Becoming the Person God Created You to be...

..... in the Midst of Great Odds.

One of my true friends is an orphan. She raised herself. Daily she had to make a plan for getting food, going to school and finding a way to get appropraite clothing. Living in a metal house, she had to make sure the roof was mended if holes appeared as they frequently did. She had to keep herself safe. Living in a world of abusive and dangerous males was terribly frightening. My friends name is Judith. Judith had to make sure she got to school on time without an alarm clock or electricity. She has to fetch water in a bucket from a pump many kilometres away. This young girl had everything stacked against her. Life had not been kind to her. But in Judith's heart, she knew that she had a very special friend in Christ Jesus. She knew He walked besides her through all the uncertainties of being an orphan totally alone in this world.

Judith also had a belief in education. She would tell me,when times became almost impossible to live through, that come hell or high water she was going to finish school. This was difficult as she attended a school with 100 children in a classroom,it had irregular teachers,Judith often did not have money for candles, so could not study at night. In spite of this, Judith finished her schooling with a college pass. She then walked for and wide in search for a job. She impressed a company so much,that they offered her training and a job as a chef. A church group then gave her living accomodations. Judith was on her way to success in a world that ran on the survival of the fittest. Judith had proved herself to be one of the fittest. Now that Judith has come across the other side and found success, she wants to serve at the Mustard Seed. She says she wants to give back to Christ and society. I have often wondered what allowed this orphan to beet all the odds and become a surviver that is now giving to a world that was very harsh. I have come to beleive that it was not genetics, nor nurturing. It can only be because of her strong relationship with Christ Jesus and His guiding hand in helping her to make right choices. There is a sure knowledge that if one child can make it, so can these angels. With Christ all things are possible.

**Words from Julia

Christmas in Qwa Qwa South Africa

In the month of December, as we celebrate the birth of our Precious Lord Jesus,as most of us are entangled with tinsel and decorating for the uncoming holiday festivites: baking cookies and candies, preparing the best Christmas dinners, buying and wrapping presents, and watching the children's excitement grow as each days passes until Christmas. This is but a dream for children here in Qwa Qwa South Africa. I wish we could bring you a warm and fuzzy story of the Christmas season for the Mustard Seed angels, but I can't. Life is beyond hard for these children. Yes, there are moments and days when the the troubles our Angels face are buried and forgotten, but during this time of the year, all they get to see and expereience is drunken fights, bleeding relatives, abusive voices, and the sound of gunshots from the local tavern. It is a time when little children are forgotten and thrown away. Where food is scarce and fear is alive, the Mustard Seed is a safe haven where children can be clothed, feed and have a place to rest their heads at a moments notice. We have watched many tears flow from the eyes of little children because their lives have been forgotten and their innocenes lost. We have seen a girl will clutch a packet of biscuits as an older man walks away very satisfied with the barter. In this season of Rudolph, presents and giving, here on this side of the world, there is nothing but the abandonment and rape of Africas who are most vulnerable. While you sit in mass or church services on Christmas, do we know that somewhere in the world a drunken man just mortally wounded his wife while their two little children watched in shock and horror. When you work amongst the very poor, you start losing your ability to be frivolous and carefree. Just like the haunted little face that I look into every day of a rape survivor of only 14 year years of age. I am haunted by what Christ Jesus thinks and sees when He looks down on His children. Maybe on His birthday He cries the most. What do you think? If you think the answer is "yes" what can we do to Comfort His Heart and the Hearts of his Orphans.

Answer: Be Mericful as our Lord is merciful. But how do we really do this??

Three things:

1. Deed: feed the hungry, visited the sick and lonely, gave clothes to the poor
2. Word: share the Good News in the Bible with a neighbor, give words of hope and love to a sad, scared friend
3. Prayer: Never stop

During this time as you prepare for the Coming of Jesus this Christmas, please take the time to bring Jesus to a hurting child, friend or family member. Without YOU, Jesus cannot comfort His most vulnerable and this is why He cries. Jesus needs your help! In accepting the mercy of Christ, we are asked to take His mercy and share it with others by our deeds, words and prayers. This is how Jesus Brings His HOPE, LOVE, PEACE and HEALING to a hurting world, child or friend.

Thank you for supporting the Mustard Seed Orphan Care Ministry!

YOU DID IT! - 65+ children will have new shoes and school suplies!! Update11/24 ( :

For most of Africa's children, education is the only way out of a life of extreme poverty. Only those who can read, write and do arithmetic can hope to get a better paid job when they grow up.

