Christ First Forum

Church fills up tanks, hearts in time for Easter

Posted: 9:01 PM Apr 23, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - If you're planning on traveling by car this Easter weekend, you'll need gas to get there. But those road trips can become costly as the price of gas continues to climb.

Now one church has opened its pocket and heart - hoping to help some who really need it just in time for an Easter celebration.

The Overcoming Believers Church in Knoxville held a free gas giveaway - "Gas and Glory" - at the Exxon on Cherry Street and East Magnolia Avenue, where many cars waited in line to fill their tanks for free.

"Gas is just crazy expensive right now," says the Rev. Daryl Arnold, pastor of Overcoming Believers.

His church is pitching in with almost $11,000 worth of gas.

"We believe as a church that we're suppose to be making an impact on our community," said Arnold.

That's why for the second time, they're helping beat back an economic burden. The church is paying for more than 350 people to put 15 dollars worth of gas in their vehicles. Keeping the gas gage from hitting empty.

"Get a taste of free gas," says Theodore Gurley who was in line to get gas. "That will carry me on, because at the time, I was at the end of my rope 'til Tuesday, to pay KUB. And if I can't come up with that money, my service will be cut off.

The "Gas and Glory" event is not just about rising prices, It's about a risen Savior, Arnold said.

"We believe that Jesus died for us, and gave us a gift. So we want to be able to give that gift back."

In addition to the Exxon on East Magnolia, free gas was given away at the Pilot on Western and University avenues.

The last time Pastor Arnold and his church spread the goodwill two years ago, they gave out more than $7,000 worth of gas.

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