SMOC Stories
"The very last service we performed brought in a well-used mini van. It was brought to my attention that this van needed more than just an oil and filter change. The tires were literally worn past the steel belts and into the last layer of rubber, showing signs of blowing out soon. (Maybe before she could get out of the parking lot.) I suggested we bring this to her attention when we go over the check list with her. [A volunteer] was working on this vehicle and made the decision after he changed the oil that he was going to put new tires on for her. I mentioned that it's not normal practice that we do any maintenance beyond the scope of the oil change . . . and the funds would come out of his pocket. God prepared his heart, and he was going to do it anyway. We took up a collection among the volunteers to help offset his cost. I didn't count it but I'm sure it wasn't enough. When he returned her vehicle to her and she realized what he had done, the tears of greatfulness were more than her eye lids could hold back. I think I shed a tear or two . . . Praise the Lord for answered prayers and thank God for men who obey His voice."
--Coordinator of SMOC
"When [single moms] come in [to the church], many come in with their arms crossed, speaking negative body language that they do NOT want to be talked to. But this Saturday we saw hearts softened on both sides. The women who volunteered to help saw those ladies with the eyes of Jesus and reached out and touched the women with the help of Jesus. (There was no doubt He was working through us, giving us just the right words to say to meet the ladies right where they were.) Walls came down and tears were shed by both the hostesses and the visitors. The visitors opened their lives to our volunteers and shared some incredibly sad stories of how they got to our church that morning. It is my belief that they felt loved and valued that someone cared enough to listen and respond in love. Most visitors left smiling and a little more hopeful than when they arrived."
--Volunteer Hostess