“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you. . . . Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

— Jeremiah 29:7

Carrots and potatoes and peas—oh, my! Actually many kinds of vegetables show up in this community garden. It began when two people who were invited into our church found faith in Christ and wanted to begin growing vegetables to help provide others with healthful food. A small container garden took shape behind the church building. What started with a few containers soon multiplied as more people became curious. Then the city offered to give property to the church to create a much bigger garden. The city would provide water and electricity if the church would provide volunteers. Today, nine years later, a talented woman named Rebecca heads a team of gardeners from both the church and the local community to plant, grow, and harvest. The conversations about God that happen in the garden are inspiring and rich. The food is shared with people in need, and the vegetables used in church dinners are incredible. I am not sure who is more blessed, but everyone involved has a story of God’s blessing and peace to share. And those stories become a blessing and inspiration to others. None of us knows what will happen when we invite someone to partner with us in a project that the Lord makes available. But God knows.

Dear God, you have a plan for each of us. Thank you that when we reach out, you create space for much more. Help us to work with you in each new story you prepare for us. Amen.