Out of the Rubble, A Community Garden

The Holt Community Garden emerges from the destruction following Alabama's April 27, 2011 Tornado disaster.  The photo captures the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the sustainable living project.  The land used to provide produce for local soup kitchens, and good work continues.

Through the cooperative efforts of Bennu America Foundation, Project Team Up, Soma Church, Tombigbee RC&D, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the property will serve as a teaching tool for beginning farmers and ranchers and be used to address food insecurity.

• The 'model' will include the farm, local food processing and food preparation (in the 18-wheel mobile kitchen "Joshua" stationed at Soma Church by ACTS World Relief).
• The farm will also serve as a 'demonstration farm' for beginning farmers and ranchers; those interested in agriculture as a career or source of local sustenance; interns pursuing a variety of studies and research; and the surrounding community-particularly children and youth.
• The crops will be used as ingredients in seasonal menus which will be prepared in Joshua, local churches and other community agencies.
• The farm represents an opportunity to provide the community, students and others with occupational training in agriculture, food processing and culinary arts, while also serving as a platform for education on wellness, local agriculture, food security and food preparation. 

The model in Holt, Alabama has the attention of major NGO's who see the potential for replicating the project in other devastated areas like Haiti.

Matthew 25 Ministries: Serving Tornado Victims

"As you did it to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40).
The April storm system that spawned hundreds of tornadoes in the Southeast has left thousands of people in desperate need of supplies.  Much of the devastation happened in Alabama where twisters razed entire neighborhoods. A federal disaster declaration was been issued. Matthew 25: Ministries is directing their efforts to identify the immediate needs of victims. Non-perishable food items, meals, water, diapers, personal  and hygiene products have already been sent.

If you'd like to help, Matthew 25: Ministries is accepting the following items for disaster relief:

1. Financial donations
2. Nonperishable food
3. Personal care products (especially diapers)
4. First Aid Supplies
5. Diapers

Find out more by visiting their website: 

"The mission of Matthew 25: Ministries is to fulfill Matthew 25:34-40 by providing nutritional food to the hungry, clean water to the thirsty, clothing to the naked, shelter to the homeless, medical care to the ill, and humanitarian supplies to prisoners."