An education helps poverty stricken children learn the skills they need to get a job but it is so much more important than that. It allows them to learn about ways to keep themselves healthy so as to not sucome to the diseases that can ravage poor communities. Information on simple day-to-day hygiene and prevention saves lives and keeps families together.

A chance to go to school also allows children to get proper nutrition whenever possible. For many children in Africa and other 3rd world countries, the meal they get at school is their only hot meal of the day.

Finally, education and a chance for a child to attend school builds confidence, support and the community. In a world were children have no control over what happens to them because of extreme poverty, education is their chance to make a learn how to help themselves and make a difference in the lives of their family and community.

This Christmas, Miss Julia would like give each of the Qwa Qwa children a school kit with a pair of warm socks. She will need to purchase 55 school kits and each kit is $5. The kit includes: pen, pencil, eraser, notebook, scissors, glue, sharpener etc. This will make them feel so proud.

The children are also in need of school shoes very badly. Shoes protect their feet from bugs and infections due to the rough terrain

So, for only $20, you can provide a Qwa Qwa child a pair of school shoes and all the supplies they need. What a deal! Your $20 will give a Qwa Qwa child in South Africa the priveledge to feel proud, confident, and blessed to be able to attend school.

"No other investment has such a lasting effect as the education of children. Children who go to school are healthier, more self-assured and can more easily assume a profession. And education is the only effective "vaccine" against HIV/AIDS.”

A Boy And His Dog

Stumbo came to The Mustard Seed in October. A mute and traumatized boy who was laughed at by his peers and seen as a demon by adults. Stumbo is an epileptic who would fall to the ground and foam at the mouth during his seizures. He is 10 years old and has had the devil beaten out of him by religious zealots a number of times. His body bears testimony to this. When he came to the Mustard Seed, he was greeted by a chorus of protesting voices. He was unwanted and feared. A visit to the local clinic soon had Stumbo medicated with Epilim and the attacks controlled. He made friends slowly with one of the starving dogs from the village that periodically frequent our garden in search of food. He would feed, wash and lavish love on this starving unlovely animal. But alas,nothing could be done to turn back the hands of a doggies life that had been abused and starved for so long. One day last week, Stumbo's dog was called to doggie heaven. I came home to find a thin brown body cradling a doggie face lovingly in his lap. Stumbo had lost the only earthly friend he had ever had. As I hugged this precious weeping boy,I was aware that Christ in all His wisdom had used a despised beaten dog to open up the emotions of a little boy who could now begin to give and accept love. I could now feel Stumbo's humanity. He entered into the circle of normalcy with his peers. Together we buried Stumbo's dog. The dog had finished his work and could now rest. Stumbo,is a changed little boy, who loves dinosaurs and soccer. His epilepsy is controlled and his life has begun. Jesus and Stumbo know we all need someone to care about, so that the hurting Christ in us and in the world can be healed.

The words of Julia Occonnel

Lost innocence and brokeness = Survival

Seven months ago the Mustard Seed opened with 4 children sitting on a bare floor. We now have 80 angels who are fed, clothed, given help with homework, attend bible and scripture classes, have an amazing soccer team and choir that praises God. These Mustard Seed angels have blankets, clothing and will soon have school supplies and shoes. Is not Jesus Christ great? Out of nothing He has created something that saves the lives and souls of His precious Qwa Qwa children.

But, the price many of these children have paid before being lead to The Mustard Safe Haven is heart breaking and at times unfathomable. The next story is from Miss Julia, the founder and care taker at the Mustard seed ministry. This story was very hard for me to write out and it may be very hard for you to read. But, this is happening to millions of little young girls all around the world including in the United States. We as the family of Christ should not ignore this and do what we can to help these innocent victims. Here it goes.......


Many little girls here in Qwa Qwa are primed to know every sexual position in order to keep a man satisfied and there is no thought of the psychological damage that all this trauma will do to their young minds. Just a sure knowledge from the males of the family that this is the way out of their grinding daily poverty, they sell their little girls innocense and souls for the reward of cash money and it is easily done in their own home. The girls reward might be given a piece of gum or candy. If her "sex service" is a double session, she is "rewarded" with a packet of biscuits. The community believes that this perversion goes on all over because times are hard for so many. So, does this make it right??? NO!!


