Tulsa Mission Using Bees In New Work Therapy Program

The folks at John 3:16 Mission have a new idea to help the people they serve, and they've enlisted some of the hardest working creatures on earth to help them get it going.

On about 150 acres just northwest of downtown is John 3:16 Mission’s newest project. It involves 18 bee hives and thousands of bees.

Many of the people the mission serves will learn to work with the bees as well as planting and harvesting vegetables on the land.

Reverend Steven Whitaker calls it work therapy.

"It builds confidence. It helps them feel like they could go work anywhere. They learn to listen and follow instructions," he said.

Things most of us take for granted.

But what they'll really be cultivating is self-respect and restoration.

In the beginning, the mission will market the honey online. Later on, they hope to offer their honey at farmer's markets, too.

You can learn more about the mission here.