From a local family’s passion for pastoral care, team building, and community has emerged a thriving nonprofit farm, aptly named Great Life Farm. John and Melyssa Trussel and their children have transformed 50 acres of land into a thriving farm and community gathering place where they build connections and support local causes. Located in the heart of New Carlisle on South Palmer Road, this charming farm is a testament to the family’s dedication to helping others and building a stronger community.
After a decade of devoting their lives to full-time ministry at a church camp, the family returned to Bethel, where Melyssa grew up. John transitioned into a full-time teaching position, and their passion for ministry only grew stronger. After two years of visiting, serving, and organizing mission trips at various camps, God planted a new vision in John’s heart to start a nonprofit farm that would continue their mission of helping others.
The family prayed for the right location, sought advice from a farmer friend, and waited patiently for the perfect plot of land. Fate intervened when they drove past the farm on their way to a family dinner with Melyssa’s parents, not expecting that they would one day call it home.
In 2018, they purchased the property in South Palmer and got to work, opening it to the public in 2019. Since then, the farm has been a popular destination for pumpkin pick-your-owns, hayrides, corn mazes, and scavenger hunts. But it’s more than just a fun destination—it’s a ministry, with all of its fall season proceeds supporting camps, missions, youth, and families year-round.
The whole family pitches in: the kids run the food stand, plant and harvest, and care for the animals. Melyssa’s parents live on the farm and are also an important part of the operation. The farm hosts many events, from birthday parties and field trips to weddings and team-building activities for scout and youth groups, and it is a gathering place for the community. Melyssa and her family are just eager to get involved in the community.
“We are really open to being used by the community in any way that serves others,” said Melyssa Trussel. “We are grateful to be able to give back to our community by sponsoring recreational sports teams and supporting various events in Bethel and Huber Heights.”
“Every December, we proudly participate in the tree lighting ceremony in Huber Heights by offering hayrides,” she said. “During the fall season, we also donate pumpkins to local nursing homes, children’s hospitals, churches, schools and other nonprofits, spreading joy and kindness throughout the area.”
As the farm grows, so do their ambitions. In the long term, they want to offer camping opportunities with small cabins and facilities. For now, the family is content to sow the seeds of faith and community.
In a world where profit is often more important than people, Great Life Farm is a shining example of what can be accomplished when faith, family and community come together. By sowing seeds of love, kindness and generosity, this remarkable family has created a harvest of hope and connection that will continue to nourish their community for years to come. Visit them this fall, starting with the flea market September 5-7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and mark your calendars for opening day on Saturday, September 21 at 10 a.m.
Visit Great Life Farm at 9055 South Palmer Road in New Carlisle and experience the warmth and generosity of this special place for yourself. Follow Great Life Farm on Facebook to stay up to date with events. Questions or event inquiries can be sent to [email protected] or answered by phone at 937-681-4158.
