Troy Harvey - August 2023

“I’ll get around to that… eventually.” Who among us hasn’t put off until tomorrow something we know we should be doing today? In Matthew 21, Jesus told the parable of two sons called to work in a vineyard. One flatly declined but eventually did the work. One agreed to the work but never did it. Nearly nine years ago, God was continually telling Troyto get to work in His “vineyard,” until eventually Troy stopped putting it off. Then he started volunteering at Watered Gardens.

“Just like the first son, I hesitated, delayed, and stalled the call of God in my life until an indescribable experience with Him changed my heart. Suddenly I knew what I was supposed to do and where I was supposed to be. Now, when I see guests getting a job, or an education, and then coming back and being grateful, it brings a satisfaction that I’m actually in God’s field, working and accomplishing His mission.”

Watered Gardens envisions a ministry powered by volunteers from the church willing to serve the homeless and poor relationally, responsibly, and compassionately. I’m grateful Troy obeyed the call God put on him and has been serving with us weekly for over 8 years now in the Worth Shop.

I’m so thankful for your support, which is helping to change lives across all our campuses. Your time is another way to give. We need volunteers across all of our campuses. I encourage you to visit wateredgardens.org/volunteer to start a conversation with Bri Newby, our new volunteer recruiter. If God has been nudging you to volunteer, and you’ve been thinking you’ll get around to that eventually, I hope today is the day you respond. Your vineyard awaits!

P.S. Here’s one last encouragement from Troy, “I believe God blesses the level of your involvement. If the Father is asking you to work in His garden, don’t refuse like the first son or say you’ll go, but never do like the second son. The harvest is great, but the laborers are few. Come be one of them.”