In the summer of 2019, Billy Jarrell felt a call to start a new ministry focused on bringing automotive technicians and other “car geeks” together in a way that not only made spiritual connections but also allowed them the opportunity to serve others with their talents. 

Billy began a Sunday night Bible study called Fueled by Faith where he discussed Biblical principles using automotive terminology and themes. Although the pandemic caused difficulty with holding face-to-face classes, Billy was able to harness the power of an online platform and continued to share his automotive knowledge. Lessons like “Peak Performance”, “Fueling the Fire”, “Ignited”, and “Power Multiplied” with relevant handout materials not only provided a spiritual focus, but also included detailed automotive knowledge and connections. Past video lessons can be found on the Fueled By Faith Facebook Group or on YouTube.

Another aspect of this ministry was the C.A.R.S. Program whose goals were to provide “no cost” or “low cost” automotive maintenance and repairs to individuals or families that may not otherwise be in a position to do so. The C.A.R.S. mission focus is to live out Colossians 3:17 “and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” In November, this program was able to hold a “Cruise-In Event” that served not only as an opportunity for fellow car lovers to get together, but also raise funds for supplies to continue providing maintenance services for families in need of automotive assistance. Recently, the C.A.R.S. Program was able to mechanically restore a donated van and bless a local family with that vehicle.  

C.A.R.S. would also like to thank the following corporate sponsors for their help in making this ministry possible: DIYAUTOTUNE, East Coast Speed Shop, Gold City Tires, Speedworks, and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The C.A.R.S. Program is always interested in partnering with like-minded individuals and groups to help support the local community.  If you are interested in helping with this ministry, whether in the form of monetary donations or by donating a vehicle that, with some time and effort, could be able to serve another family for a while longer, please contact Tanglewood Church of God. Additionally, if you are interested in helping to provide automotive expertise in this ministry, please contact Billy Jarrell via the Fueled by Faith Facebook page.

Billy Jarrell leads the Tanglewood Church C.A.R.S. Program and teaches the Fueled by Faith Series.  He is an ASE certified automotive mechanic with over 20 years of experience.

Dr. Travis Towne is a social studies teacher at the Lenoir County Early College High School in Kinston.  He also serves as the technical facilitator for Tanglewood Church of God.  You can connect with Travis on Facebook at facebook.com/travis.towne.18, on Twitter @tntowne, on Instagram at travis.towne, or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/travis-towne-69106443.