The Mustard Seed Haven at the top of the mountain welcomes many of these young girls as young as 10 who come mute, shocked, oversexualised, riped of there self-worth and have nothing but feelings of shame, self loathing and believeing that sex = food. It is beyond tragic and is a gut wrenching walk to take with a child. You have to unravel the tragic mess written in a little girls soul in order to help them heal from the wrongs that have been done to them. Imagine how such a short, quick act done just for a measaly amount of food or money can destroy the inner psyche of an innocent little girl now blank and void of feeling, purpose and love. Trust has disappeared and a bleeding heart is throbbing in pain. This is when I see my Jesus screaming and suffering on the cross. What this ignorant sick society has cursed these little Angels with. This immorality has found its way to curse our poor suffering Jesus through his weak,suffering orphans. But like Jesus,these special little girls will arise again to bring light into a dark world through the help, support and unconditional love of the Mustard Seed Ministry. this is why the Mustard Seed started with 4 children and now have 80. Our jesus is reaching our to these innocaent victims so them can one day love, be loved and work for His wonderful Kindgom. Lost innocence and brokeness does not = Survival. Faith, Compassion, Love, Prayer and Jesus = Survival! What can YOU do today to help a hurting, broken person survive????

God Bless you all for all the support, help and prays you have given us. The Lord is hard at work here in Qwa Qwa South Africa ministering to His orphans through YOU

We are still collecting shoes and school supplies for our special Qwa Qwa Angels. We are happy to announce that we have enough for 33 children!! This is almost 1/2 of our 65 children goal. If you would like to help us reach this goal and bless a Qwa Qwa child this Christmas, you can donate $20 (US) or R200 (South Africa) on the right side of this blog. Thank you for your generosity, love, prayers and support. It is making a difference in the lives of some of South Africa's most vulnerable orphans. God Bless

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18.

A few simple actions done with a Compassion

When a 10 year old girl named Paula arrived at the Mustard Seed in April,she was an emaciated little girl covered in sores and suffering from acute malutrition. When I gave her a pair of shoes to wear, she could not put them on due to a serious fungal infection. Becuase Paula has been living in extreme poverty, all she has been able to get to eat was maize meal. This has left her protein starved and anaemic. One day when I began to raise my hand to fix her hair, she whimpered and her body started shaking. At this time, I knew that she was also physically abused. Now that she knows that I am here to help and not hurt her, she clings onto me and became very angry when other children needed a hug. I have became the only constant in her life. And to top it off, Paula was! constantly being bullied by her peers because she has incontinent issues.

This precious girl needed care, love and support in order to live! So, the Mustard Tree started feeding her fortified porridge and malt with vitamins added. That is as far as our finances would go. Every now and then I would slip her some brown bread with peanut butter on. As I help her with homework daily, she tells me stories of her life which includes terror, insecurity, and low self worth. To help her realize that she is important, I told her of another that suffered and was rejected by almost all He know - Jesus. Paula was so special that this Jesus suffered just for her!

All these things have helped this little angel named Paula begin to see herself as worthwhile and valuable, "A Child of God". She is healthy, on medication, and her incontinence has subsided. Though Paula has a long way to go, I know that with the help of the Mustard Seed ministry, showing her the love of Jesus, and constant prayer, she is well on her way! A precious little life is now living normally and has developed a gurgling little happy laugh. All this took was a few simple actions done with a compassion and love. If you feel the Lord Jesus placing something on your heart today like helping a elderly church member a sad young person, a sick suffering friend, or struggling neighbor, DON'T HESTITATE because your YES may also save a precious soul!

Julia O'Connell

Mother Teresa's feet....

A couple years ago at a Christian festival I heard a talk by a man named Shane Claiborne. He is a an activist who ministers to the poor and is a bestselling author of The Irresistible Revolution. His website is www.thesimpleway.org

Anyway, one story he shared still rings in my mind and heart today. This was a story about when he was blessed to work alongside Mother Teresa in Calcutta:

When entering the church to worship, it was customary for everyone to remove their shoes, and it was during these times that Shane noticed that Mother Teresa's feet were very deformed. So deformed, in fact, that Shane thought that it was perhaps due to leprosy.

But, he didn't dare ask her.

One day, while talking to one of the other sisters, the subject came up. The sister asked if Shane had noticed Mother Teresa's feet. She went on to tell him that they get donations of shoes only once and a while, and there are only just enough for each person to get one pair. When the shipments come in, mother Teresa would sort through all the shoes. She would look for the worst for wear pair, and then she would claim them for herself.

