Yehezkiel No'e and Yuniarni Liunokas, a married couple with two children from Oebobo Village, Batu Putih Subdistrict, TTS, make their living as farmers. Although they do not own land themselves, they work diligently by cultivating other people's rice fields. On a small portion of land that they are allowed to use, they plant vegetables to sell in order to meet their family's daily needs.

A new opportunity came in early March. Through a collaboration with YTLM, the Efata Tubunain Church opened a church garden or community garden as a means of empowering its farming congregation members. Yehezkiel and Yuniarni were among the first to take part. They received direct assistance from staff who taught them from preparing the soil and planting to caring for crops and harvesting.

Today, Yehezkiel and Yuniarni cultivate a variety of vegetables instead of just one. Every week they take their harvest to sell, bringing in an average of Rp. 300,000 - 400,000. For the couple, this regular flow of income is something new and deeply encouraging because it means there's money coming in almost every week.

This steady income has brought a new sense of joy for them. In the past, earnings only came during the rice harvest season, but now they can enjoy the fruits of their hard work almost every week. The money they earn goes toward daily needs such as food, water, and electricity, with some set aside for home improvements and their children's education.

Their enthusiasm continues to grow. In addition to working in the church garden, the couple plans to start a garden in their own yard so they can increase their harvest.

“Seeing the results now, I honestly feel so happy. Every week there' s income, and for me that's very satisfying because we can even save some of it. My husband and I have started thinking about opening another garden in our yard so we can grow more vegetables. I'd like to try planting broccoli, cabbage, and potatoes, since they're rare in Oebobo Village. If we stay diligent in farming, the results will be good and when the harvest is good, life also becomes good,” Yuniarni said with a smile.

The story of Yehezkiel and Yuniarni is a reminder that even simple opportunities can transform lives. Through the church garden, they are not only planting vegetables, but also cultivating hope, self-reliance, and a brighter future for their family.