Young Leaders Plant Gospel Seeds in Ozark Through "The Garden

By Russell Threet, Senior Pastor, West Park Baptist Church, Ozark

In a season when many college students pull away from church life, something different is taking root in Ozark. It didn’t come from a church program, a denominational strategy or a youth conference. It started with three college students who love their hometown and love the Lord.

Ruthie Qualls, Ella McFadden and Max Asbeck each spent their first year of college growing in their faith. As summer approached, they began discussing how easily high school and college students can feel spiritually adrift during the break. This conversation evolved into a burden, which ultimately led to action. Together, they launched a new ministry called “The Garden.”

The vision is simple — create a space where young people can stay grounded in Christ during the summer. Each week, students gather for a meal, a message and meaningful conversation in small groups. This ministry is not tied to one church, but gatherings are hosted at West Park Baptist Church in Ozark, and the leadership team has coordinated support from other area churches. Meals are provided by local church members, pastors take turns bringing the Word and the students themselves lead the follow-up discipleship groups.

There was an initial meeting to pray for this effort, and then the first official night was held on May 12, and 38 students showed up. Although it is still early, the fruit is already beginning to show. One student has come to faith in Christ, and others are expressing a renewed desire to walk closely with Him.

This isn’t a youth rally or a church replacement. These young leaders are quick to point out that The Garden is meant to support the local church, not compete with it. Every student who attends is encouraged to get involved with a faithful congregation. Oversight is in place to guard sound doctrine, and each of the founding leaders is deeply connected to their home church.

Ruthie is a student at Central Baptist College and a member of West Park Baptist Church, a BMA congregation. Ella attends Arkansas Tech University and is an active member at Webb City Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) church. Max is enrolled at John Brown University and serves at Calvary Baptist Church, affiliated with the American Baptist Association (ABA). These three young adults come from different churches and campuses, but they share one heart — to see the next generation grow strong in Christ in Ozark.

In a time when it’s easy to lower the bar for young people, we should take notice when they raise it themselves. The Garden is more than a summer project. It’s a picture of what God can do when students catch a vision for kingdom work and are given room to lead. Let’s celebrate it, support it and pray that the Lord of the harvest will continue to bless it.

To learn more or follow along, visit thegarden1.odoo.com.