A Sydney Anglican has struck on a unique idea which utilises his passions for all things wheeled to raise much needed dollars for his housing commission centred parish.
The Rev Geoff Taylor, the minister at Sadleir near Green Valley, has set up a business with Larry Pearson called Winning Motors to fix up unwanted second hand cars and then resell them for close to retail cost.
"I'm always looking to provide another stream of income for our public housing parish trying to "own' their ministry and not simply rely on the very generous and reliable diocesan grants," he says.
"The rationale behind Winning Motors is that Christians are always trading in cars allowing dealers to make profits from them. So, if they will sell that which they are selling anyway to a Christian, profits are then at least shared with God’s kingdom."
He first thought of the idea two years ago, but to run it as a business he needed a car dealers' license. This came through just six months ago.
"Private sellers are very limited as to how many cars can be sold per annum," he explains, "hence this had to be regularised according to law."
Mr Taylor says that apart from supporting ministry, Winning Motors also helps local families in need.
"Winning Motors has given us the opportunity to simply give away cars to needy families - about 6 have been given so far. My policy is this - if a car is given to me I will also give it on, simply extending God’s generosity further."
Geoff has given cars to families of the long term unemployed, as well as families struggling because the breadwinner has a major illness.
One even went to a retired lady to enable her to continue her faithful schools Scripture ministry.
"My business has also helped people who were unable to sell them elsewhere," he adds. "God always sells our cars".
"The biggest problem I have is in finding suitable stock at the correct price. Good, second hand cars always sell easily," he says.
Denise Bramble, is one of Geoff's many satisfied customers.
She first saw Winning Motors advertised in Anglican newspaper Southern Cross.
"A small classified advertisement has appeared in Southern Cross whereby a person who gives his name as "Geoff' has offered to buy second-hand cars.
Wanting to sell two cars without the hassle of private sale, Denise contacted "Geoff', and was surprised to speak to the rector of Sadleir Anglican Church.
"We took the cars over to him just as they were and he attended to some minor repairs and detailing. The prices he obtained for us were spot on. The whole transactions took place with a minimum of fuss," Denise says.
"We commend this man and his initiative in fundraising for the work of the Anglican Church to fellow Anglicans in the Sydney diocese," she adds.
