The Fresno Bee (California)
Distributed by Knight/Ridder Tribune News Service
August 12, 2006 Saturday

A mobile ministry: Holy rollers help churches reach out to unchurched
car enthusiasts.

by Ron Orozco, The Fresno Bee, Calif.

Aug. 12–Many people have their minds on shish kebab, lulu burgers
and other food on a recent Sunday at the annual congregational picnic
of St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno.

But in a grassy area nearby, Jackie Phillips of Kerman gets an early
start at the picnic’s classic- car show. She can’t take her eyes off
a 1957 Imperial Crown automobile shining in the afternoon sun.

"It’s the era — big boat," she says of the car’s appeal. "And the
colors," she says of the paint job, white with aqua trim.

Phillips, former director of Classic Thunderbirds International car
club, says her interest in classic cars is a key reason she accepted
her daughter’s invitation to the congregational picnic, which follows
the annual Blessing of the Grapes ceremony, at California Armenian
Home in east Fresno.

Many churches and faith-based organizations present car shows as
fundraisers and as bridges to connect with people, such as Phillips,
who normally wouldn’t attend a church event.

The car shows usually are designed to be carnivallike events,
offering food, music and activities for children. Organizers say the
atmosphere makes it easier for visitors and congregants to make
connections.

Northside Christian Church in Clovis has been presenting an annual
classic-car show for six years as a community outreach. Hundreds of
visitors converge each year on the church grounds on East Nees
Avenue. The most recent show was held June 24, when money from 90
car-entry fees helped to raise support to send 10 underprivileged
children to a weeklong summer camp.

"We want people to know Northside is not a stuffy church, but it has
fun, too," says Bill Lerma, who, as Northside car-show organizer,
joins the fun by showing his purple-blue, 1929 Ford two-door hot rod.

"The shows bring some people to just see our church and what it is
about," Lerma says. "We tell them our church service times, and say,
‘Bring your family.’ "

Horacio Aleman Sr., who founded the Reedley-based Cruising for Jesus
car ministry in 1996, says classic-car shows have taken a long road
to popularity.

Ten years ago, not all churches and faith-based organizations bought
into the concept, Aleman says. They were leery of what was perceived
to be potentially rough crowds interested in street rods, motorcycles
and low-rider cars.

"When I first started, I was an abomination to the church," Aleman
says.

Things have changed, however. Car shows now are designed to appeal to
families. For example, pony rides were available in an area next to
the classic cars displayed at the St. Paul Armenian Church event.

"America is into cars — that’s why the Lord put it in to my heart to
start the shows," Aleman says. "People love all cars — low-rider,
hot rods, racers. My shows draw to all cultures. When you do that and
bring in Jesus, it works.

"It was a no-no when I first started," he says. "Now, everyone is so
hungry to have them, I can’t keep up."

>From its fleet, Cruising for Jesus enters classic cars in shows
nationwide. The ministry also holds its annual classic-car show,
which will be next Saturday at Mueller Park in Reedley. Nearly 300
classic cars will be displayed.

During the summer months, Valley churches or faith-based
organizations present a car show per weekend, sometimes two.

NorthPointe Community Church will hold its annual That ’50s Thing car
show Sunday on its church grounds in northwest Fresno.

Organizers want to trigger people’s memories by providing a live
oldies band and having hamburgers available for sale. Proceeds will
benefit the church’s student ministries department.

The Rev. Bruce Hood, founder of Feed My Sheep Ministries of Fresno,
organizes six classic-car shows a year. He says people’s faces light
up while viewing the cars, particularly custom ones, chromed-down.

"You’ve got to like an array of them all lined up together," Hood
says. "It’s something that causes people to say, ‘Wow.’ "

Hood says Feed My Sheep Ministries partners with other faith-based
organizations to hold car shows that also draw attention to community
concerns, such as violence and gang activity.

For example, Feed My Sheep Ministries presented a Stop the Violence
car show at Madera Courthouse Park. More than 2,000 people attended
the event, which featured 100 cars, 40 motorcycles and 30 bicycles.

Members of Victory Outreach Church also gave a dramatic presentation.
Some members also talked about their faith conversions. Proceeds from
car entry fees of $5 to $15 benefited the Madera Rescue Mission.

"Some people can live next to a church but don’t even know the people
who go to the church or the pastor," Hood says. "The car shows put
the community in touch with the church. It’s a good tool."

Feed My Sheep Ministries will hold its annual classic car show Sept.
2 at Manchester Center in Fresno.

At the recent St. Paul Armenian Church event, Phillips says she is OK
with churches and faith-based groups holding car shows, in part, to
get to know people who may not normally attend a church event.

"Car shows are of interest to more and more people," Phillips says.
"They get people to come out."

More than six years ago, St. Paul Armenian Church member Tim
Kuckenbaker persuaded church officials to try the classic-car show at
the congregational picnic strictly as a fundraiser. He has been
car-show chairman since.

"I just wanted to add something to the event," Kuckenbaker says.

This year’s proceeds from entry fees will go toward buying new
uniforms and equipment for the church’s high school boys basketball
team, which competes in a church league.

Phillips isn’t the only visitor with a keen sense of classic cars.

Bob Thompson stops to admire the blue 1971 GTO. He owned a 1966 GTO
that he rebuilt himself.

"This brings back memories," Thompson says.

Thompson’s friend, Janet Crandall, says, "I’d like to get in that and
take it for a ride."

Thompson and Crandall both say they can understand why some churches
and faith-based organizations hold classic-car shows as a friendly
means to connect with people.

"I’ve been to camp meetings where there was sawdust on the floor,"
Crandall says, adding that her father is a retired Assemblies of God
minister, and her brothers form the Crandall Brothers gospel singing
group.

"I’m just glad churches are doing this," she says.

Classic-car owners such as Bob Der Mugrdechian, a member of St. Paul
Armenian Church, have feelings similar to Crandell’s.

Der Mugrdechian sits in a lawn chair next to his gray 1951 Plymouth
Suburban. He gives out plenty of smiles and handshakes.

"I just want to share the pleasure of my car with others," he says.
"It makes them happy."