Mother Teresa never wanted anyone to wear a pair of shoes that were in worse shape than her own.


Hearing this story brought tears to my eyes and still does. Mother Terasa was a true servant of Christ, living like Christ and loving like Christ. I can't imagine wearing shoes that are so dilapidated that it would make my feet deformed. The pain she must have experienced for years.

This picture shows one of the Qwa Qwa children and his shoes.

As you can see, the Qwa Qwa children are in need of shoes. Some of them don't even have shoes like this. Miss Julia would like to give each of her Qwa Qwa children a new pair of shoes, a nice pair of socks and a school supply kit for Christmas. Friends, Christmas is 76 days away and she needs 65!! I know that I am not as selfless as Mother Teresa, wearing the worst so another can have better. But, I can put a new pair of shoes on the feet of one Qwa Qwa child!!!!!! How about you???

It is only a $20 donation for 1 pair of new shoes, a pair of nice socks and a school kit! This will make a poor Qwa Qwa orphan feel loved, proud, and happy. Please pray about it and see if the Holy Spirit is calling you to help 1 Qwa Qwa child this Christmas.


“Mother Theresa always said, "Calcuttas are everywhere if only we have eyes to see. Find your Calcutta.”
― Shane Claiborne, The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical

Feed My Sheep

One of the Qwa Qwa orphans named Emily had a dream last night. She dreamt she was eating meat with stew and bread piled high with lentils curry and there was so much she could even share with her large extended family. When she was telling all the other Mustard Seed angels, they oohed and aahed. Our sweet Louis told us this dream is a sign that The Mustard Seed is going to be abundantly blessed. Maybe he is right. But, it also showed Miss Julia that while this little girl goes to bed hungry only 6 miles away people are throwing away food that their children do not want.

Some 850 million people go to bed hungry. Seven million tons of food are thrown away every year yet three million children die from malnutrition. For these children, early hungar leaves a lifelong effect of cognitive and physical impairment.

Such hunger is not due to a shortage of food – globally there is enough to go round and if we make the right decisions now, we can continue to feed the world despite population growth and climate change. If we find ways to stop the waste of food after harvest due to poor storage or transport methods, 1/2 of that waste should be then in our kitchens. The number of overweight and obese people in the world who are suffering their own health problems and the sharp rise in heart disease and diabetes, is roughly equal to the number of hungry people a round the world. the biggest underlying cause of world hungar is the extreme levels of inequality, both within and between countries.


When Jesus fed the 10 thousand, do you like he wanted children like Emily and the other 849 million people to be going to bed hungry?? I don't think so! He calls us all to feed His Sheep both spiritually, emotionally and PHYSICALLY. What can you do as a Follower of christ today to feed a little girl like Emily who goes to be hungry?? I know that life gets crazy, but we cannot forget about the plight of the hungry.


"There is a lot that happens around the world we cannot control. We cannot stop earthquakes, we cannot prevent droughts, and we cannot prevent all conflict, but when we know where the hungry, the homeless and the sick exist, then we can help". --
Jan Schakowsky

From and Orphan to a Queen

This is a story one of the Qwa Qwa angels told Miss Julia about her life. Get a tissue!

Ten years ago, a woman gave birth to a baby girl in a chilly shack to her utter surprise. She didn't know she was pregnant because she was so busy foraging for food to feed her sick twins who soon died of H.I.V. This mother realized she could not feed her her new infant because she had no milk because of malnutrition and A.I.D.S. This baby was named Mampho. Mampho was given to neighbors when her mother passed. Unfortunately, she was not wanted by them because little Mampho was not "blood". Some villagers whispered about her saying she was a devil carrier because all of her family died except her. Mampho often wished for death as she was continually sick and rejected by the villagers. Every night, she thought about the hell she was living and her heart hurt so bad.


One day a white woman came into live in the village. This woman talked to Mampho about Jesus Christ and gave Mampho her first hug. Mampho found she could now eat and not be scared. It was a relief for her to also meet other girls who were in the same position as she was. For the first time, Mampho knew she wasn't bad, she was normal and she did fit into this world. Now Mampho wants to live, love, learn and acheive great things. She know that God has created her for a special purpose. She has learned that she has a long string connecting her to Jesus, and she knows God is in her heart so she never needs to be afraid again. She NOW FEELS like a Queen!

