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Operation Inasmuch offers free services
By LINDA M. LINONIS
WARREN
A verse in Scripture from Matthew 25: 37-40, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, My brethren, you did it to Me,” provides the impetus for Operation Inasmuch.
The project, planned Saturday by Central Christian Church throughout the Warren community, offers an array of free services and help.
The local effort is based on a national program that the Rev. Caroline Bloomfield, former pastor, shared with the church. Operation Inasmuch began at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville, N.C., in 1995. Now, more than 36 churches in Fayetteville are involved.
The Rev. Ms. Bloomfield died in January, but her vision is continued by the Rev. Dr. Darrell C. Filler, interim pastor of Central Christian. On the planning committee are Donna Beatty, Ken Conklin, James F. Shively and Dr. Filler.
“This Christian ministry is for people of the church to reach out beyond the walls,” said Dr. Filler. “The whole idea is not to be church- based but out in the community.”
This is the third year for Central Christian’s project that involves more than 75 church members. “The members have fun and fellowship and a sense of accomplishing something,” said Dr. Filler.
Also participating in the effort are members of Niles First Christian, baking cookies for fire and police departments and nursing homes; Bolindale Christian Church, working on a ball field; Champion Christian Church, building a handicap ramp; and Lordstown First Christian. Rain date is Aug. 21.
Central Christian members will meet for breakfast at 7 a.m. at the church, 2051 E. Market St., followed by a brief worship service.
Participants can be identified by the royal-blue T-shirts with the Operation Inasmuch logo.
“They do it for the joy of helping others,” Dr. Filler said.
Community projects begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at noon. Among activities are:
Free car checks at Union Auto Parts on South Main Street.
Free blood-pressure checks at the Giant Eagle on Elm Road.
Free yard work and litter cleanup, nursing home visitations and painting projects in the community.
Lap robes will be cut and knotted at the church
The youth group will distribute free school supplies to children who are accompanied by an adult.
Last year, Dr. Filler said a woman who stopped to get her blood pressure checked learned about the school supplies giveaway, went to the church with her four children and returned to the blood pressure site to thank church members.
She said the free supplies were a godsend.
More information about Operation Inasmuch may be obtained by calling the church at 330-372-1676 or visiting the website at www.operationinasmuch.com/.