The Founder’s Story – Mike French

After retiring from nearly 40 years of advertising and marketing within the auto recycling industry, I founded a new non-profit organization: the Christian Auto Recyclers & Vendors Association—or simply, CARVA.

Why CARVA?

There are Christians present in every industry, including ours, and they want to know who each other are. They desire fellowship, encouragement, and opportunities to work together. This is not unusual—many industries already have Christian associations. For example, there is the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (sports), the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (publishers), the Christian Educators Association (educators), the Christian Legal Society (lawyers), the Christian Organization of Psychiatry (psychiatrists), and literally thousands more. (Just search “Christian associations” online and you’ll see!)

It is both appropriate and timely for our industry to also have an industry-wide Christian fellowship group.

I Was in the “Christian Secret Service”

For many years, I was part of what I call the Christian Secret Service. By this I mean I didn’t do much to let others know I was a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. I tried to live a decent life: I didn’t get intoxicated, I avoided foul language, and I treated others with respect. But I rarely shared Christ directly with others in the industry.

Then something happened that changed everything.

Receiving Terrible News Made Me See What’s Important

One day I met with a young businessman who was eager to take his company to the next level. For three hours, I shared advertising methods and marketing strategies with him. He was outgoing, enthusiastic, full of life, and completely open to anything I had to say.

On his way home after our meeting, he was killed in a head-on collision. When I heard the news, I was heartbroken. I realized I had spent three hours with him and never once mentioned God. He had been so open and approachable, and I could have easily spoken to him about spiritual matters. I may have even been the last person to speak with him.

That day, I made a pledge:

I will never let that happen again. Now, I always pray before I meet with someone, and I intentionally look for natural ways to include Christ in our conversation. I remain polite and never pushy, but because of this approach, I’ve been able to share Christ with willing listeners on several occasions.

This experience confirmed to me the importance of one of CARVA’s two main purposes: to share Christ with the industry.

Knowing Other Believers Within the Industry

CARVA’s second purpose is to connect Christians in the industry with one another.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of discovering numerous believers within the auto recycling industry. Having fellowship with them at industry events has been a tremendous encouragement to me. Unfortunately, many Christians remain “invisible” in our circles, blending into the crowd. If you didn’t already know they were fellow believers, you likely wouldn’t notice it.

That is why CARVA is committed to shining a light on Christian professionals in our industry. When believers become aware of each other, they encourage, strengthen, and support one another.

CARVA’s Two Purposes

CARVA has two simple purposes:

1. To share Jesus Christ with the Automotive Recycling Industry.

2. To connect Christians within the Automotive Recycling Industry to each other.

Making Christian Connections in the Automotive Recycling Industry

Visit www.carva.group, complete the form near the top, and leave your contact information so we can keep you updated about CARVA. And when you’re at an industry event, be sure to stop by our booth—we’d love to meet you.

Rev. Mike French, Chaplain
Founder & Executive Director, CARVA