The River Church Community

It began unexpectedly.  I was watering my broccoli, cauliflowers, sprouts and beets when I saw the guy next door watching me.  I was a bit surprised but wanting our community garden to serve the community I asked him if he wanted a plot.  He motioned with his hand that he did not speak English and disappeared inside the apartment.  Seconds later, he appeared again with a middle-aged woman at his side.  Since I don’t know any Vietnamese, I tried to explain with my hands and expressions that their family could use a garden plot if they wanted to.  After a few minutes, I gave up—uncertain of whether I made myself clear.  Actually, I was only certain of one thing: I had not made myself clear.

And then…

And then three weeks later (yesterday in fact) I learned that this woman came to The River this last weekend.  Not only had she begun to plant seeds in our community garden but she had come to The River to check us out. 

I am not sure if she is a Christian.  But it is exciting to see how God used my small offering to deepen our investment in the community.   The garden was a means to relationship.  It was a bridge to our community of faith.  And practically my offering will yield fruit—well, veggies, I think.