Being Strong and Courageous at at 6!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

The Mustard Seed has a little 6 year old boy named Thato who is a twin. His twin is very quiet and reserved unlike Thato who cannot stop talking and hugging. Both of them cannot speak one word of english but that has never stopped Thato who rattles off to everyone in Sesotho. Thato has learned one English phrase from a Christian dvd.- "God is in me I will not be afraid". When we walk past the drinking tavern, I hear him saying, "God is in me I will not be afraid". Thato is trying to be brave and fierce in a world that has treated him and his brother harshly. They are both alone in this world except for a fourteen year old sister. Nothing is ever a certainty for them so at the young age of six he recognizes that the only person that can protect his little soul is God.

Throughout the world, overall about 15% of orphans are 0-4 years old, 35% are 5-9 years old, and 50% are 10-14 years old. The loss of a parent/parents to AIDS can have serious consequences for a child’s access to basic necessities such as shelter, food, clothing, health and education. Orphans are more likely than non-orphans to live in large, female-headed households where more people are dependent on fewer income earners. This lack of financial income puts more pressure on orphans to contribute financially to the household to which leads them to the streets to work, beg or seek food. The majority of children who are orphaned continue to live with extended family, but often have to take on the responsibility of doing the housework, looking after siblings and caring for ill or dying family members.

Can you imagine being 2,4,6,8 or 12 without your parents?? What would you do? You certainly couldnt be a child, because you have to learn how to survive and help your siblings survive. Your only concern would be how to survive another day alone. The thought of playing and laughing in the schoolyard with your friends, having a nice big meal that makes you so full you want to rest, and learning how to read and write so you can become a doctor or a nurse to help others is NOT EVEN A THOUGHT!

This is why the Mustard Seed ministry exits. It gives Qwa Qwa children a chance to live, laugh, love and become the people God created them to be. Treat the orphans kindly, though they are alone in the world, God never leave them. Care about them with all your heart and you will help mend their broken hearts.

Washing the feet of Christ

In the Qwa Qwa village, there is not a garbage service. They dig a hole and burn most of their trash. Miss Julia has a separate hole for any food that is thrown away. This is kept to a bare minimium as they are so poor and any food they can save is given out to orphan Angels who have even less. The Mustard Seed is now known as a safe haven for any villager who has a pressing need. One Friday morning, Miss Julia went to empty their garbabge and was met by a desperate cadaverous teen of about 14 years picking ants off a slice of sandy green moldy bread. He looked like a beaten dog. When he saw Miss Julia, he ran away there was a look of pure terror in his eyes. Miss Julia wanted to meet this boy so she got the word out through her little angels and the "bush" telegraph She started leaving clean bread outside my door and in the morning it was gone. One day, Miss Julia heard a timid knock on her door. As she opened it, her eyes were fixed on that very same skeletal boy she so longed to meet. He lifted up one dirty foot and showed her the reason for his distress. She was confronted with a grusome looking abcess on his upper foot. When he was seated, Miss Julia washed his poor feet. In doing this, she was keenly aware of what Christ did for His disciples so long ago. This poor teen had never had anyone that touched him so gently. Miss Julia felt as if Christ was kneeling right next to her helping her wash the feet of this hurting teenage boy. Remember when we said Jessie looked like a beaten dog?? With new eyes, Miss Julia now saw Jessie as a disciple of Christ who is now a part of the Mustard Seed family. His health is not good and he cannot socialize as of yet. But, he knows that Christ sent him to the Mustard Seed home.

Would we too be able to clean and tend to Jessie's sore and infected foot?? Or, would we be afriad and hope someone else would fix it??? As followers of Christ, we are challenged to do things that may be outside our comfort zone in order to love one another as Jesus did. Acts of mercy, service, and charity can be quite difficult at times! But Jesus never backed away. He ate with, healed and forgave those who were considered the lowest in society. Can we be humble and show the love of Christ as Miss Julia did to the poor, starving, hurting and sick people that cross our paths everyday who have no one to tend to their hurts and needs??.

John 13: 12 - 17

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant[c] is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Thank you for your prayers and support of the Mustard Seed home! We cannot serve the children of God without your help!

Looking to be loved and learn how to love! One boys story...

From Tracey, I have learned not to judge a "Book by Its Cover".

