By Matt Norman
I do not have a green thumb. In fact, over the years, I have managed to effortlessly kill many of the plants and vegetables of which I have tried to care. But I grew excited when a conversation began about developing an urban garden project through the ministry in the Barcelona area.
There were several reasons for my excitement. First, this idea was emerging from the careful process of discernment and active listening that our small leadership group was doing in the local community. Second, this active listening had blossomed into conversations with friends that were not yet actively participating in ministry projects but were eager to help. These were people with much expertise in gardening and agriculture and here was a chance for them to come alongside and contribute. And lastly, I was excited because here was a change for me to learn and grow (no pun intended) in an area that I would like to practice at and get better.
As we sat around the coffee table and discussed the plans and steps to move forward, I thanked God for the way that He was calling the group to participate in ministry. The group voiced their hope that this community garden could be a place where fellowship, learning and friendship would happen. A place where grandparents could bring their grandkids, immigrants and refugees could share their gardening knowledge, Christians could meet and share time with people of other faiths or those with no faith at all.
We began to pray that we would discover the appropriate space that would host the first garden project. After several months, prayers have been answered. We will partner with Església Evangèlica Baptista El Redemptor using their patio space at the church. We give thanks for the way that God is working already and will work through this urban garden project. Pray with us as we get started.