March 2023
I am writing this letter on behalf of Owens Garage which is affiliated with Twin Lakes Fellowship in Cedar Park, Tx. I want to share my experience with them because I realize that there has always been a negative stigma associated with mechanics in general. I can assure you that if you have any vehicle issues, you can discard any apprehension that you might have when bringing your car to them. When my Toyota RAV4 was having radiator issues and the check engine light wouldn’t turn off, I was honestly terrified. Being the single dad of a special needs teenager means that you literally have to watch every penny. When I met Marc, not only was he very friendly, but he was also extremely informative. He did the troubleshooting on my car and explained the options that I had. Even with my limited knowledge of the mechanical side of vehicles, he never made me feel that any of my questions were stupid.
Upon receiving my vehicle, I was very pleased with how thorough they were. I am still in awe at how friendly and courteous they were with me and my son. I would highly recommend Owens Garage for all your auto service needs.
Eric Vasquez
October 2022
I want to thank the crew at Owen’s Garage. You guys went out your way to fix my truck at no cost to me and I’m forever grateful.
I know this wasn’t an easy task, yet, you all worked well into the night, to make sure it was fixed properly. Not only that, everyone did it with pleasure. Smiling and talking to me as if I was apart of your family. I’d never seen anything like it in my life.
I want everyone to know that the love of God was evident and you all blessed me beyond what I could’ve imagined.
Thank you!
Tenejia White
July 2021
My son and I are very thankful to you and everyone who helped us with the car at your shop. It was a huge blessing for us to go from being without a working vehicle for a year to driving again. You all gave us our independence back and for that we are eternally grateful. Above all I thank God for crossing our paths, I know this was his work because it was a real miracle that we found you. I wouldn’t have had another way of getting into a running vehicle if not for this connection. Before I drove away from your shop you prayed over us and the car and that is how I know that no matter what He is with us and continues to keep us safe today. Thank you.
Kristella Moreno
February 2018
I want to thank you for the CARS at Owen’s Garage ministry. While on furlough I was able to borrow a car that though it runs great had some trouble when the driver’s window quit working. I had no idea where to get this fixed, what garage was reputable, what part needed to be replaced, how much it would all cost, and such. But I was referred to Marc at CARS at Owen’s Garage as a possibility.
After contacting Marc we settled on a time convenient for me to get the window fixed. Marc had already secured the needed part before I arrived and Joe and John were able to begin the work of replacing the window regulator. Unfortunately it was not the correct part (the right part number but the wrong part in the box) but with Joe and John sending him photos of the needed piece Marc was able to pickup the correct part and work commenced post haste. While waiting I was able to visit with David, a young man in the mentoring program at CARS and was impressed with his gentle spirit and humility. Afterward the repair was complete and I could do my happy dance as the window moved both down and back up we sat down to a meal that David had put together. I learned some of their ministry with mentors and young men, repairing cars to give to those who need them, and I could share about my ministry.
Not only did I get the window repaired but got to be covered in prayer by these precious men. I definitely am impressed with the ministry of CARS at Owen’s Garage.
— Linda Buckley (on furlough from Kazakhstan)
May 2018
For 9 months the life of our family changed. We were forced to leave our land for fear of political persecution. Without a doubt, it was one of the most difficult decisions of our life, assuming with deep sadness not to return to embrace our loved ones for an uncertain time, leave our home, our belongings, in short, a large part of our life!
9 months ago we arrived in this country with our 10 year old daughter and 8 year old son with 4 suitcases and the anguish of facing a new destiny.
With few economic resources and looking for help to feed us, for the first time I knew the help that the Church offers through the donation of food known as food pantry. There, I prayed with Mrs. Ana, asking for help for our homeland and for our new life. She also treated me very kindly and told me that maybe I could get some help with things for my family. I indicated my friend’s phone number because we only had 3 days in the United States.
