Why Is Auto Ministry Inc. And How Does It Work?

Our mission statement will tell you the “what” is our ministry, but does not tell you the “why” of the ministry. Why do we do what we do?

The founders’ purpose is to help spread the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST by assisting missionaries and other ministers with their transportation needs. We know that the time they spend on transportation issues will subtract from available family and ministry time. We know that transportation costs are usually the second highest expense after housing needs. We also know that time and money are usually in short supply for those in ministry.

We know that there are many ministers that have these needs. We know that there are many others that are able to help supply those needs. One of our purposes is to wisely meet the needs of the minister with the supply entrusted to others in their role as wise stewards of the funds they have been given to manage.

In addition to the “what” and “why” is the “how” does all this happen?

For the minister, we have an application process to align the request made to Auto Ministry with the best solution. While we accept donations, we do not solicit said donations either money or vehicles. For those who donate, we are an Internal Revenue Service approved 501(c) (3) agency (Fed. ID# 46-5511105). We accept cash and donations of any vehicles. The value of donated vehicles will be determined by I.R.S. regulations, not by Auto Ministry Inc. We want you to be aware of this limitation before you donate.

For the cash donor, we want you to know that we will attempt to devote all cash donations to direct funding for vehicle related expenses. We will attempt to fund administrative cost from the founders and those who desire to help with necessary administrative overhead expenses. For those who donate vehicles, we will add that vehicle to our fleet or attempt to pass directly to ministers those vehicles that will meet the needs of that minister. If the vehicle is not suitable for our use, we will sell it and use the proceeds to acquire a vehicle appropriate for the need of this ministry.

Our primary purpose is to loan vehicles to missionaries on “furlough” or “stateside assignment.” There is a one year time limit if you are returning to the field. (If you need more time, we may grant exemptions on a case by case basis.) We also loan to those missionaries transitioning back from overseas and other ministers with temporary needs. There is a three month time limitation so they can purchase their own car during this transition time. They are free to drive anywhere in the lower 48 contiguous states only. All drivers are required to have a valid U.S. drivers license and submit an application for a drivers record check. Drivers licenses issued by other countries, international drivers licenses, and temporary drivers licenses issued in the USA are not covered by our insurance company. Unless you can qualify for a permanent USA drivers license, you will not be allowed to drive AMI cars. We provide all major maintenance. The minister provides fuel. They also provide minor maintenance if away from the local area. All major repairs, need to be cleared with AMI before any work is performed. We have chosen to use mainly Hondas and Toyotas for this purpose as our main vehicles. If you have one of these and wish to donate it for this purpose, we will gladly accept them. If you wish to donate any other vehicle or a specialty vehicle (e.g. pickup truck, RV, etc.,) we will be glad to use those if possible. Ministers also have need of these specialized vehicles from time to time.

In summary, for the missionary or minister, we will attempt to honor their request by providing the best vehicle for their transportation needs; and for the donor, we will to attempt to be a “good steward” of the donation.