Garden of Love and Faith

Praise Assembly Church Ministries (PACM) helps those in need by providing fresh fruits and vegetables from their community garden, Garden of Love and Faith.
Although PACM was founded 24 years ago, shortly after they moved to their current location along Kernersville Road, they decided to plant a community garden to help those in need in the area.
The garden, which is roughly 1/3 acre, is host to a large array of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Produce include beans, squash, okra, corn, tomatoes, Swiss chard, pumpkins, watermelon, beets, cabbage, collards, sweet potatoes, sunflowers, and more.
“We have a little bit of everything,” said Clement Little, PACM community garden committee member.
“We also have flowers in the garden to try to get the birds and bees to pollinate,” added Allen Keesee, master gardener, garden mentor and PACM community garden committee member, who noted that there are eight people on the garden committee.
Keesee explained that they started the garden three years ago.
“Last year, we had about 700 pounds of food. That was our total produce,” he said as he explained that when they pick the produce, they weigh it separately. “This year it has been harder for everyone because of the dry weather.”
Little explained that they started the garden to help people in the community.
“We started it because we knew it was needed for the church and for the community,” he said, noting that they offer both food and clothing in their campus food pantry.
Keesee said the church has a lot of young children and young adults who come out to help in the garden.
“This teaches them where their food comes from and the benefits of vegetables,” Keesee said. “We both (Keesee and Little) grew up on a farm, so we know the importance of vegetables and fruits and wanted to share that with others.”
“More people are taking part in helping in the garden,” added Little.
Keesee said while there have been many blessings from the garden, there have been a few challenges.
“Last year, we didn’t get any corn, and it’s a challenge to keep the deer out,” he said, as he pointed to the twine fence surrounding the large garden.
“We also have a problem with rabbits,” added Little. “They’re the type that you walk up to and they won’t run.”
Dr. Johnny York, pastor for PACM, said the Garden of Love and Faith has been a great thing for the church.
“It helps to further fulfill the outreach,” he said. “We not only provide the spiritual aspects of man, but the nutritional aspects as well.”
York added that they even have food pantry clients who enjoy giving back to the church.
“Sometimes the food pantry clients, on days the food pantry is open, will assist with harvesting,” he said.
He added that it’s not only the church’s obligation to share the Gospel, but also teach about living a healthy life.
“The long range impact is to maintain good health and lessen the incident of chronic illness,” he said. “The church has a responsibility to do that as well.”
York said the food pantry is open on the third Saturday of every month at the church and is available to those who qualify for assistance.
In July, the clothing ministry served 69 people, while the food pantry served 544 people.
PACM offers other ministries including a summer reading club for children ages 7-11; Women of Grace Ministry and Brotherhood Ministry; as well as ministries for both youth and younger children.
Little and Keesee said they enjoy being on the garden committee because of the camaraderie and giving back.
“I enjoy the fellowship among the guys and giving back to the community,” said Keesee.
For more information about the food pantry or PACM, visit www.pacmchurch.org/.