I had the pleasure to meet Clearance Brabson with City Life Wheels on Monday.  City Life Wheels is a month old ministry that is a division of Youth for Christ.  Here is a statement describing the ministry from their website.

"Equipping at-risk teenagers with relevant job-skills instills self-confidence and the means to provide for themselves and their future families. City Life Wheels teaches neighborhood teens basic automotive maintenance and repair skills from an ASE Certified Mechanic. City Life Wheels is a hands-on program where the students do the actual maintenance and repair work on cars donated to the program. Repaired cars are then sold to provide funding for the program."

When I heard about this program, I was immediately interested.  Our experience with the foster care system has given us a different view of inner city life.  In 2009 Indianapolis Public School systems graduated only 49% of their students.  In 2010 the school reported 63%, but many argue that it was actually 53%.  I don't share this data to blame the school.  In my opinion, the problem lies largely with the lack of instruction and discipline kids get at home.  All this equates to lower standards of living, higher crime rates, and ultimately degradation of communities.  There is a large need to show students the love of Christ and provide them with skills that may change their life.  City Life Wheels is one ministry that can do that, and I think this is one area the Lord has given me skills and means to serve.

Currently, I have a Saturn sitting in my garage that has been donated.  In the first month the program is considering possible locations for a shop, and wants to turn some cars to put capital into the ministry.  Lord willing, I am going to help them make a profit on this Saturn.  I would appreciate prayers for successful diagnosis and repair of the problems.  Please also pray that this car can eventually be a blessing to another person.  Please pray for ministry leaders to have wisdom in finding a location and obtaining future car donations.  Finally, pray for the youth who may not be getting Godly instruction at home.

City Life Wheels Website