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Denton Garden Feeds Community: ‘I’m Doing What I Was Called to Do’

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Tony Maples Photography

 

A garden that was started eight years ago by Denton Bible Church member Gene Gumfory is now feeding a community. In an interview with NBC DFW, Gumfory noted that the idea came to him through scripture saying, “Jesus said ‘Feed my people,’ and from there the Lord spoke to me.”

Situated in Denton off Nottingham Drive and Mingo Road, the garden is cared for by volunteers. “This is the largest community garden in this here United States,” said Gene Gumfory. “Everything that we grow goes back to feeding the homeless.” Presently in need of volunteers, if you have time and energy to give, the Denton Bible Church Community Garden can be contacted via their Facebook page and would be happy to have you.

Denton Garden Feeds Community: ‘I’m Doing What I Was Called to Do’

Photo: Pixabay

Within the first five years of growing and cultivating, Gumfory identified that over 100,000 pounds of produce were harvested, and already in 2017, that figure is at approximately 10,500 pounds. Of the garden and its service, Gumfory said, “I simply believe I’m doing what I was called to do.” And, that same belief continues to bring volunteers from across the United States to help clear brush and harvest vegetables. Said a volunteer that was on site that day from Bridge City, Texas, “We’re called to love everyone and part of love is service and sacrifice.”

Denton Garden Feeds Community: ‘I’m Doing What I Was Called to Do’

Photo: Pixabay

When asked about helping at the garden after driving from Clovis, New Mexico, Autumn Kincheloe explained, “They’ve been down on some volunteers so we’re here to help them out.” Denton charities receive everything that’s harvested from the garden in donation, and the land is also available for families to plant and harvest their own crops at zero cost. “We provide a service no one can. We’re all about sharing and we care about people,” said Gumfory.

References

Denton Bible Church Community Garden

NBC DFW