“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown…” – Matthew 13:8

Jesus used this parable of seed falling onto good soil to emphasize that those who truly hear and understand and accept God’s word will reap a better life. Just as a seed that is in “good soil” will produce a good crop, when we allow God’s word to be heard and understood, we will produce a good crop in our own lives.

This was the lesson for the ATC (Agricultural Training Center) students this week, as they learned more about preparing good soil for their seeds. The students learned in the classroom and with hands on experiences about: making and using good, rich organic compost; soil and seed bed preparation techniques; “tillage,” or hoeing to keep the soil around the plants open, airable and ready to receive moisture; and using plenty of good heavy mulches to protect the soil from sun and wind and preserve ground moisture and keep weeds down and soil temperatures cooler.

These pictures show the students in the gardens putting into practice what they learned in the classroom. Thank you to all of you who sow into the “good soil” of the ministries of Love A Child. We know your faithfulness will yield a bountiful harvest for years to come.

Rad Hazelip, Assistant Executive Director