Campbell University participates in Operation Inasmuch

From contributed reports

Campbell students Patrick Brown and Samuel Dail carry bricks to work on a garden bed at a local house.

Photo by Shannon Ryals

Campbell University

BUIES CREEK - More than 300 Campbell University students, faculty and staff participated in the statewide project Operation Inasmuch on April 19.

Operation Inasmuch is a one-day community missions blitz that involves various service and ministry projects.

The participants met in the morning and received encouraging words from Faithe Beam, campus minister at Campbell University, and John Bartlett, assistant professor of biological sciences.

"This is what love is all about," said Bartlett. "Let's roll up our sleeves, get on our knees and get connected with the community."

The students, faculty and staff were split into teams and sent to various projects around the area. Some teams went to homes and helped with landscaping, painting and general repairs.

Another group took on the task of building a wheelchair ramp.

The School of Pharmacy's team provided a health fair that covered diabetes, blood pressure, nutrition, and "Ask the Pharmacist."

Sophomore Patrick Brown put down bricks all morning to make a garden bed for a local woman who couldn't do it herself.

"I'm glad to be here," said Brown. "This is a great opportunity to get out and help."

Sophomore Lenzy Stephenson also worked on the garden.

"The project I worked on was rewarding because I was able to see a finished result."

Not only did the students, faculty and staff get involved, but even the administration of the university got their hands dirty.

Dwaine Greene, vice president for academic affairs, led an all- girl team to tear down playground equipment at Erwin First Baptist Church.

"This day was such a success we should do it once a semester," Greene said.

Junior Meredith Brunson was on Greene's team.

"We hear so much about doing missions in other countries, but it is good to do things in our own communities," she said. "It's good to be aware of projects around here too."

When the volunteers met back at campus for lunch, they had an opportunity to tell about their day.

Junior Allison Phillips had taken a group to Britthaven Nursing Home. They held a Bingo game for the residents.

"It was a very good experience and we had a good time," Phillips said. "We were told people showed up for our game that never really left their rooms."

Campbell plans to make Operation Inasmuch an annual event.

"I think Operation Inasmuch was successful because we had students, faculty and staff who were willing to give of their day to help others in the name of Christ," said Beam. "The persons to whom we ministered in turn blessed us immeasurably. The day was a beautiful portrait of what living out our faith looks like. I pray that it is a reminder of how we are to live our daily lives by showing the love of Christ."