Faith in Action

Written By Chris O'Connor

My favorite verse in Scripture comes from James 2: 26. You gotta love Saint James. He wasn’t shy. He spoke his mind and was a fervent evangelist who believed our Actions speak volumes. He was the first of the Apostles martyred. James was the brother of John the Evangelist, sons of Zebedee. Peter, James & John were arguably the 3 closest, most trusted apostles to Jesus. James and John were the first two apostles to follow Jesus. They were with Jesus at the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. Jesus brought Peter, James & John with Him into the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas betrayed our Lord.

I think what I like most about Saint James, is that he is passionate and doesn’t mince words. He is very black & white when it comes to leading by example. Back in the days of Jesus, the Scribes and Pharisees talked about being faithful and following the many to the laws of God. Saint James set everyone straight, and it applies to Christians and people of all faiths today as well.

Some people pit the words of St. Paul and St. James against each other. The fact is all too often folks take Saint Paul out of context when he essentially says: “if you have faith and believe in Jesus, you are saved.” That is only half the reading. Saint Paul also says: “we need to follow and imitate Jesus. We are called to act like Jesus.” Paul is far more eloquent but in line with the bold words of Saint James.

“WWJD” - What Would Jesus Do? This is the basis for the book of Saint James!

So many of us are very proud. We don’t like asking for help. But if you or I needed help, got mugged, hit by a car, fell off a ladder, got sick, lost our job … I would appreciate the prayers of others, but I would also welcome their outward action and support as well. That is Exactly what Jesus would do. We are called to do the same. Your assignment: read the 5 short chapters of St James.

James 2:26

“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

Reflection:

Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for all the blessings You have given me. Please help me to be more watchful and alert so I can be ready to share Your Grace and help others on a daily basis and imitate You, demonstrating true Faith in Action. I ask this through the intercession of Your beloved Saint James.

Chris O'Connor

Chris O'Connor

NFP Executive Director, COO/CFO and striving to be a Servant Leader

With nearly three decades of leadership experience with Fortune 100 and privately held companies, Chris O'Connor brings a triple focus and experience with hands-on, front-line P&L Operations Service Management, Corporate Finance and 10 years Non-Profit Leadership experience in the NFP world. A skilled Leader & Manager, Chris leads from the front by example. He is currently CFO for Abound Food Care, a NFP focused on ending hunger and food waste for all people, one community at a time.

In 2012, Chris founded a 100% volunteer run and funded Food Pantry. Ten years later, Chris continues to collaborate with businesses, churches, schools and civic groups to feed 48,000 people per year with >700,000 pounds of food valued at over $7 million at RSM Cares Food Pantry and SFSolano Pantry. Chris created this thriving Pantry and remains responsible for:

• Fundraising, Grants, Donor Engagement / Retention
• Board Development / Recruitment
• Administration, Financials, Compliance, Website, Social Media
• Food Sourcing, Vendor Negotiations, Logistics
• Program Development - Food Drives, Special Distributions
• Volunteer Development / Retention: (individual, civic, business)
• Client Engagement / Appreciation and Community Public Relations

Chris also leads a CXO Consulting business, ProCXO4U, delivering solutions to Owners/CEOs who focus on growing their business' top line and technology, while ProCXO4U works to:

• Implement Both Tactical and Strategic Plans
• Maximize /Grow Profits and Improve Cash Flows
• Increase Operational efficiency and Mitigate Risk
• Create Culture of Urgency/Concern for Values and Mission • Optimize Supply Chain
• Drive improved Customer and Employee Retention
• Assist / Mentor / Coach / Turnaround

"Come Empty, Leave Filled" In 2019, Chris was honored as Hometown Hero by Fruitful Futures Project for his work with the Homeless and

Veterans. Chris has also helped lead the turnaround and start up 3 other NFP Pantries.

In 2022, Chris was humbly nominated for Catholic Man of Year along with 9 other candidates for the Diocese of Orange. A 3rd degree Knight of Columbus, Deputy Grand Knight, he also has lead the Catholic Men's Fellowship chapter at Solano Catholic church in RSM for over 10 years. He has attended Alpha, CRHP and Cursillo as well.

Chris has been married for over 30 years to Diana and together they have been blessed to raise 4 awesome young adults. Chris and Diana live in Mission Viejo and attend San Francisco Solano Parish.

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