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Faith Behind the Wheel: Mount Juliet, Tennessee

Representative Diane Black (TN-6)

For more than half of Tennesseans, faith communities are an important part of life, and for the 16 percent of Tennesseans who live in poverty, these churches, ministries, and faith-based charities can be a rescue in times of need. There are many organizations worthy of recognition, but there is one story of a faith-based automotive ministry group in Wilson County, Tennessee that offers a unique service to the community.

Whether you are young or old, skilled with cars or don't know the first thing about them, there is a place for you at this ministry group. The ministry was founded five years ago when members of a local church expressed a desire to use their mechanical expertise to change lives, and since then, they have done just that. The congregation's volunteers spend over 20 hours a week restoring old cars and have given away more than 85 cars to those in need since opening their doors. They are helping single mothers get their kids to school, the elderly find independence, and the unemployed make their job interviews.

The ministry organizers love to recount a particularly touching story involving a local high school senior whose mother was battling cancer. As the medical expenses piled up, the student was forced to sell his truck to help pay the family's bills. During this difficult season, he began volunteering his time at the ministry and working on cars. Over the course of his time as a volunteer the student began restoring a truck that, unbeknownst to him at the time, would eventually be gifted to him as a graduation present.

This is just one example of how people of faith are changing lives and making a difference in the Volunteer State.