A little over a year ago, the Garden Director had a dream of budding fruit trees in the lower section of the Garden. This dream became a reality in June 2025 when a truck delivered 39 fruit trees. The trees were damaged in a hailstorm and were supposed to be destroyed, but they were brought to the Garden and planted by men of faith who followed the leading of the Lord.
The 39 Fruit trees remind us of the 39 stripes on Jesus' back, when he was whipped before dying on the cross. The Bible says, by Jesus stripes, we are healed.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1Peter 2:24 (ESV)
This verse connects the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross with the healing available to believers.
The Fruit trees also represent the Fruit of the Holy Spirit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22 (ESV)
Sponsor a fruit tree at the Garden, in your name or in honor of a loved one. This gift is a unique way to partner with the Gateway Prayer Garden.