Wednesday, June 15, 2022 - The Kingdom Builders Assembly of God Church in Sallisaw, formerly known as Oak Ridge Assembly of God, has many exciting projects in the works. One in particular is a community garden that will benefit those in the community.
Two members of the church, Greig Madlom and Jessie Whitworth, were both inspired to start this project for their own personal reasons.
Madlom said, "Growing up, my church was set on five acres and my pastor was a farmer. Since residents in town didn’t have much land, he decided to start a garden for the town on the church's land."
Whitworth said, "My wife and I have always loved gardening and had dreamed of having a large garden. However, over the years, our desire seemed to diminish."
The desire for a large garden was re-sparked in Whitworth’s heart once hearing the verse Joshua 24:13 (KJL), "And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and olive yards which ye planted not, do ye eat."
"At that point, I knew a community garden was something that would involve all the people in the area. I wanted them to see it in the beginning and watch it grow," Whitworth added.
It didn’t take long before someone offered to donate a garden tiller and a tractor to complete the initial break-in of the garden. Whitworth said, "Our plan is to take it step-by-step. We are starting off small and will grow bigger each year."
The community will get the chance to check out the garden at the church's upcoming "Family Fun Day/Craft Day" event planned for July 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will feature bouncy houses, a petting zoo, Holy Moly Sugar Shack, carriage rides and much more.
If you would like to come out to work in the garden or if you would like to book vendor space for the event, you can contact Staci Madlom at mountainlifesoaps@outlook.com or contact the church at 918-775-7371.
Kingdom Builder’s Assembly of God is located at 2875 S. Kerr Blvd just south of Sallisaw.
Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer
For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com
