Written by:
Carol Smith, SEC Administrative Assistant
Co-Author – Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D. SEC Health & Disability Ministry, Director
Gardening is a healthy way to feed the mind, body, and soul. On January 13, 2024, Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church members in Eatonville, Florida, under the leadership of Pastor Dwight Gayle, dedicated their community garden to the Lord. The garden dedication was a grand and joyous celebration of God’s provisions for community residents and church members who are beneficiaries of the garden. Excitement filled the air, as church members and community residents came together to sing, pray and thank God for the bounty of fruits, vegetables, and herbs – foods from his prescribed diet in Genesis 1:29.
The garden is a ministry of health. Anthony Wilcox started the Bethel Community Garden after Elder Andre Grace suggested planting a garden on the church property. Wilcox began by planting seeds in two garden boxes, which have grown into a bounty of healthy food items used to bless many. The garden in front of the church is prominent and easily accessible for harvesting the produce and for upkeep and maintenance. The water for the garden is donated from the well water of the church neighbors, David and Tina, as a result, they have started a garden. Foods planted in the garden nourish the body with essential vitamins that contribute to the health of body for the recipients.
Truly God has blessed the Bethel Community Garden ministry. The flourishing garden produces more than enough food that the community residents and church members enjoy. The garden gives peace of mind to the Community Services workers because they do not rely solely on food banks to provide fresh fruits and vegetables. During the weekly food distribution, collard greens, mustard greens, cabbag3, kale, broccoli, herbs, and much more from the garden are given away.
In keeping with the adage, teach a man to fish; he can eat for a lifetime. Wilcox teaches gardening lessons to church members and community residents. He encourages starting a garden, even if it means using pots, pans, and a small ground area in a yard that has at least 6 hours of sunlight. Several members have started their gardens, maintaining the garden – planting, pulling weeds, and harvesting produce encourages exercise and it helps with building relationships with others by sharing produce from the garden. At the dedication, Elder Maurice Scott testified that he gave several heads of cabbage from his garden to his neighbor at Christmas. Scott remarks, this act of kindness strengthened our relationship and opened a door for witnessing. Wilcox desires every church member to have a garden to have food to eat, share with others, and freeze for future use.
The Bethel Community Garden is healthy for the mind, body, and soul of community residents and church members. Several have started home gardens and are reaping the rewards of their harvest. If you don’t have a garden, consider starting one for your health. From planting the seed to preparing your plate, having your garden is one of the best ways to know how your food was grown and handled before it reached your plate. For more information about gardening, contact the Bethel SDA Church, Eatonville, Florida.
