Oil For a Change

Last summer, two of the pastors at Westwinds Church did a message series entitled "Jesus Jackson" where they discussed how Jesus would respond to issues specific to Jackson and the people who live here—unemployment, underemployment, Jackson's view of itself, opportunities to heal the community, the young and old, transplants and native Jacksonians, our work ethic, hope for the city, etc.

Pastor John Voelz and Pastor Ben Redmond pondered, "What would Jesus care about in Jackson? What would compel him? What would make him sad? What would he celebrate?"

Pastor John Voelz spoke one particular Sunday and mentioned a list of dreams he had for the city while encouraging others to dream in the same way. "You can't separate who you are from where you live," Voelz said. "God wants to use what you do and who you are to impact this place in a way that only you can."

After hearing the list of dreams and being encouraged to imagine ways individuals could help Jackson, Carmela Lazarus approached Voelz with an idea. She heard Voelz mention in his long list of dreams an idea to change the oil in the cars of single mothers as a display of hope and healing for our town. "My husband Chuck and I own a business where we service cars. I think we could actually do something like this."

And so, the idea for Oil for a Change was born.

On Christmas Eve, Westwinds Church traditionally gives an offering to something in the community that offers hope. December 24, 2010, Westwinds raised enough money to change the oil in the cars of over 300 single mothers.

Oil For a Change is a cooperative effort between Westwinds and Choice Auto Sales and Service of Jackson. This year, on May 21st and September 10th, Oil For a Change will give away free food, car washes, and oil changes to over 300 single moms (165 each date).

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• oil
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• change
• choice
• auto
• jackson
• single
• moms
• jvo
• westwinds
• beyond
• 1000
• dream
• free