Amber’s Story: How meeting the mayor helped us find Agape love
…and give away a beautiful crowd-funded Corolla.
Earlier this year while hanging out on the front lawn of my buddy’s house I happened to run into Matthew Porter, the mayor of Wylie, Texas. You would’ve thought I met the pope for how excited I was. The guy was so genuine and listened intently as I explained to him what we get to do at OnRamp DFW. Not a minute later Mayor Porter was telling me how I could get in touch with possible single mothers in need of transportation. And that is how Onramp DFW was invited into Amber’s Story.
To fully appreciate Amber’s story, you must be familiar with agape love. I’m not only referring to the Greek word for love that means transcendent and unconditional care. I’m also referring to the Agape Center for Resource and Assistance in Plano, Texas. This is where Amber has found housing, hope, and agape love for the past year. You see, not long ago Amber found herself in a difficult situation without a vehicle and responsible for the care of her 11-year old son. She was spending $700+ a month using Uber rides to get her and her boy to the most necessary daily appointments. Then she lost her home.
Amber’s faith in a loving God wouldn’t let her give up hope. Through prayer and provision, Amber was introduced to the Agape Center, where they made space for her and her son. But Agape was much more than a temporary bed. Founder Janet Collinsworth and manager Marissa Day put their loving arms around Amber, carefully considered all of her needs, and helped her make a game plan on her road to self-sufficiency.
The Agape Center has a holistic approach to care that trains and counsels in health, housing, childcare, vocation, and (you guessed it!) transportation. That’s where OnRamp DFW comes into the picture. If you'll remember, a while back we asked for your help to be able to purchase a reliable Corolla in fantastic shape (pictured above), which we were directed to by our extended OnRamp family in Brazos County. After a few weeks of titling, detailing, and having a full inspection by our friends at Christian Brothers North Dallas, the Corolla was ready to provide one of the key components for Amber’s road back to a self-sustaining life — reliable transportation.
Last week my wife, kids and I joined the OnRamp DFW team in handing over the keys to Amber. By Amber’s side were her biggest fans, Janet and Marissa. They couldn’t say enough about Amber’s hard work in increasing her work opportunities, and how much she deserved this opportunity. Amber couldn’t stop talking about God’s love that has poured out on her through Agape and OnRamp DFW. We were so happy to be part of the celebration that day. You could see hope in her beautiful smile and joy in her boy’s laughter. What an amazing thing of which we get to take part.
Thank you to the amazing people at Agape Center, Mayor Porter, and everyone who made it possible for Amber’s family to drive away in a beautiful Toyota Corolla and continue her life-long ministry of loving others with the agape love of God.
