The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – In the quiet lot behind Fincastle Baptist Church, something special is growing, and it’s more than just fresh vegetables.
Earlier this spring, a group of church members came together with tools, timber, and a shared vision. Their goal was simple but powerful: to plant a small community garden that could help meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the area. With hands in the dirt and hearts in prayer, they built raised garden beds and began planting what they hope will grow into more than just food.
Pastor Jeff Wylde, who has led the church through various community outreach efforts, said the garden is now full of vegetables ready for harvest.
“We’re starting to see the plants producing veggies, and we need the community to know that this is for them. We don’t want any of the vegetables to go to waste.”
The garden includes a variety of vegetables. There are tomatoes, squash, beans, and cucumbers; all available to anyone in the community who may be facing food insecurity or simply need fresh, healthy produce. Members of the church have committed to tending the garden, watering it, weeding it, and welcoming anyone who visits.
But the project is about more than food. It’s about connection.
Wylde stated, “I believe that people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. We genuinely care for our community, and we wanted to meet some basic, practical, real-life needs.”
Neighbors are invited to join in the effort, whether by picking vegetables or simply stopping by for conversation.
“Jesus often met people’s physical needs first, then shared the message of hope,” said Pastor Wylde. “That’s what we want this garden to be — a place where people can be fed, both in body and in spirit.”
As the summer sun ripens the rows of produce behind the church, Fincastle Baptist is watching with expectation. From a small patch of ground, they’re praying for a harvest of hope.