Tracey is a 14 year old tall boy who came to the Mustard Seed ministry awhile back. He was the kind of boy that would grab all the biscuits, kick the dogs and seemed to be just plain unlovable no matter how much I prayed for him. I watched him sit down every afternoon and color with great care. Also, he would try to studiously read a big childrens book using his big finger to follow each word about Jesus in the Storm. Now as he reads, he is surrounded by little giggling, pushing and shoving seven year olds yet not bothered. Slowly, I have finally started to see a very sweet just rough boy.

So, I finally asked Tracey to come and have tea with me one day. He came dressed up in his best shirt and trousers, which was full of holes. During our visit, he sat in my kitchen and told me his story. He had a mother who was a continual drunk. She drank all day, everyday. From a very young age, he would collect the money from the men who sought favors from her which paid for her alcohol. He told me of the men, how they looked and smelt. His Mother ended up with HIV and became very sick for a long time. Tracey was the one who cleaned up the vomit and changed her faeces infested clothes until he was twelve years old. He lived by begging and stealing from neighbors. One day, he entered the house and found his mother dead on the floor. He looked at her, felt nothing,sat down over her and searched her pockets to see if she had any money. When he found nothing,he stood up and out of anger he kicked her really hard and walked out the door. It was finished. The whole sick mess. Then, four years later, The Mustard Seed came along and he explained how happy he is now to be able to play with toys, read and color, watch movies and get a good meal once a day, even biscuts.

I sat in silence and repented becasue my initial attitude towards Tracey was wrong. I pray that from now on, I will see each child as our beloved Christ sees them. This will allow me to never again judge a child by their outside appearance but only the precious heart that the Lord created. Each child has a story. A story that made them who they are. Tracey is tall and rough boy, but also a hurting, scarred child inside who is looking to be loved and to learn how to love! May we see through the eyes of Christ.

A Martha, a little Mother Theresa, and an angel at ONLY 11 years old!

Tumi is only 11 years old and MUST clean, cook and nurse her only surviving relative. This entails emptying buckets of vomit, urine and diarrhea. (If you have a child around 11years old, can you imagine them having to do this???) At 3pm each day, Tumi excitedly waits at the door of The Mustard Seed house, wrapped in her new blanket, ready to learn about Jesus!! Her burdens seems to lift for but a short time as she smiles from ear to ear with pure anticipation A special goodness emanates from her. Then, after learning about Jesus, Tumi always insists on sweeping afterwards, and will do lunch or snack dishes.

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42, NKJV


Isn’t it true that life can get so busy with our daily obligations, with our struggles and crosses, with our worries and anxieties that it becomes almost impossible to take a few minutes out of the day just to sit at Jesus’ feet? Jesus taught us that if we want to LOVE Him, we are to keep His word and His commandments. Yet, how can we keep His word and His commandments when we do not have any time in our life to learn them, ponder them, and apply them to our lives? At 3:00pm everyday, Tumi, after serving and caring for her sick relative, falls at the feet of Jesus to learn and lean on His every word for strength. In taking time to learn and love Jesus, Jesus gives Tumi, at the young age of 11, the strength she needs to continue to love and care for others, including her sick relative. Tumi is a Martha, a Mary, a Mother Theresa, and an angel at 11.


Let us learn from Mary and Martha and also Tumi. Take time each day to just sit and ponder your love for God; think of it as a necessity because it truly is and will give you strength to continue to serve and love others like Jesus would.

The 11 year old only known as "Boy"

As we witnessed the birth of England's new prince who was today given the name George, I am reminded of how we celebrate the birth of our children, our friends children, our relatives children and on and on. Yet, not every child is brought into this world with such excitement and joy!

What about the children whose paretns curse their birth because they are poor, or the mom was raped, or the child is found to have a birth defect?. What about the children that are abandoned by their parents shortly after birth because they cannot care for them?? What about these children? The children with NO NAME, NO FAMILY, NO HOPE.


In Qwa Qwa, there are many children abandoned and left to die in the freezing cold mountainous region.

Miss Julia shares this story:

A tousled haired, unwashed, under nourished ten year old. A boy who entered the world fighting, hated by all and lives scared and defensive. He does not have a name and is only known as "Boy". When Momma Julia fell sick recently with pneumonia, "Boy"
hung around her petrified that she was going to die because most sick people in Qwa Qwa die. When Momma Julia was finally felt better, "Boy" hasn't left her side and has became her special friend.

