MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A Northaven Pastor is passing out more than the word. Pastor Hosea Houston of Pleasant Chapel Missionary Baptist Church owns and operates Houston Farms and Community Development. Hidden deep within Shelby Forest near Northaven are 8 acres of land shining a light on the community.  "We offer children, parents, veterans, drug addicts, and the elderly can come around here and learn how to plant to be self-sufficient in farming," said Pastor Houston. Filled with goats, chickens, and acres of fresh fruit and vegetables, Pastor Houston says the land has been in his family for more than 50 years. He says his parents taught him skills to survive off the land, and three years ago, he decided to share that land with the community. 📡 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. 📧 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. "A lot of kids had never seen a chicken. Had never seen a goat," Pastor Houston said. "They don't eat fresh vegetables. Let alone do they know how it's grown." He says he and his brother have invested more than $100,000 into the farm and there's still a lot of work that needs to be done. However, he says they barely see a profit because all of the food they've grown and knowledge they've gained is given away for free. "It's just my heart and passion to try to help make a difference in society," Pastor Houston said. However, he says that passion started with a tragedy. xAI affiliate looks to lease 522 acres in Memphis "When I was 20 years old, I got shot in my stomach. I was raised on this farm, but I promised God," he said. "I said Lord if you give me another chance I'll reach back, and I said I'll help somebody else along the way." Pastor Houston says Northaven is located in a food desert and many residents do not have the means to purchase fresh food. "90% of the time when a kid leaves from school from eating that day, they don't eat again until the next day," he said. "I teach them, I put a seed in my hand. I say if you sow, it'll grow. If you never sow, you'll never know." He says he hopes the farm can not only strengthen the neighborhood but also strengthen the families within. If you'd like to visit the farm, Pastor Houston says they are hosting a Community Love Day on October 12 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for those looking to get fresh vegetables and learn more about the farm. Of course, everything will be free of charge.