Beyond Church Boundaries
By Theresa Woodard
Sunday, August 17, 2003
BEYOND CHURCH BOUNDARIES Religious leaders often preach about doing good deeds, but a Knoxville church decided instead of just talking, it was time to act. So Central Baptist in Fountain City mobilized 500 members on Saturday, and completed a mission -- to make a difference.
In one room, they sewed blankets for nursing homes. In another, they filled bags with shampoo and soap for the homeless. A few others made lunch for volunteers who were out painting homes.
"I'm fixing turkey sandwiches," laughs one volunteer. "That's my contribution."
The small contributions add up, though.
"Together we are serving the Lord," says volunteer Jim Reid.
"We are trying to make an impact on our community for our Lord," explains Pastor David Crocker We feel like the best way to do that is to demonstrate that as opposed to just talking about it."
Members of Central Baptist in Fountain City decided it was time to prove their faith goes beyond Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. So from a church with an average attendance of 700, turnout was impressive. 500 people showed up to help out.
It's called Operation Inasmuch, a name based in scripture. Volunteers spread hope and happiness.
"Our faith, our religion, is that God cares about people who are victimized and marginalized by society, by culture," Crocker explains. "This is one way we have of showing them we care and God cares, and that's really the message we're trying to send out, that God cares, he's not forgotten about them, he's sent out some of his people to help them."
Nettie McLendon is one of those people getting help. On the same day she turns 79, her house got a new coat of paint. She calls it the best birthday present she's ever had.
"I looked around the house and saw so much that needed to be repaired and I wasn't able to do it," Nettie explained. "So I laid down one night and prayed to the good Lord and he answered my prayer, I guess."
"At the end of the day I hope some people who thought they were forgotten realize they are no longer forgotten. That God cares about them," Crocker says.
Crocker hopes Operation Inasmuch catches on in Knoxville, like it did in North Carolina. He helped launch it at a church there, and now about 200 to 300 churches in the state take part.Reporter: Teresa Woodard