(Houston, Texas) In a world often marked by hardship and uncertainty, stories of genuine compassion and faith in action shine brightly like beacons of hope. K-LOVE's Monika Kelly had the privilege of speaking with Justin Coggins, the driving force behind God's Garage, a remarkable ministry that's not just fixing cars, but also mending broken lives and igniting a spiritual spark in the hearts of single mothers and widows.
Get ready to be moved by this story of God's unwavering love and the power of community.
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Justin's humility is striking. When asked about the impact of God's Garage, particularly the emotional responses, he shares, "Oh my gosh. I think I've probably cried more than anybody. Just to be honest, it's just amazing."
Justin tells the story of a veteran woman, outwardly successful but secretly living in her car, a reminder that struggles we face often fly under the radar. "What we were able to do, and this is typically how it works," Justin explains, his voice filled with wonder, "The Lord always does this on a regular basis with us. We met the need. We were able to fix her car, repair it. That same week, she found a stable job and she found a place to live all in the same week." The tears he describes are not of sadness, but of profound joy and gratitude for God's provision.
This miraculous intervention is not an isolated incident. "It's like that every week," Justin shares with obvious excitement. "Like tomorrow, we're going to give away three cars and the same thing is going to happen. We're going to cry our eyes out and rejoice and be happy and watch these ladies cry themselves and know that they have on the right track of bettering themselves and breaking that poverty mentality and life cycle off of them and showing their kids there's a better way. And there's good people out there still able to help."
The conversation shifts to the absence of strong male figures in the lives of many of the women they serve. As a minister of the gospel, Justin's response is deeply rooted in his faith. "We don't care here about platforms. We don't care about a name. We care about one name and that's Jesus. And we want to lift him high and we want to represent him very well. And so it's an honor and a privilege for us to do that."
He says he is not alone in this endeavor, highlighting the many godly men involved who model Christ-like character. This consistent positive influence leaves a lasting impression. "When they go back to their life, they have an image in their mind of what a godly person looks like or how they speak or how they're supposed to act. And so it gives them a better vision of what they need for their own life."
The impact extends far beyond the individual women. Monika got a chance to encourage Justin by saying,"You're changing generations."
Justin agrees. "Yeah, that's, that's what it's about. You know, our mission is expanding in that aspect. We want to make a generational impact." He explains that for every single mother they assist, there are often three children who witness God's goodness in their lives. This seeds of faith are further nurtured through their monthly "Tuesday Tune-ups," a Zoom-based gathering where women from different seminars connect, share their journeys, and encourage one another in their faith and life changes. Justin shares, "We're just a very small part, play a small role in these ladies' lives," but it's clear his role is significant in planting seeds of hope and transformation.
Monika Kelly, speaking from a woman's perspective, beautifully articulates the vulnerability of a single woman facing car troubles without support. "I can just imagine they feel probably scooped up by the love of God when you help them."
Justin wholeheartedly agrees. "Yeah, that's absolutely right. It's true. First of all, some people can't believe it. They're like, are you sure this is really happening? Is this true? And, uh, it's not, it's actually good to be true. It's actually what we're called to do."
The most inspiring revelation comes when Justin shares the spiritual impact of their ministry. "One thing I want to share with you in those "Restore You's," when we share the gospel, right now of the last five seminars, we're seeing an 80% of these ladies accept Jesus as their Lord and savior for the first time. It is phenomenal numbers." This incredible group of life transformations underscores the divine purpose woven into the very fabric of God's Garage. "They come here looking for a car and car repairs, but at the end of the day, they end up finding Jesus and a car. And so it works hand in hand and it's just wonderful to be a part of."
Unlike other organizations, God's Garage has a clear mission for donated vehicles: to repair them and gift them to local single mothers in need. Their efficient process includes vehicle pick-up, even across state lines. Justin assures potential donors that no vehicle is overlooked. "What we do is evaluate each one of those cars and our evaluation will tell us whether it's worth it to repair. And if it's not worth it, what we can do is salvage that vehicle, take those funds, put a ride back into fixing other cars." Their reach currently extends within a 75-mile radius, with the possibility of future expansion.
Reflecting on the journey since 2010 and their non-profit status achieved in 2016, Justin humbly acknowledges God's hand in their growth, including a significant boost from an appearance on the Kelly Clarkson Show in 2020. When asked what God has shown him over the years, his answer is profound in its simplicity: "You know, it's to stay humble, carry a big vision and press in. This is one thing I know for sure. We only do what He tells us to do. We don't do anything less. We don't do anything more. We just do exactly what He tells us to do. And we go after the one--we're looking for one person at a time. And when we find them, the Lord brings another. And then brings another. And so we just keep going after the one."
Beyond donations, God's Garage welcomes volunteers. Their impressive 10,000 square foot facility, equipped with air conditioning, provides a comfortable and organized space for service. Opportunities range from working in the shop to assisting with seminars, paperwork, and phone calls. Justin proudly shares that they have given away just under 800 cars since their inception, a testament to the collective impact of their dedicated team and generous donors.
The foundation of God's Garage lies in a simple act of compassion – seeing a need and acting on it. Justin beautifully summarizes their core mission: "As believers, we're called to help and we're not trying to build our own kingdoms. We're just trying to build the kingdom of God and point people in the right direction." Their commitment to sharing the Gospel alongside practical help is unwavering.
"What good is it if give someone a car, but yet we don't share the gospel and they don't have an opportunity to make it to heaven? And that's something that's very dear to my heart and something very important. And, we'd much rather lead them to Christ and also give them a vehicle. So it has to go together."
Justin's inspiring vision and the tangible impact of God's Garage serve as a powerful reminder that faith in action can transform lives and communities. By meeting practical needs and sharing the love of Christ, they are not only providing transportation but also paving the way for hope, healing, and eternal life.