Operation Inasmuch Moves Into Missouri and Michigan

Kirkwood Baptist Church, Kirkwood, MO (suburb of St. Louis) became the first church in Missouri to utilize Operation Inasmuch to penetrate their community for Christ.  On October 13 they mobilized 82% of their average attendance throughout their community helping people in need.  They conducted a wide variety of projects including a Winterize Car Check project, a Block Party, and a Clean-Up Kirkwood project in which members went to the business district and swept sidewalks, picked up trash and engaged people along the way. 

Kirkwood’s Door-to-Door project produced one of the more interesting stories.  As their team was moving door-to-door through a neighborhood, they were flagged down by a woman needing their help.  She had light bulbs burned out and was unable to change them due to a slight disability.  They took care of it for her and replaced the batteries in her smoke alarms.  When she asked if they could also clean her yard, they happily took that on, too.

They encountered a teenager when they knocked on his door and learned his mother was in the hospital.  When he learned they were not there to sell him something but to help him, he gladly received their help and encouragement.  He came to the church the following day to express his gratitude for the church’s help.  The leaders of Kirkwood’s OIAM summarized his sharing this way:  “He was totally impressed with our team’s attitude and smiles.  He said having that spirit around him was exactly what he needed that day.  It wasn’t the light bulbs or the offer to rake his yard – it was the feeling that someone cared.”

Peace Church, Middleville, MI (suburb of Grand Rapids) was the first church to do Operation Inasmuch in Michigan.  Pastor David Korsen attended a workshop David Crocker led at the Externally Focused Church Conference in May, bought a book on Operation Inasmuch, and went home to plan and lead his church’s event.  They conducted 10 projects, 2 of which were done at a later date.  One was at a local Laundromat where they fed the machines for those who came to do their laundry.  Associate Pastor Bill Scholtens says, “One woman who came broke down and cried because of her situation.  Turns out she was totally broke, so we helped her with her laundry.  She had just moved into an apartment but her furniture was in storage.  Some of our members got trucks the following week and moved her stuff into her apartment.  We also helped with rent and groceries.  Rosemary is now coming to our church and getting involved.  Without Operation Inasmuch, we would never have discovered her.”

Peace went to their Township and asked what they could do to help the community and they were directed to an historic cemetery.  On the day of Inasmuch, a team from Peace spent the day repairing the cemetery and community leaders have been most appreciative.

Other churches in the Grand Rapids area are now hearing about Operation Inasmuch as an effective way to mobilize believers beyond the walls of their church buildings. 

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