You don’t have to be a big celebrity to inspire others. Just ask Justin Korva and Andy Mitchell.
Korva is a 20-year-old who just wants to work hard. And boy, does he ever. His daily grind starts well before he checks in at the office. See, Korva has to walk three miles just to get to work. And it’s not just a run-of-the-mill three mile stretch—he’s trekking a total six miles roundtrip in the scorching Texas heat (anyone who has ever experienced a Texas summer knows just how incredible a feat that truly is) in his uniform to get to and from his shift at the local Taco Casa in Rockwall, Texas. His goal: earn enough money to buy himself a car.
When you think of all the shortcuts people take today, this is truly remarkable.
Andy Mitchell thought so, too. Mitchell drove by the young man on his way to work one day and decided to roll down the window and offer him a ride. Think of how many cars must’ve passed this young man as he labored in the heat, three miles each way. How many offered a ride? How many drove on by? As they drove, Korva explained his situation. He told Mitchell he was trying to better himself and was saving up for a car.
Mitchell, a burly Texan, was deeply moved by Korva’s attitude and dedication. As a small business owner himself, Mitchell says he’s heard all the excuses in the book as to why people can’t make it in on time, but here was walking proof positive that if you wanted something badly enough, you could get it.
After dropping the young man off at work, Mitchell knew he had to do something and posted about the experience Facebook.
“To all the people that say they want to work but can’t find a job or don’t have a vehicle all I can say is you don’t want it bad enough,” Mitchell wrote.
Dozens in the community saw the post and, within hours, a fundraising effort was underway to get Korva a car. As CBS News reported, Samee Dowlatshahi, owner of Samee’s Pizza Getti Italian Bistro & Lounge in Rockwell, put a donation box inside his pizza joint to support the cause, and in less than 48 hours, they’d raised more than $5,500. Meanwhile, Danny Rawls, general sales manager of the local Toyota, got wind of the inspiring story and knew he too could help.
“I presented [the situation] to my general manager and said, ‘Hey, let’s help the kid. It seems like a great story,'” Rawls told CBS News.
His boss agreed, and they decided to reduce the price of a 2004 Camry they had on the lot. When all was said and done, they were able to buy Korva a car, plus a year’s worth of insurance, two years of oil changes, and a $500 gas card. All that was left to do was surprise the young man with his new set of wheels, and Mitchell once again took to social media last week to share the good news:
“I can’t say how thankful I am for the outpouring of donations for Justin,” he wrote. “Sammie and I purchased this car this morning along with a $500 gas card and with the remainder of the donations coming in we will buy him a full year of insurance. Thanks so much to everyone who has helped as we still have donations coming in. We will pick his car up tomorrow and give it to him after work. Everyone who has helped with this are amazing and you just helped a hardworking young man out with all your generosity. God receives all the glory we are just the messengers for gods good works!!! God is good all the time!”
https://www.facebook.com/andy.mitchell.90813/posts/1757390351019809
Last Friday, Mitchell, Dowlatshahi, Rawls, and others in the community drove the white 2004 Camry to Taco Casa and asked Korva to come outside. The emotional reveal was captured on video and posted to Love What Matters on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/lovewhatreallymatters/videos/vb.691679627521105/1566898286665897/?type=2&theater
“Justin, you can’t imagine all the people who wanted to help you,” Mitchell said. “So, instead of walking to work, buddy, you’re driving this car from now on.”
Korva was understandably overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity, as he exchanged tearful hugs with those who had gathered. Mitchell proceeded to introduce the young man to Dowlatshahi, who used the moment to praise God for bringing them all together.
“This is not about any of us,” the restauranteur proclaimed. “This is about Christ. It’s all about what we believe in. It’s about our faith… Give all the glory to God.”
A woman in the crowd agreed, adding: “I know it’s incredible. Ain’t God good?”
UPDATE: Since getting the car, Justin has been enjoying his new commute. He’s saving so much time, in fact, that he’s decided to pick up a second job. What incredible work ethic!