Operation Inasmuch installing free blessing boxes – At Operation Inasmuch, compassion is at the heart of our mission. They envision a compassionate movement that extends throughout our country and the world, starting with the church. As a ministry, they are dedicated to supporting this movement of compassion in any way they can.
Operation Inasmuch installing free blessing boxes
One area where Operation Inasmuch focuses their efforts is addressing food insecurity. Studies have shown that adults facing food insecurity often sacrifice their own meals or reduce portions to provide for their children until payday. Many families experiencing food insecurity don’t qualify for food bank assistance or are hesitant to seek help due to the associated stigma. Unfortunately, a single setback can push a household into food insecurity—such as job layoffs, unexpected expenses, or medical bills. This is where blessing boxes comes in, aiming to bridge this gap and spread compassion.
In 2022, Operation Inasmuch installed three blessing boxes, and in 2023, their goal is to install thirteen more, totaling sixteen boxes. These boxes are placed in front of churches, schools, businesses, and even a barbershop. Built and painted with the help of volunteers, each new installation is an opportunity for these blessing boxes to meet genuine needs, provide hope, and even spark conversations about Jesus and spirituality.
Learn more about blessing boxes.
Compassion can be expressed in countless ways, both big and small, in everyday moments. Regardless of the approach, let’s embrace compassion for others and put our faith into action—sometimes even in the form of a box, a blessing box that is.
Compassion is love in action, motivating us to go out of our way to alleviate the emotional, mental, or physical suffering of others. It goes beyond mere empathy, inspiring us to take tangible steps to help. Jesus serves as the ultimate example of compassion, showing love and care for women, children, outcasts, and even disliked individuals of his time. He demonstrated compassion by sharing the gospel and caring for others. In an act of humility, Jesus washed people’s feet, embodying selflessness and sacrifice.
Let us follow in Jesus’ footsteps and address real needs in our world today. One powerful way to do so is through food. The Bible is filled with verses, passages, and stories emphasizing the importance of feeding the hungry. Today, the need for food remains prevalent worldwide. Hunger in our community may seem overwhelming and never-ending, especially with rising costs and food insecurity. Despite the efforts of food banks, soup kitchens, and non-profit organizations, statistics reveal that hunger affects 1 in every 8 people and 1 in every 6 children. Inflation further strains limited grocery budgets, making it challenging to bring enough food home. In Tennessee, the average meal now costs $3.07 and continues to rise rapidly.
Recognizing these ongoing challenges, Operation Inasmuch wanted to contribute to addressing hunger in the Knoxville, TN area. In 2022, Operation Inasmuch, decided to install blessing boxes—small pantries that hold non-perishable food items and essential supplies—within and around our community. Blessing boxes provide 24/7 access to those in need, reducing the shame and stigma associated with seeking help.
These boxes are strategically placed throughout the community, including churches, businesses, parks, and neighborhoods. They allow people to both contribute items and take what they need in a private and non-threatening manner.
Best of all they are putting these boxes with blessings in them up for free and with the help of volunteers.
Learn more at: operationinasmuch.org
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