Precision Automotive was busy as usual on Saturday. Owner Chris Kohl with a small flashlight in hand was in the shop peering at the undersides of cars perched on hydra-lifts. His wife Shelley was inside the office attending to that part of the business.

This was not a normal business day for Precision though. They are usually closed on the weekends. But their doors were open Saturday for what has become an annual ministry to single moms - free oil and filter change service. It’s a combined outreach undertaken by Precision Automotive and two Manteca churches - Crossroads Grace Community on Moffat Boulevard and New Hope Church on the corner of East Highway 120 and Comconex Road, along with a number of local businesses.

The volunteer manpower is provided by Chris Kohl and his employees, with additional help coming from members of the two churches. A total of 15 volunteers showed up on Saturday.The Kohls also provide the use of their automotive facilities gratis for this annual philanthropic event.

Jumping into this ministry’s bandwagon this year were Auto Zone, Kragens, and Pro Touch Mechanic Shop, all of Manteca, as well as Superior Auto Supply in Tracy which donated all the supplies needed such as oil and filter. Cash donations from some customers also helped the cause.

“God’s bringing everybody together. That’s awesome,” said Precision employee Ted Atkins who is involved in the Children’s Ministry at Crossroads Grace Community where the Kohls also worship.

“God has blessed our church,” added Atkins.

“Chris and I wanted to do this. Beyond doing this oil and filter change, this is a time to minister and share God’s love with others,” Shelley Kohl said.

“As single moms, an oil change is usually the last thing that we think of,” said Katie Schy, one of the members of Crossroads Grace’s Single Moms.

Members of this church-based support group made up the majority of the more than two-dozen women who took advantage of the free car service. Each one had to make an appointment to get the job done. However, there were a few walk-ins during the day - women who heard about it from friends. They were not turned away.

The “customers” did not just go home with a car that has just received new oil and filter. As they picked up their keys in the office, they were presented with copies of the Bible and other religious books courtesy of New Hope Church. The books were brought in by New Hope ministers Jack Coldren and his wife Sherilyn.

While waiting for their cars, the women and their children - as well as a few grandchildren - helped themselves to some refreshments in the office. These were also donated by various people from the two churches.

The women’s vehicles not only had new oil and filter though. Chris Kohl and his trained employees also looked for “potential problems” by visually checking the tires, for example, or the belts, brakes, hoses and battery terminals. One car, for example, had all four tires completely bald making it dangerous for driving.

“I think this is great. It saved me money,” said Stacy Rosario, a single parent-to-be who is expecting her first child in a few months.
 

The free oil and filter change at Precision Automotive was part of a “goodie bag” that the women received during last month’s Spa Day sponsored by the members of Crossroads Grace’s Single Moms support group. Some of the women who took part in this day of personal pampering were from Haven of Peace in French Camp and the homeless shelters the community.

“We invited all women in the community,” said Janet Edwards, one of the two women who coordinate Single Moms.

The women were truly pampered on Spa Day which was held at Crossroads Grace. They had manicures, pedicures, haircuts, massages plus a free lunch courtesy of the church’s Bible study groups and other volunteers who helped including some beauticians and manicurists. The church even provided free babysitting for the 59 women while they enjoyed a rare and truly relaxing day.

“It was just wonderful,” Edwards said of last month’s Spa Day.