The Story Behind His Chosen Place
Two businesses. One owner. One calling.
How It All Started
My name is Michael Carrara. I've been working on cars since I was 10 years old — it started as something I loved and turned into a 30-plus year career. I've been operating MNC Automotive for years, and in 2023 it became official when I legally opened the business. In August 2025 I moved from Wendell, NC to Warrenton, NC and brought the shop with me, building it into a place where people know they're going to be treated right.
Over the years I've gotten to know my customers on a personal level. You spend enough time with people and you start to see what they're carrying. A single mom trying to get to work. Someone who just lost a job. A family stretched thin. I'd finish a repair and feel like I was supposed to do something more than just hand them a bill.
In 2020 I founded His Chosen Place as a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit to make that possible in a real, structured way. It's not connected to MNC Automotive on paper — they're two different businesses — but they work hand in hand. The shop is where I meet people. His Chosen Place is how I help them.
Sometimes I'll take something off the bill. Sometimes I'll do extra work at no charge. Sometimes I may not say anything at all — I just do what I feel like I'm supposed to do in that moment. That's what this is about.
How It Works
There's no application, no waiting list, and no announcement. It happens quietly, one person at a time.
A Customer Comes In
Someone brings their vehicle to MNC Automotive for a repair or service. That's where it starts — just a normal visit to the shop.
I See the Need
I've been doing this long enough to know when someone is struggling. It's not always something they say — sometimes you just know. When I feel like I'm supposed to help, I do.
Help Is Given Quietly
I might take something off the bill. I might do extra work at no charge. I may or may not tell them what I did — it just depends on the situation. His Chosen Place covers the cost behind the scenes.
Why We Have to Be Selective
Right now His Chosen Place operates on a very small base of donors. That means the funds available at any given time are limited, and I have to be thoughtful about when and how I help. Every dollar that comes in goes directly toward covering costs for someone in need — nothing is wasted. As more people choose to give, more people can be helped. It really is that simple.
His Chosen Place is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All contributions are fully tax deductible.
What We Believe
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
— Matthew 25:40
Faith Over Formula
There's no application process. No committee. I act on what I feel called to do and trust that God will direct those moments.
Dignity in Every Interaction
People in need don't need to be reminded of it. Help is given quietly, person to person, without making anyone feel small.
Two Businesses, One Heart
MNC Automotive and His Chosen Place are separate companies, but they're driven by the same purpose — doing right by the people in front of me.
About MNC Automotive
MNC Automotive is my auto repair shop located at 744 US Highway 158 Business West in Warrenton, NC. I've been running the shop for years — it was legally established in 2023 — and in August 2025 I relocated from Wendell, NC to Warrenton and have been building relationships in this community ever since. MNC Automotive and His Chosen Place are two separate businesses — but they share the same owner and the same values. If you need auto repair work done, you can reach the shop at (252) 879-0169.
Want to Be Part of This?
His Chosen Place runs on the generosity of donors. Right now we operate on a small base of giving, which means every contribution directly determines how many people we can help. All donations are tax deductible.