Transportation Ministry Seeks Support

When Frank Gaston completed the Restart Training Center Ministry (RTCM) program at the end of December 2020, he knew he needed to avoid going back to the life he had when he was addicted. "I started praying," recalled Gaston, who was seeking God's counsel on what to do next. The answer had four wheels. "I have always worked on cars. They are my hobby," Gaston said.

Before completing the RTCM program, Gaston had worked in warehousing, but he also hustled cars. "I would buy a car from people if I knew they needed money," said Gaston, who soon realized what God was calling him to do. "(God) told me to (buy and sell cars) for good (purposes)," Gaston revealed.

The result is Slow Down Ministries - an organization that currently provides cars for graduates of Christ-centered programs like RTCM, Revelations of Freedom Ministries, The Potter's House, and The Potter's House of Ruth. Gaston, whose title is founder/director, explained that often individuals in recovery have a special need for low-cost transportation. "A lot of times, people in addiction have lost everything, so when they complete a program, they are starting fresh," he noted. "(A graduate) may get a job, say, on a farm in Morgantown, but then there's no way to get them there, and they feel defeated and they may relapse," Gaston explained. Slow Down Ministries can fill the transportation gap by providing a car at a reasonable price.

To fulfill that mission, Gaston currently works with Andrew Lockman of Clearview Complete Auto Care in New Holland, who donates time and garage space to evaluate donated vehicles or ones Gaston has purchased. Cars that cannot be repaired are sold for scrap.

Gaston's dream is to expand the ministry to provide cars for more community members in need. "Down the road, we would like to provide cars for others who can't afford them," he said. "That is something we are working on."

What Gaston needs to make that dream happen is more community support. "I need (volunteer) time, money, parts, labor, whatever the community can give," said Gaston. Slow Down Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a four-member board. Contributors will receive a tax receipt for donations of funds or vehicles.

Gaston knows that growing the ministry will depend on God. Recently, he connected with Christian MissionaryTechnical Services of Reading, an organization which has provided vehicles to missionaries on furlough. The ministry has an abundance of cars to sell, and Gaston sees the opportunity to salvage some of those vehicles for his ministry.

"I want to do more," said Gaston, who noted that the name Slow Down is the opposite of "hustle." "(The name) reminds me to stay focused," he said.

Readers who would like to know more may search for "Slow Down Ministries" on Facebook. Those who have specific questions may call 717-723-7253 or email slowdownministries@gmail.com.