At the Car Wash

Our most recent bi-weekly service project was a free car wash at 7-11 in South Reno. I admit, I wasn't very jazzed about this idea - despite the enthusiastic sales efforts Dawson put in - because "Free" car washes are a dime a dozen. Without fail they are always fund-raisers, and I was convinced no one would stop. We weren't doing a fundraiser - we made a point of refusing to take money even if it was offered. The point was to show practical love for others with no strings attached.

Evidently, the successful way to get people's attention is to have your pastor on the median hollering at people through their closed windows. "Free Car Wash!" "No Donations Accepted!" "Totally Free!" I could hear him from 50-100 yards away. And amazingly enough, people responded.

One person asked him what the deal was, and he let him know that we were Christians who wanted to show God's love in a practical way. He let him know we were a church and, still skeptical, the man wanted to meet our pastor. Dawson promptly stuck out his hand to introduce himself. There's something useful in having a church whose dedication to service runs right to the top.

It was amazing how well it went. After a slow start, we had a steady stream of cars and there were some good conversations struck up with people while they waited (over ice-cold free bottled water, of course). One guy threw a crumpled up $20 bill out his window as he drove away, so that we couldn't possibly refuse it. The wife of one of the pastors picked it up, and gave it to a grungy-looking guy with a backpack who said he was on a Walkabout.

We even had two people visit the website and shoot us an e-mail to say thanks - the first post-service contact we've had.

I maintain a map of places we have served, lest I forget (which would not be at all unusual). It's encouraging to look at it, and see that it continues to expand. How many more marks will appear on it before this October - our 1 year mark?