Testimonials

Over the last fifteen years mission volunteers from all walks of life have come to Mustard Seed Communities making an impact on the children we serve in Jamaica, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic. Groups from colleges, universities, high schools, and parishes from around the United States, Canada, and Europe return year after year. You will find some of their stories here.

In a class I'm taking at Boston College, we've been talking a lot about our identities and what attributes or "jobs" in life define us. I love that here in Jamaica I'm none of those things. It doesn't matter at all what I do for work, how much money I have in my 401K, if my makeup is applied correctly (because it's been replaced by a dirt film covering my skin). None of that matters to the kids, nor our teammates here. It's the most freeing act to let go of the expectations of me. It's humbling and empowering. It's a simple yet stark realization to say, "I'm a full human without my job, apartment, dinners out, or particular brands of clothing." In Kingston, I'm charged to be emotional and make deep connections with people. - Julie

I met Jose Maria during my last trip in April 2009. He arrived at MSC the week I was there. Sadly, he had been found on the streets of Managua being used as a prop by a professional beggar. Seven year old Jose Maria’s teeth were severely rotted; he had severe cerebral palsy and his bones showed through his pale skin. Jose Maria was very withdrawn and would rarely open his eyes, but I was drawn to this child and desperately wanted to do anything that could ease his suffering and perhaps bring a smile to his lips. I gently rocked him, sang him lullabies and played music for him during my week at Hogar Belen. It was not until the last day of the trip that he gave me the heart-warming smile I had been working for. - Daphne

We have had many "snapshots" this week: making balloon animals, playing baseball, and horsing around with the boys of Matthew 25:40 who are stricken with HIV and AIDS; breaking up cement slabs and then moving tons--literally--of dirt to lay the groundwork for a new yard for the children displaced by the fire earlier this year; morning cups of Jamaican coffee as we got to know our fellow volunteers and prepare for the day with them; and feeding a lollipop to a boy who has no coordinated use of his hands and has never tasted one before.

It is very difficult to quantify the impact this trip has for us and all those we work with, play with, laugh with, sing with, pray with, hold, hug, touch, love. The beauty of these moments is that they will last much, much longer than the moment in time they took to actually occur. They leave an impression, a footprint, a memory of God. New friendships are created; old ones are strengthened; earth is moved; hearts are renewed; children are held; souls are refreshed.  - Andrew

That day changed me forever.  I’ll never forget listening to Father Gregory and wanting to lay down at his feet and offer my life to him to use for this greater good. - Brynn

As a member of The Marietta Men's group's mission trip, my experience during that week was filled with a multitude of blessings.  While ALL of the MSC employees we had the pleasure to encounter were loving, professional and giving; my comfort and safety as well as my spiritual well being were truly and comfortably in the good hands of our team of Leroy, Marlon and Owen.

These three men, together as one TEAM, acted selflessly, lovingly and sacrificially to our team's needs and comfort.  It would be most difficult to choose just one of these gentlemen as they were as "one body".  I believe St. Paul would have described these three men parts of the body, yet "one" as in the body of Christ's church.  Their smiles, efforts, loving words and works are a testament to Mustard Seed's mission.  Thank you for these men who performed as one, together, as Christ's hands and feet.  -Daryl

Little did I know that my short five days there would expose me to a world I never knew and would make a lasting impression.  One child, Ricky, made a lasting impression on me.  He was at the prayer service every day at 4:30 AM.  You may ask why is this memorable.  Well, Ricky is severely disabled such that he has no legs.  He can't weigh any more than 35 pounds, yet he is an adult.  He moves around the orphanage by pushing himself with his arms on a skateboard.  Nonetheless, every time that I saw Ricky, he was glowing with energy and happiness.  Even though life had dealt Ricky an unbelievably bad situation, he was truly happy. – Mike

If you let yourself be open and vulnerable here, this is what you learn: you're enough. Just you. Bring nothing else except you, and it is better than enough - to make a little difference but more importantly, to be loved. I think that that's why I keep returning. I haven't gotten it perfect yet, but the act of letting it all go and letting yourself be loved - by your teammates, local guys in the field, or little Stefan - the newest addition to Sophie's Place, who just wants hugs all day and night. These simple acts become the essence of everything important. It's a compact week of truth and oneness to take home and keep in our pockets to pull out and distribute to others throughout the year. - Julie

Mustard Seed Missionaries and Mission Trips In The News:

Read an article about St. Gregory the Great Parish, of Williamsville, NY, and their mission trip to MSC Nicaragua.

Learn more about the trip that St. John's Prep (Danvers, MA) took to MSC Jamaica.

Read an alumni update from Providence College featuring Fr. Matt Glover '99 and the trip he led from URI to MSC Nicaragua.