A dream which began in 2009 became a reality in 2015. The Grove is a place, it’s a mindset and it’s a movement for personal and local transformation. Our motto “GATHER – TRANSFORM – MOVE” defines us through the power of Christ. We work alongside one another building relationships both vertical & horizontal. We make investments in life. Using the Bible as foundation we allow God to speak to us in preparation for the sending. Nestled in a grove of pecan trees in Northeast Texas the little round woman explains it well here.
From young adults to toddlers we are bent on changing the culture one truth at a time. It’s a multi-generational farm-based training ground to grow in the Lord and build His Kingdom. Whether learning new practical skills like gardening, canning and milking a cow or more subtle spiritual lessons it’s all done under the umbrella of community.
2023
Two years of adding grandchildren, changes in personnel and downsizing some of the farming responsibilities have taken their toll on the blog. A season of contemplation, prioritizing and listening to the Lord stretched me personally. The goals are still the same although the methodology may have changed. I look forward with anticipation as it seems our seeds have sprouted and broken through to spread their leaves and growing fruit. I hope you join us as we move into 2024!
2021
The corona virus and all its debates wax and wane like cycles of the moon. We sense God is up to something! Mid year we join in with Center Network to link arms in our efforts to build God’s Kingdom. Our store expands offering a host of new products! You can check them out here. We also spread our wings to participate in a local market close to home. Selling product, networking with other vendors and building community is the order of the day. Our beloved Aussie Shepherd, Ruwa, unexpectedly walked the Rainbow Bridge in March. To assuage her grief the Little Round Woman brought Chava, another Australian Shepherd into the fold in July. The other animal continue to multiply and Violet lives on in her daughter Primrose, and granddaughter Silverbelle!
2020
Like everyone else our world is rocked by the ravages of corona. Our foundation is built as society changes drastically. Masks, lock downs, plandemic become the vocabulary of fear. Yet, we rock on in our corner of the world. Jerid, our long time farm Ninja graduates to a local apprenticeship and the Ninja positions are filled by girls. Violet, our dowager Jersey is retired and then laid to rest in a corner of her favorite pasture.
Summer 2019
The gathering and the transformation expands as the return of the Randels propels us into the next season! God sets our eyes on the younger generation: infants, toddlers and school-agers become a common place sight as we gear up for some new adventures.
Summer 2018
We’ve kicked it up a notch and the gathering has begun! Our Bibles are open and our ears are attentive to the Lord as we dive into His word ready for Him to transform us! Posted here will be links to each of the lessons taught. Join us from where you are!
June 25, 2018 What’s Your Favor?
2017
Partnering with the local church our goal is individual and local transformation, exchanging hope for despair and bringing glory to God!
Starting with a team of young adults
we’ve attended sporting and musical events, initiated workshops and outreaches to connect with the local youth. Thanks to our partnership with Gravel Hill Baptist Church (Brother Sam Yancy) we’re off to a great start!
Our Gobble-la-la-Palooza outreach event was a blast! Despite a blue norther blowing in the competition was fierce and fun complete with a pumpkin chunkin relay race!
Our first boys campout complete with campfire, s’mores and an airsoft war in the woods. By morning the ground was covered in frost!
A house full of girls, games and giggles and we made it to church on time the next day!
Winter Jam in Bossier City is a regular trip for us, local rodeos and festivals put us on the street and in the community.
Meet Jerid
Jerid, a local teen, came to work with us at the farm over a year ago – the transformation in him has been remarkable. He was quiet, reserved, and struggled in school when we first met – now his skills (both on the farm and in school) and confidence have grown exponentially. He is a hard worker, willing to do any chore without complaint and has a special rapport with all the animals. We’re super proud of Jerid and the man he is becoming.