PROGRAMS
GET INVOLVED
SITE SEARCH |
|
provided by google
|
|
Planting Eternal Seeds In Wisconsin's Children
Beads of perspiration formed on their foreheads while digging into the rich moist earth. Ranging in ages five to fourteen, over twenty youth prepared plots in the OBI supported Faith Lutheran Church's Peace Garden project. Little did they know this experience would harvest a greater reward than just fresh vegetables at the end of the summer...
Boy did Veronica resent the program rules at first! Just a little rough around the edges, Pastor Paul Erickson didn't know if she was going to last the entire program. As the children planted, watered, and weeded their crops, Pastor Erickson and adult volunteers did the same in their lives through daily Bible study, instruction, and encouragement. Lesson and application subject matter included taking responsibility, saving earned money, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Gradually, Veronica became one of the more consistent members and was never late a single day! "I have been taught once again the importance of letting the wheat and tares grow together, as Christ is the only one who can truly know a person's heart," commented Pastor Erickson.
All living in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, participants still came from diverse backgrounds. As an Hispanic, John has limited English skills. This caused him to withdraw from the others. When encouraged that his input was just as important, he began to be a team player and enjoyed the program.
Weeks passed by. In addition to taking care of their gardens, the kids took on various neighborhood yard-work projects. Gradually these young urban farmers learned patience and perseverance as they saw the fruits of their labor come into being! Pastor Erickson reflected, "Seeing their pride in the resulted produce was a great joy."
Put on your garden gloves, pick up the shovel, and dig into your resources. It's time to sow.
Bless-A-Child today!
|
]