Crocker’s Operation Inasmuch told to RCF
While Rotary Club of Farragut participated in raising funds and helping pack food going to the Ukraine during its war with Federation of Russia through Operation Inasmuch, the club learned more about the organization during its meeting in Fox Den Country Club Wednesday, Oct. 26.
A faith-based non-profit worldwide organization, Operation Inasmuch, started by David Crocker, a “retired minister,” is a “model of compassion ministry,” said Crocker who spoke to RCF members.
Crocker founded Operation Inasmuch Inc. in 2006 after serving for several years as senior pastor of Central Baptist Church of Fountain City and later as a trustee of Carson-Newman University.
“His ministry has equipped more than 2,200 churches and other groups in 25 states and four countries to mobilize their members to serve people in need in their community,” RCF public image chairman Tom King stated in RCF’s Oct. 30 Flagship newsletter. “His passion for serving is infectious and his skills at equipping others to serve is unrivaled.”
RCF heard about the organization’s efforts in June, when 950 volunteers, among them some RCF members, packed 277,500 packages of food to help people in Ukraine.
“It was a beautiful event,” Crocker said. “We had the idea to use the food packing process. It fits who we are in terms of helping people.”
While Operation Inasmuch works primarily with churches, RCF member Vicki Williams is one of OI’s board of directors.
Crocker’s recently released book, “Compassionaries: Unleash the Power of Serving,” which is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon, delves into the benefits of serving others.
“I don’t have to convince you of service,” he told Rotarians. “I can help you understand what being of service does and motivate you to serve.
“I really believe all of us have the ability to make a difference,” Crocker added. “(Serving) gives people hope … people have to have hope to do things to help themselves.
“You can set someone back, but it doesn’t stop him unless you take away hope.”
Crocker also has found serving others can change a community.
“You can’t measure the power of serving. It’s quite a power — but it makes a difference,” he said. “I really believe serving others is a beautiful thing to do.
“I’m on a mission to get people to serve,” Crocker added.
The OI founder said he also has discovered young people are willing to serve — they just need the opportunities.