Can you imagine not having a name? No one feeling joy at the sound of your name! Not knowing who you are or where you came from. Our name gives us belonging and dignity This the world celebrated with weekend with the birth and naming of the new little Prince of england. Because Momma Julia's new friend "Boy" does not have a real name, she and the Mustard Seed ministry will have a Naming Ceremony for Him and all those children that come to The Mustard Seed Ministry with NO NAME. All children are precious in God's sight and deserve the same celebration, belonging and dignity as the Prince of England and you and I.

God works through us and orphans who come to the Mustard Seed for help will find that they are no longer inanimate objects but to living, producing beings. God has so much in store for them! God’s plan is so perfect. We know that, without a doubt. He has always intended for all his children to have a place to call home and learn they are loved children of God!

We would be honored if you would celebrate with us when "Boy" has his Naming Ceremony.

* Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
Psalms 91:14

* Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore.
Ecclesiasticus 44:14


Thank you for supporting and praying for the Qwa Qwa children and the Mustard Seed Ministry.

Wrapped in the Arms of Jesus

60 blankets were purchased and given to the Qwa Qwa children this week. ( : To all of you who made this possible, thank you so very much!! You and I can snuggle up with our favorite blanket anytime and feel warm and secure. Now the Qwa Qwa children can too!!! I am sure that each child will be able to feel the Lord Wrap His Arms around them as they snuggle with their special blankets. Praising God for how He continues to care for his orphans through caring, generous people throughout the world!

Dear Lord,
With these blankets, may the Qwa Qwa children feel your arms wrapped around them, let them feel your love when they are scared, lonely, sick and hurting. Amen

The children of Qwa Qwa...

..... are shown Mercy and the love of Christ through Miss Julia and her Mustard Seed school/home with the help of Mountain Ministries. Let's keep them and the children in our thoughts and prayers. Being a missionary and ministering to the poorest of the poor can wear on a persons soul. But, through our prayers, Miss Julia and the other missionaries will find renewed strength. Also, the Qwa Qwa children are trying to survive against tough elements and many have no family to care for them. If you feel called to help at all financially, Miss Julia has a paypal account on the right side of this page. She is in need of shoes, jersys, warm clothes, stationary, paper and pencils/pens, 3 beds and sanitary products(the poor girls use leaves and plastic bags).

All are welcome in this place

Julia and the Mustard Seed minstry is under the direction and support of another non-profit organization working in Qwa Qwa called Mountain Ministries.

Mountain Ministries is a ministry situated in the mountains of Qwa-Qwa, in the Free State province of South Africa. Mountain-Ministries consists of a group of people working on a full and part time basis with “The Family Church”. They have a heart for the poor and needy and as such reach out to such people. They bring the Holy Spirt and love of Jesus to the lost, broken and forsaken

"Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, And the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, And the fruitful field is counted as a forest".
(Isaiah 32:15 NKJV).


This week is a week of what they call "holiday club". The Mountain Ministries missionaries come to Qwa Qwa and minister the love of Christ, run bible classes, play games and give feed all the children that come. Every child in Qwa Qwa is welcome! Mountain ministries does this for the big children twice a week with bible classes and fun. The chidlren are always so happy for the this special time. Miss Julia says of watching the children wake up knowing of this amazing day for the children: "Little brown excited faces opening big round brown eyes as another day dawns in a windy, cold Qwa Qwa. Today is Holiday Bible Club and they know they are going to eat a big plate of food and have fun,fun,fun".

If you would like to know more about this ministry that helps Miss Julia with her precious orphans, here is their website and a place to donate. http://mountain-ministries.org/

Here are wonderful pictures from "holiday club":

Registration

This is what Miss Julia cooks on to feed all the children of Qwa Qwa for holiday club.

Let's walk hand in hand

I, Julia Oconnell, came to QwaQwa four months ago and was brought to tears because of the all the orphan children wondering with no place to call home. They were all around me. I spend a good amount of time smiling inside at the love and strength of these children. They continue to teach and minister to me daily. Only Jesus could cause a well seasoned missionary like myself to be humbled.

This being said, it is my dream to build an orphanage for these such children of Qwa Qwa. The work is God's and we go where we are led. From a human perspective, this seems impossible, but Jesus always gives us what we need for His children. I have no needs as I am not interested in anything else except Jesus and his work. I don't expect these little angels to have the best materially, but they will always get the best spiritually and emotionally. They only want love and the best love is the LOVE of Christ. Through our actions, love and support, they can touch and feel the love of Christ which will give them everlasting HOPE no matter what. At the moment, I am housing 8 children until their home situations improve. Some are going to be orphans soon because of HIV and a few have abusive drunk parents. I am in contact with welfare who feels the problem is so huge and the area so poor that I must do what I can until I am a licensed foster home (to which I am in the process of doing).

