Meeting needs in their community isn’t new for Christian Life Fellowship, but doing so by growing plants in the garden is. Pastor Adam Welch sees agriculture as a missions opportunity and came to ECHO for more training in growing food plants in Southwest Florida’s tropical environment. “We are so thankful to have ECHO as a local resource. The training I attended was a deep look into how we could minister to our community through agriculture,” shared Welch.
Needs in their community grew immensely during the COVID crisis. Pastor Welch reached out to ask if ECHO could donate plants to increase the production of their garden. Just two weeks later, the Agricultural Operations Team at ECHO delivered 58 young plants, watermelon and tomato transplants, and sweet potato starts.
In June, Pastor Welch shared how quickly the ECHO donation had been put to work. “We were able to start about 10 new gardens at people’s homes and have given groceries and food to hundreds of others. We are also cooking hot meals for 25-30 people a week and are using crops from our farm in those meals. This has helped us meet new people that were not going to our church and we have been able to bless them in a practical way in a great time of need.”
Local partners are key to ongoing, lasting work in a community and we are proud to partner with Christian Life Fellowship as they meet physical needs and share the hope of the Gospel in Cape Coral, Florida.
