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🌿 Praise Report: A Garden of Grace, A Story of Renewed Purpose

June 3, 2025 by
Lewis

It was just a few weeks ago when the young men first stepped out with simple tools, packets of seeds, and a quiet sense of purpose. The earth was soft from the early rains, and their spirits, though still healing, were open—ready for something new. 🌱

They began planting slowly. Some had never touched a garden before. Others were unsure how anything could grow from such tiny seeds. But they pressed on—trusting the process, following instructions, laughing softly as they worked side by side. Their hands, once caught in struggle, were now creating something meaningful.

The garden began to change before their eyes. Day by day, green shoots began to rise—delicate at first, then stronger. Vegetables took form, responding to care, water, sunlight, and the dedication of these once-forgotten young men. 🥬

Today, this humble garden is already making a difference. It now supplements the daily meals at the center, providing fresh vegetables and easing some of the burden of food costs. There’s joy in harvesting what they’ve grown and seeing it served on their plates—it’s nourishing more than just bodies. It’s nourishing dignity and purpose.

And even as we celebrate this first harvest, we look ahead with faith. We envision a time when this garden will not only feed the center but also grow enough to be sold, creating a sustainable income stream that supports the program and empowers these young men even further. 🌾

But the most beautiful transformation isn’t just in the soil. It’s in them. As the garden grew, so did their confidence. They began to walk taller, smile more freely, speak with hope. Working the land became a quiet rhythm of healing—each row a symbol of persistence, each harvest a whisper that said, “Your life still has purpose.”

The space that began as a simple plot of earth is now rich with more than vegetables. It holds stories—of growth, friendship, forgiveness, and a faith slowly rekindled. The young men are not just gaining farming skills. They’re learning patience, teamwork, and how to stay the course—even when results aren’t immediate. 🙌

And as the vegetables flourish, our prayer is steady and heartfelt: that their walk with Christ would flourish too. Just as seeds take time to grow, so does faith. But with each moment spent in that garden, we believe their roots are going deeper—not just into the ground, but into grace.



We remain deeply thankful to all who pray, give, and journey with us. Behind every pawpaw, every spinach leaf, and every renewed life is someone like you, sowing into this mission. Thank you for helping us nurture more than crops—thank you for helping us nurture hope.

🌍 From soil to soul—this is the beauty of what God can grow when grace meets open hearts.

"Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness."

— Psalm 115:1 (NIV)

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in SOJC