By Jason Schwartz
Rising gas prices, and a desire to reach the community, have spurred a Boca Raton church toward a unique offering, just in time for Easter.
Members of The Journey Church of Boca Raton spent two Saturdays offering the community 50 cents off per gallon on gasoline for as many people as possible during a two-hour time frame as part of a Gas Buy Down event.
Church members hope the buy down helps people realize churches are here to help.
“With gas prices higher than ever we wondered if we could do something about it. And so we take a couple hours on a Saturday morning, buy down the price of gas and see if we can serve the community,” said Nelson Searcy, lead pastor of the church, which meets at Boca Raton Community High School, 1501 NW 15th Court. (Just off Glades Road at I-95, exit 45). “It’s a very practical way to try to help people. We’re kind of showing Gods love in practical ways and were always looking for ways to do it.”
The Journey’s “Gas Buy Down” took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 9 and March 16 at the Valero Gas Station, 1380 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton, (just north of Glades Road).
Volunteers from the two year old church washed windshields by hands, pumped gas and gave drivers the opportunity to take advantage of the lowest gasoline prices in the region.
“It’s an attention grabber,” said motorist Dewayne Johnson, who stopped by to take advantage of the break. “It’s an exciting way to get their information out. They got a lot of people who were driving by, like myself, to stop in.”
The Journey is a new church in Boca Raton, featuring services each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with casual dress, rockin’ music and practical teaching.
Since its beginning in February, 2011, The Journey has grown to a congregation of several hundred that meet each week.
This community outreach opportunity connects nicely with their
upcoming Easter teaching series about Coming Face to Face with God’s Grace.