KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Acts of service start small and grow into something that improves people’s lives. Luke Stephens sold his company 16 years ago and found himself with time on his hands. He broke ground on a fresh adventure at Hope United Methodist Church in Lone Jack.
“The first year just with pumpkins,” Stephens said.
A lot has grown since 2010. The Garden of Hope now produces tomatoes, green peppers, zucchini, green beans, sweet onions and okra.
“Everything’s home-grown organic,” Stephens said.
Garden supports local programs
The work is tough and tiring, but Stephens said it’s worth it.
“The proceeds from the garden all goes back to the local community,” Stephens said.
The garden supports Lone Jack Schools’ meal-pack program, community food pantries, and provides summer jobs for teenagers.
“It’s a good stepping stone for them,” Stephens said.
In March, volunteers planted 1,100 tomato plants.
“Those eleven hundred [plants] should start producing by the beginning of June,” Stephens said. “Last year was probably our best season ever.”
Stephens said he understands rising food prices make the garden’s mission important.
“I love watching plants grow,” Stephens said. “I guess you could say it’s a labor of love.”
He described the Garden of Hope with one word.
“A blessing,” Stephens said. “It always seems that God provides and things just work.”
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