Stacy Long
AFA Journal staff writer
June 2016 – When new deacon Dan Georgopulos missed his first deacon’s meeting, he fell victim to the old adage “Miss a meeting, and you’ll get a job.” Sure enough, he was tagged to lead a single parent ministry at his Colorado church. Once he and his wife began leading the group, he found that God had led him into that ministry, and not just for the 30 single moms he met with in his church.
“It started with this feeling that God wanted me to learn about His heart for the widow,” he said. “I found that chera is the Greek word for widow and describes the situation of being without the covering of a husband, whether from death, abuse, abandonment, anything.”
Now, Hands of the Carpenter, the ministry Georgopulos started in 2003, reaches over 200 women each year.
“As we asked single moms how we could help, home repair was one need and car repair was another,” he said. “Those are sensitive issues that create a situation where they could be taken advantage of.”
Georgopulos recognized that car problems were crucial. Brake failure, blown-out tires, or an overheated radiator can launch a domino effect.
“Jobs can be lost,” he said. “Homes can be lost. Some end up living in their cars.”
So the Hands team offers practical services such as oil changes, car repairs, and safety inspections.
A hand up, not a hand out
Their goal is not just to dispel issues of poverty, but for single moms to become self-sufficient. Therefore, women are required to bring the oil filter for an oil change and pay 35% of the cost of their car’s repairs. To continue in a two-year relationship with Hands, they must commit to attend car care classes, volunteer at car care clinics for other women, be responsible with regular vehicle maintenance, and share family updates.
The goal is for women to participate in supplying their own needs. This is reflected in selecting candidates who will make the most out of resources provided.
“We look for how our assistance will start the process of becoming self-sufficient,” Georgopulos explained. “Not all are good fits for getting out of poverty. Some would rather stay there, and some really want out. So our target clients are those who demonstrate the desire for self-sufficiency.”
Hands itself operates on the principle of self-sufficiency, running an independent auto shop called Hands Automotive that, along with gifts from sponsors and donors, generates funding for the 500 plus repairs Hands does for women each year. Hands also gives mothers donated vehicles in an annual event the day before Mother’s Day.
The principles of the Hands’ ministry are laudable and could well be replicated. Even without having had experience in the automotive industry, Georgopulos saw a need and the biblical calling to address it, and he responded. It is no more than anyone could do.
“There is great value in whatever work one does to serve others, but the greatest value is in the time you offer, even if you’re just bringing a loaf of bread,” he said. “It tells that you consider them to be valuable enough to give them time and an ear and a hug.” 
handsofthecarpenter.org
303-526-4488
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The Caring People
Another ministry that demonstrates giving the gift of time to single mothers is the Caring People. Started in 1997 in Springfield, Missouri, by JoDee Herschend (hfecorp.com), the Caring People connects single moms to care groups where they receive biblical mentoring and experience God’s love. Christian women are invited to reach out to unchurched single moms with care groups in their own communities.
thecaringpeople.org
877-227-3525
