Inasmuch as a Catalyst

           Ca-ta-ly-tic:  adj. an action between two or more persons or forces, initiated by an agent that itself remains unaffected by the action. 

                Operation Inasmuch is proving to be a catalytic agent for moving individual believers and whole congregations toward compassion ministry.  Consider the story of Farragut Church of Christ in Knoxville, TN.  FCC conducted their first Operation Inasmuch on October 24 as part of a citywide ministry event under the auspices of OIAM, Inc.  Christine Jordan, FCC’s Coordinator, says:  “We had a wonderful event.  Inasmuch did everything I had hoped it would do, primarily move some of our folk toward ongoing mercy ministry.”
                For starters, the Knoxville church had 77% of their average attendance involved in Inasmuch (193 of 250).  Afterward, it was unanimous among the participants that they should do Inasmuch again!  Even before the next Inasmuch rolls around, some of the participants are looking for ways to continue the ministry they began on October 24.  David Crocker, Executive Director of Operation Inasmuch, Inc. says, “This is precisely the transformation we want to see as a result of an Inasmuch event.”
                Perhaps the most remarkable transformation was that of one of the church’s elders who was outspoken in his objection to the event.  He objected because he said he was a traditionalist and the type of ministry Inasmuch advocates is not traditional.  However, despite his objections he volunteered in the truck stop project where volunteers gave coffee and cookies to road weary truckers.  This churchgoing traditionalist heard stories that opened his eyes to some of the struggles people are experiencing these days.  On the Sunday following Inasmuch, he stood and told his congregation he was wrong to oppose Inasmuch and they should do it again next year.  He is currently looking for ways to continue his involvement in the chapel ministry at the truck stop.
                Another group assisted in a family reunion type event at Joni and Friends (www.joniandfriends.org), a ministry to disabled persons.  As a direct result of the October project, the church asked to host the ministry’s Christmas party.  All the volunteers in the October event will be on hand as well as others from the church.
                Finally, a group of teens who went to Horse Haven, a local equine-rescue organization for abused and neglected horses, are making plans to go back in the spring when the weather breaks and once again do grounds maintenance and other facility maintenance to assist the organization. 
                Anyone who wonders whether an Inasmuch is a “one-and-done” event, the experience of Knoxville’s FCC offers convincing evidence that it is in fact catalytic.  Under the Spirit of God who inspires and equips us to serve people in need, Inasmuch places followers of Jesus in circumstances of service where the Spirit opens their eyes and heart to future ministry.

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