For almost half a dozen years, Slater (Iowa) Baptist Church has hosted a pumpkin giveaway for the community.
The giveaway is possible because of the effort and passion of Ron Stone, a farmer who is a member of Slater Baptist, with the help of many members of the church.
“The Lord has allowed me to farm big time,” Ron says. “I feel like I’m giving back to the Lord.”
He planted 10 varieties of pumpkins—including hundreds of large pumpkins. Church members pick the pumpkins from his farm and transport them to the church. At the church, more members clean the pumpkins and set them on the church property, where people from the community choose ones they want and bring them home.
Ron has a “giving heart,” and “he loves our community and he loves our church, and most of all he loves the Lord,” says one member of the church.
Ron says he enjoys serving his community and seeing the church body work together, “and I love to do things for the Lord.”
The pumpkin giveaway has allowed the church “to build relationships and serve the people of Slater and the surrounding area,” says Pastor Jeriah Shank. “We are thankful for the individuals and families the Lord has led to our church through this ministry and are excited to continue into the future!”
