Lake Life Magazine | Shannon Kelly
“Every person has a testimony where God has worked in their lives, and there’s a purpose behind that,” says Gary Prophet, owner of New Testament Automotive Ministries in Moneta, Va., “and that’s for us to use it to glorify God and to share God with others.”
Gary Prophet has a testimony of his own behind his unique ministry. “I did grow up being dragged to church by my parents till I was 18 and then kind of left the scene,” he begins. “I did not really comprehend and connect this old Book [the Bible] with nowadays.” After leaving the church, Prophet became submerged in the world, involved with partying and “drugs and alcohol to an extent.” He was married for a time before experiencing separation and a divorce. “Fortunately, someone invited me to go somewhere one night, which wound up being a church,” he continues. “The messages, they just seemed to be custom-written for me, even though the pastor had no idea I was even in the building. That’s the way the Lord works. I’ve been growing since then.” Prophet accepted the Lord again and got baptized about a year after his return to church.
“We’re supposed to use our gifts and talents to help the people around us and glorify God through them,” Prophet explains. And that is just what the life-long automotive repairman is doing.
New Testament Automotive Ministries is a unique and practical kind of outreach. “I’ve seen different friends and customers, especially those with low income, when their vehicle has been broken down and they couldn’t afford to fix it, when they couldn’t afford to replace it, and they can’t get to school, they can’t get to work, they can’t go to the doctor, or other necessary places that they need,” Prophet explains. “We’re supposed to use our gifts and talents in ways to help the people around us and glorify God through them. And He just burdened my heart, this is my way of doing that.” Prophet says that he fought that burden for 3 years, until one day he noticed a sign advertising an auto shop for rent. “It was really burdening me hard then. I kept ignoring it,” he says. He did not know how he could possibly start such an enterprise with no money or people backing him up. One day, the sign disappeared. On a whim, he decided to find out why. “[I] put it in the Lord’s hands, and this is where we are today,” Prophet says. “We have helped a bunch of people through discount repairs for the residents of Bedford County.”
In addition to providing things like oil changes and motor repairs, New Testament Automotive Ministries takes in donated vehicles and reconditions them. When the cars are ready, they are sold to qualifying clients for only the price of the repairs made. This allows lower income or needy individuals to be able to purchase a vehicle for an affordable price, giving them much-needed transportation to help them get to work, school, and other important places. The ministry finds their clients, limited to residents of Bedford County, through several religious organizations in the area. The auto shop is partnered with the Agape Center, Lake Christian Ministries, and Bedford Christian Ministries.
New Testament Automotive Ministries does not represent any particular denomination. “Religions divide the world,” Prophet states. “Christ came to bring relationship, and I’m a follower of Jesus Christ, not a denomination. Jesus Christ is my guide.” He takes the opportunity his work provides to offer prayer with clients, and gives Bibles to individuals who may not have one, spreading the Good News to all who may accept it in addition to providing affordable auto care.
As a non-profit organization, Prophet is currently working toward getting his business their official 501c3 Nonprofit status. “We’re always looking for more people to be involved in the ministry,” he says. “We’re always needing people who can participate in different ways.” Aside from prayers and monetary support, the current pressing needs include someone who can maintain and develop the business’s website, people to join the Board of Directors, volunteers to help host “family fun days”, and more. “There’s many, many spots that could be filled,” Prophet states. People are also encouraged to donate their old vehicles rather than trading them in; this is another practical way someone can help.
If anyone wishes to become involved with this ministry, they may contact Gary Prophet by e-mail at: prophetsauto@gmail.com, or via the New Testament Automotive Ministry Facebook page. They may also call the shop phone number at: (540) 296-3007.
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