Youth group growing learning skills for life

By REVIS BLAYLOCK

NEA Town Courier

The Naked Truth Training & Empowerment Center youth group is learning more than just book knowledge. They are getting their hands dirty as they work beside an experienced gardener, Mr. Ronald Mathis, to learn about raising vegetables.

The garden signs were created and placed around the garden.

The youth group, BUFC which stands for Blowing Up For Christ, is made up of kids six years old to 18.

Naked Truth Senior Pastor Chris Bennett said she is proud of the BUFC. They actually conduct the complete church services once a month.

“They do a wonderful job,” she said. “The gardening project is something the Lord put in my spirit. I am learning right along with the youth group about planting and tending to a garden.”

A 30x30 foot garden plot is located behind the church where there is water access.

Pastor Bennett said several parents are volunteering to help with the project.

Ethan Alexander Logan, a member of BUFC, has taken on the role of the head gardener and will be creating a schedule for the group to work the garden to make sure it is watered properly, weeded as they wait for what they hope to be a bountiful harvest. The vegetables will be shared at the food pantry as well with the youth group.

They have planted tomatoes, onions, carrots, cucumbers, okra, peas and more. They created individual markers so they will know where they planted each vegetable.

Pastor Bennett said they are learning how to grow food, which is very important, but they are also learning teamwork, caring for the tools, safety and the blessings of sharing.

She has served the church for 21 years. A new church was built in 2017. The smaller, original church is used to house the food pantry.