Taste is not the only reason for choosing fresh garlic. For thousands of years, garlic has been valued for its medicinal and healing properties.  North American colonists used it most for its effectiveness against parasites. Albert Schweitzer reportedly used garlic in Africa to combat cholera, typhus and amoebic dysentery. Until the turn of the century, garlic was a staple carried by most physicians. It was used widely in both world wars, in hospitals and on the battlefield, to treat infection and prevent gangrene.

Today there is a lot known about garlic. For example, garlic contains 33 sulfur compounds; 17 amino acids; germanium (good for regulating blood pressure and stress), selenium (an antioxidant), and a host of other important vitamins and minerals.

“And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.” Genesis 2:9. Bethesda is blessed with about 40 acres of trees. They create a sanctuary for many kinds of animals, a break from the noise of the highway, pathways to walk for a sense of the reality of God, they are pleasing to the eye and they provide food. The trees of interest at this time of year are the sugar maples. They are majestic, rising 40 feet to crown as a canopy of lush leaves in the summer. Now they are barren and yet hide clear liquid that, when captured and boiled, reveal a golden brown treat that is one of the purest, healthiest forms of sugar. Yes that’s Maple syrup. We tap the trees in February and begin the boiling process to produce whatever liquid God wants to provide. The labels for the cans and bottles state “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34.8. Yes indeed He is good. I invite you to consider ordering your syrup from Bethesda. If you’d like to experience this ministry, call or check this website for when we will be boiling.