This was a rollercoaster week for OnRamp. First, the high: hearing from a recent client, a single mom, about the IMPACT our gift of a reliable car was having on her kids.
“I just want to again say thank you all so very much for this huge blessing that you have given me and my family. As [my advocate] pointed out, this is definitely an example of God's goodness, love, and grace. For my children, it was also the first time in a long time that someone came through for them. To be honest, my children did not think that this was actually going to happen. We have been let down, lied to, misled, and manipulated so many times that unfortunately we have come to expect the worst, or near to, in many situations… Watching [my son] witness first hand God's grace and blessings and provisions I can see God nudging him ever so slightly. I am so thankful for those nudges… Thank you for being a witness to my son through your actions of generosity.”
As we remind ourselves time and again, this work is not about cars, it’s about people. It’s about families like this one that have been beaten down by the struggles and evils of this world, who desperately need a little grace from the family of God. The freedom and support OnRamp provides, all in the name of Jesus, shows a watching world the transformative, faithful love of God. In fact, in my opinion, acts of sacrificial love to people in need is our single most effective witness of the good news of the gospel. This is the way we show the truth of Jesus.
Now for the PREDICAMENT. Used car prices are up 24% this year! That’s astounding, and it shows no signs of slowing. In fact, we’ve never seen the supply of used cars so tight. One of my vehicle team volunteers who specializes in finding used cars told me this week, “I feel so useless.” There are just so few solid cars for sale anywhere in Texas at the moment. So now I invite you to consider helping OnRamp and the half-dozen families on our waiting list out of our predicament! Do you know anyone selling any of the following vehicles, 2005 or newer, with a clean title and 150,000 miles or less for $8500 or less? If so, send them to me at blakej@onramptx.org
Honda Odyssey minivans
Toyota Sienna minivans
Mazda 5 minivans
Honda CRV's
Toyota Rav4's or Highlanders
Chevy Tahoe 3-row or suburban
Finally, as we near the end of the year, I want to boldly challenge you. If you have the ability to give above-and-beyond this year to OnRamp, please consider this need. Our costs have risen with the used car market - up at least a quarter. We have SO many families still in need of help. If God has enabled you to give, please consider making an end-of-year special “anti-inflation” gift to OnRamp! All the details can be found on our website at www.onramptx.org/give. Thank you!