Seven years ago the SEMC started a Community Garden, located in Germain Park. This ministry started in response to a convergence of factors: the needs of our community, partnership with our local food bank, and the gifting and passion of some people who love to interact with God’s creation.  Most years the garden has yielded well over 1,000 lbs of fresh produce, 100% of which is donated to the Inn of the Good Shepherd (our local food bank), who then distribute it to those in need in our community. In 2014, Les and Julia Henderson, went with a small team from the SEMC to visit Seed of Hope Community Development in Bhekulwadle, South Africa. The purpose of the trip was to listen, learn and serve the leaders of this organization. Among the many things we learned was Farming God’s Way. It is a means of growing produce, relying on the rhythm of God’s nature to bring a harvest. Under  the guidance of EMCC World Partner’s missionary, Dan Wiens and his South African partner, Zephaniah, the Lord is changing lives and communities through Faming God’s Way.  In taking the posture of a learner, Les is bringing back to Sarnia, those principles which he learned in South Africa – a great benefit of mutually beneficial relationships.  The dried grass that is placed on the garden beds (in the pictures below) helps to control weeds and keep the moisture in the ground.  It also supplies nutrients to the plant.

Will you pray for the Lord to bring a harvest that points to His hand in making these vegetables grow?

If you would like to participate in this ministry throughout the summer and early fall, weeding and picking are done on Mondays and Thursdays @ 9am.

You can contact Les or Julia Henderson for more information: 519-867-5486.