In mid-May, a team of five from First Baptist Church of Albertville, Alabama came to New Jersey. Their church has committed to partnering with the ministry of Grace Falls and we are excited by the creative ways they have chosen to participate!

The purpose of their trip was to plant community gardens on our property and at one of the local Serenity Houses. The Serenity House is a residence for adults who are recovering from addiction and are taking steps to acclimate into society, as they learn to lead a more healthy lifestyle, volunteer to help others, and strive to find employment. The gardens will help them to care for another living thing, as they benefit from the fruits (or veggies) that develop under their watchful care. We hope that these gardens will also provide the Grace Falls family an opportunity to share in the experience with them and to form a bond of trust and friendship.

This team also found time to help a young family who began to attend Grace Falls following the Community Easter Egg Hunt in March. Their bathroom needed serious repairs, as the result of a leaking pipe. The team provided the materials, labor and knowledge needed for such a project. This sweet, young couple, along with their 5-year-old daughter, were truly blessed by this act of kindness.

The entire Grace Falls family also enjoyed the fact that FBC of Albertville's Minister of Worship and Associate Pastor Chuck Johnston was on the team. Following the weekly Open Table family dinner, Chuck led the group in casual, fun songs, as well as songs of praise and worship. His talents, story telling and guidance to worship were greatly appreciated by all in attendance.

We are thankful that this team provided to this community and we are eager to see what will blossom, whether it be from the soil or the heart of someone willing to lean in.

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