Pastors Give Grace, Free Gas at the Pump

A cross denominational group of local pastors and dignitaries will make the holidays a little brighter for single parents throughout the Boise, Idaho area by giving them a free tank of gas.

The Christian Churches of Treasure Valley, an association of 80 local churches of various denominations will be at Jackson’s Chevron in Meridian, Idaho, ready to pour $10,000 worth of free gas for those who may be running low on “grace.”

"There are few cultural examples of what grace really means," said Mission Media Executive Director Michael Boerner. "The greatest message of Christianity is the message of grace. We receive God's forgiveness without having to earn it."

Accordingly, the project is called “Grace Gift Parable II” and is a follow up to a unique grace-giving campaign last year. As part of the previous campaign, anyone with unpaid parking tickets were given the opportunity to present them to an area pastor have their fines paid in full – just by asking.

"The impact this has on some people is astounding," said one member of Boise Valley Christian Communion who was part of both Grace Gift Parables. "Last year, some people couldn't get over the fact that something could be forgiven just by asking."

The free gas will be given between 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (MST) on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005. Funds for the campaigns were donated by local businesses and churches.