Afterwards, a shower of blessings has enveloped my family, today we have a mattress to sleep on, a table to eat on and many other things, that have made this beginning of life easier. We have met many people with a great heart, who without knowing anything about us, have given us help, trust and affection.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Hill Country Bible Church community in Austin, and especially the Milleur family, Shoquist family, Mr. Tom Laws, and all the men at Owens Garage who have voluntarily participated in the improvements of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, which through the church was donated to us, and greatly benefitted our quality of family life, and has allowed us to drive to our jobs, the supermarket and the school of our children.
Today we feel blessed and grateful, for being in this country and for God to have put us in his path and you in ours, where the language barrier does not exist, only friendship and moments of joy.
We pray for a better future for our children in this country, for health, for a life with full legality and security and to achieve jobs related to our professions, for a homeland with freedom and without oppression, and for all of you to bless others by so noble a work.
God bless you.
–A grateful family (names withheld)
October 2018
The CARS at Owens Garage Ministry is making such a difference in the community. They are truly the hands and feet of Jesus, administering auto care training, fellowship, mentoring, evangelism, and more to young men who need this opportunity. Mr. Marc and his crew have been so thoughtful in assisting my family with auto care during a time when our funds were limited due to loss of employment. They not only helped with our mechanical need but have become like family, checking on us and praying for us. It is such a blessing having this ministry outreach helping were they can. They are making a difference in the lives of others. Thank you Mr. Marc and team. You’re truly a blessing.
–Sherry Poku
February 2019
Thanks so much for providing the Nissan Altima to the Birdwell family. My wife is using it to learn how to drive which takes time and practice. Having a second vehicle allows her to do this even when our primary car is not available. The car also gives her access to more job opportunities and can provide transportation to a job without burdening her coworkers or others for rides. She can also now continue her work at the animal shelter and attend her small group meetings. Thanks again, this gift was wonderful!
-Robert Birdwell
July 2019
Dear Owens Garage: I am writing to express deep appreciation and gratitude for the kindness and generosity you, Tom Laws, and Mr. Cliff showed in getting the vehicle mechanically ready to drive. Previously, I did 3 tours of contractor duty in Afghanistan and was shot in the abdomen on the last one. Then I fought cancer for seven years but during my recovery I earned my Real Estate license. Recently, while driving to a property showing, I was hit by a truck which totaled my car and there was no insurance to cover the loss. This put me down once again tremendously, but I have to go to work. It is not my cup of tea to live on disability so you have no idea how much I appreciate everything you are doing for me! God bless you brothers.
-Konrad Khorshahian
May 2023
I purchased a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan from Owen’s Garage. I am very pleased with my purchase, it helped me tremendously at the time because I was without transportation, employment, and a place to live. Staying with friends in Cedar Park, and attending Hill Country Bible Church is how I found out about their Auto purchase/ care ministry. Owen’s Garage.
I would not have been able to purchase a vehicle elsewhere for such a reasonable price, that was a real blessing to me. Mark and his group of mechanics in training students put a lot of work into getting my van road worthy. I am confident in the training and abilities to perform auto mechanics there at Owen’s Garage. I recommend them highly for anyone looking at purchasing a vehicle.
On the day I purchased my van, Mark, other instructors and the students all gathered around and prayed for me and the current needs I had at the time. Very encouraging.
Thank you Hill Country Bible Church and Owen’s Garage for providing such a valuable and much needed service/ministry to individuals in need of reliable transportation.
God bless each of you !
Joanne W.
May 2023
Thank you so much for the time and care your team took tonight to bless me, Savannah and the car! I just got back from dropping Savannah off in South Austin and after driving an hour in rush-hour traffic the car did great — there was no slipping at all. 😅👏🙌 She may indeed be able to use it to get around locally to her job, the grocery store, the bank, etc. God is good! Yes! Mathias led the prayer time. It was a joy and gift! Have a blessed day and may the Lord watch over your families & flourish the CARS ministry in Jesus’ name. 🎁💝
Cathy W.
May 2023
Thank y’all 🤠
I hold so much gratitude for Marc & the gentlemen at CARS who provide such a needed ministry. I’m a disabled grandma who has felt the love of Jesus through the cheerful generosity of their services. The work is always stellar quality and without their sacrifice I would not be able to afford to keep my car.
Rebecca Lamarche