At the Desert Harvest Car Show, Jesus is in the driver’s seat. We all know the old adage, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This comes from the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus said it. Covenant Hot Rod Association and Valor Christian Center have teamed up to make this principle a reality.
Don Webb leads the Covenant Hot Rod Association, a 21-year-old organization that uses its display of antique and customized automobiles and trucks to spread the Gospel through gentle conversation and Christian themed giveaways, while benefiting those who have served our country.
“Any way that we can reach people for Jesus Christ, we do it,” said Webb, of Mesa, whose motto for the association is “Fully Restored, Serving the Lord.”
This show is connected with Valor Christian Center, a Gilbert church. They have teamed up and selected a local charity that benefits veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), Soldier’s Best Friend. The charity receives the money raised through the car owners’ show registration fees.
Covenant Hot Rod’s cars and trucks will be participating at the show in Gilbert on Saturday, Nov. 5. The Desert Harvest Car Show is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Valor Christian Center, at 3015 E. Warner Road (west of Higley Road on the South side of Warner).
The charity, Soldier’s Best Friend will benefit from the show and private donations during the show. The Phoenix-based organization pairs dogs rescued from shelters with veterans suffering from PTSD or TBI.
Webb expects at least 75 to 100 car owners for the show, and this will be the seventh show at Valor Christian Center.
Finding owners who want to display their car is relatively easy, said Webb, a former pastor. First, there’s the fact that “any car owner likes to show off his car,” Webb said. In addition, the car owners have an opportunity to win trophies and other prizes, for best of show, best paint, best engine, best interior, and the prestigious mayor’s trophy and other categories.
Many of the spectators who come appreciate that the car show is free to view and take pictures. People come and ogle the muscle cars, restored classics, and other impeccably retooled hot rods, while their owners come to show them off and win awards.
Car owners also receive a “goody bag” for being part of the show, that contains car related items, as well as items that help Webb deliver his message.
“The Bible tells us, in essence, to be either the light of the world or the salt of the earth,” Webb said. “What we do is bring the Gospel to these guys and gals with the help of some very neat cars.”