Tech Team: Agape Service Station

One of our more “out there” objectives this trip is to try to see if we can help to start up a micro-business with appropriate technical training and expertise. We had a number of opportunities, but we also have some unique skills within the people who applied. Namely, we have Steve Holt. For those of you don’t know Steve (he’s Becky Callendar’s brother), he’s a professional motorcycle mechanic with Hoosier Harley Davidson in Elkhart, and said about a year ago, “hey, what would you think about seeing if we can help someone start up a motorcycle repair shop?” I ran the idea by Raj, and he said it was a great thought! Result?

You’re now looking at the Agape Service Center! It’s a rented store front where we are training 4 – 6 people the basics on motorcycle repair and maintenance. We’re not going “deep”, per se, into the technical specifics of cracking cases and grinding pistons, but we HAVE developed a “10 Point Checklist” (similar to a 14-point Jiffy Lube) for our new owners to use as they service motorcycles that come in off the street. We also brought about $300 worth of parts and technical gear that will start them on their way, and Life Mission International is providing them with an air compressor and a generator to help with electrical service and spray-washing.

Upon arrival, Steve, Mike, Katie Holt (yes, Steve and Becky’s sister… I tell you, those Holts… they’re adventurous people!) and myself set about the necessary technical training for the 6 new owners, breaking down inspection and basic repair into “chewable” categories. They were all quick studies, and we are now looking at a sort of “soft open” for this Saturday to allow the people of the community to meet, greet and get some free service by the new owners. Want to know what’s funny? Having 4 Americans huddled and involved around the shop has already been better advertising than a flock of billboards. Over the past 2 days, we’ve probably had 200 – 250 villagers wander by and stop to watch the training and interaction between the white skinned freaks and the new business owners. We’re excited about the prospects of this little venture, and have enjoyed being part of its opening and launch.