad told her he would work her in and thanked her for calling. He extended grace and compassion.
One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. — Proverbs 22:11 NIV
She remained responsible despite the circumstances, and by sharing her situation, she was met with prayer and support during a difficult time. Her communication showed character and resilience, embodying the expectation we have: to stay in touch and reach out if problems arise.
Tears still on her cheeks, she arrived about an hour late. The volunteers welcomed her and got her car into the service stall shortly after. Praise the Lord for His timing, as there was an opening available just when she arrived, sparing her from further delay.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. — Matthew 5:16 NIV
“You never get anything for free” and “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” might seem true—but the gift is free because someone (Chad and his volunteers) invested their time and resources: the oil change, the coffee, and the donuts.
This oil change came at no cost to the recipient, thanks to the generosity and hard work of others. In return, the participants were asked to be accountable—by signing up and showing up. Each one left with a grateful heart, a cared-for car, and a full stomach.
At the Oil Change Event, Chad and his volunteers invested in others—demonstrating their faith through action and serving with love, In the Name of Christ.
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