Signs of spring are finally here after a long hard winter and part of spring is the Single Mothers & Widows Free Auto Clinic. “This is the 38th year for the Single Mothers & Widows Auto Clinic,” shared Pastor Paul and his lovely wife, Susie. The spring of 1987 was the beginning of a local ministry that has touched over 2,000 local single mothers and widows and their families with the love of God in a practical way and assisted them in saving thousands of dollars in automotive expenses.
For the last six years, First Friends Church at 210 South Franklin in Van Wert has hosted the community assistance program. Each spring and fall, the caring and dedicated men and women of First Friends freely give of their time and resources to show the love of God in this small way. Pastor Paul shares that helping single moms and widows with the free auto clinic is a major part of the book of James’ definition of pure and undefiled religion.
At the Free Auto Clinic they change the oil and the filter and do a multi-point inspection and offer car care information. They are very appreciative of the financial support that Walmart offers as a Community Friend in helping financially challenged single mothers and widows with their car care costs through the Free Auto Clinic. Also other community friends such as Advance Auto helps with discounted filters and other businesses that donate supplies to make the Free Auto Clinic possible. The generous support of community-minded businesses allows First Friends Church to not have to turn away any single mom or widow because of First Friend’s limited resources. It truly is a community effort working together to make Van Wert a better place to live. Early Saturday morning, April 25th, First Friends volunteers will gather together to pray for and begin a long but fulfilling day of caring and loving area single mothers and widows through the Free Auto Clinic. Pastor Paul shares how amazed and proud he is of the caring people of First Friends. This is a small part of their being “A Church with Heart, Caring for Our Communities”.
They have to limit the Free Auto Clinic to the first 50 who call and pre-register because of time restraints. It is a long day after doing up to 50 oil changes in their parking lot.
For more information or to pre-register please call Pastor Paul at 419-771-9378 or Susan Mell at 419-203-2266. They need you to pre-register so they can have the correct oil filter for your vehicle.
If God puts it on your heart to help in any way with this community ministry, please call Pastor Paul at 419-771-9378. Pastor Paul welcomes any assistance, workers and financial help are always needed and appreciated. First Friends, on a Sunday night, also offers a Community Fellowship Dinner for our area. Pastor Paul requests you call ahead to insure having plenty of food for their guests. In the summer time they have their famous “Parking Lot Barbeques”, many times featuring Rev. Rob’s Ribs and Chicken once a month. April’s Community Fellowship Dinner is Sunday night, April 12th at 5:30 p.m. and there will be special music following the fellowship dinner. Pastor Paul shared that if you are looking for a growing and vibrant church that cares for others, please join them Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 210 South Franklin St. in Van Wert.