We are confident that Jesus has us and his precious Qwa Qwa children in the palm of His hands. So, I will continue to do what I am called to do along with much prayer, prayer, and more prayer.

If u feel the Holy Spirit talking to your heart to be involved with the Mustarrd Seed minsitry, your prayers, support and sharing about this orphan care ministry will be a great blessing. Join us in whatever way you feel called. Jesus will let you know how he wants you to help and serve the Least of These children in Qwa Qwa South Africa. And, with your help, Jesus will shine in the hearts and minds of these beautiful children that struggle to find their purpose in life everyday. Let's walk hand in hand to help the Qwa Qwa orphans.


Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Psalm 82:3

Little Mommies

Qwa Qwa is a region in South Africa that is an incredibly poor, impoverished area with high unemployment, low educational level, and little opportunities for economic development. South Africa has one of the highest incidences of HIV / AIDS at 18.8% of the adult population. In addition it is estimated that there are over 1.2 million AIDS orphans, which is half of all orphans. So, this being said, HIV AIDS is leaving many Qwa Qwa children orphans and in child led households. This is where you find the "little mommies"

The Mustard Seed Ministry wants to give these little mommies of Qwa Qwa a childhood, an opportunity to see, hear, feel and taste through the eyes of a child and not "so-called adults" In Qwa Qwa, 10 year old's are full-time care takers or their younger siblings. They carry their siblings on their backs, wipe dirty bottoms and are never free of responsibility. I don't know about you, but my 10 year old relies on me to help with homework, friendship struggles, good healthy cooking, clean clothes and support and encouragement. Where is this for the Qwa Qwa girls?? With Momma Julia!

Momma Julia makes a pact so to speak with the "little mommies" who come to her door. She makes them promise to enjoy themselves and let Momma Julia take care of the young ones. It is very hard for them at first as they are conditioned to watch out and care for the younger children. But, by the end of the day, these "little mommies are laughing and lose that tense, watchful look. And, at the Mustard Seed ministry, these girls can learn and get an education. Did you know that in South Africa around a 1 in 3 chance of completing secondary school?

She is also helping a "little daddy" named Lucky. Lucky is a 12 year old boy who came to Momma Julia with a big scab across is face. He has been caring for is 5 year old sister and because of the stress, he has been scratching his face. Momma Julia is determined to help Lucky heal physically, emotionally and spiritually thought the grace of God.

The Mustard Seed ministry has so many reasons to exit in South Africa. Life there is not easy and for the 'little mommies and little daddies" and really seems unimaginable. Please countue to pray for this ministry and those precious children it serves. May the love of Jesus fill these Qwa Qwa orphans through the Mustard Seed in order to heal them and give them a life made for a Child of God.

A video of the Mustard Seed orphan care ministry

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Jesus said, "Let the little children come"

I can hear Julia O'Connell, the visionary and founder of the Mustard Seed ministry, saying this to the children of Qwa Qwa, South Africa. She already teaches and cares for 60 orphans, 30 of which have HIV. But, her service doesn't stop there: She welcomes all Hurting children that are struck down by the effects of extreme poverty.


She is helping a 13 yr old boy, who we will call Jessie, whose father has been snatched by the grips of alcoholism. His mother follows close behind at all times. Because Jessie is the eldest in the family, much is expected of him. He is whipped and verbally abused. His behavior varies from withdrawn to out right naughty. The other day, he stood at the end of Momma Julia's porch and told her son Joshua that he does not want to come into the Mustard Seed school because it is boring. As Momma Julia watched him throw stones, she decided to go talk with him. When she got closer, she noticed tears in his eyes. Jessie said, "I wish I was an orphan". Then Momma Julia asked Jessie if she could hug him, he replied, "Oh my God". As momma Julia hugged him, he would not let her go. Eventually, his whole body relaxed and he started sobbing saying he could not live like this anymore.

Extreme poverty like this in Qwa Qwa South Africa hurts children because it hurts families. Poverty’s most innocent victims are children—including those who are just a few years old. Can you imagine forcing your child out into field, or garbage dump, to work each day, or make them beg, cheat or steal because if you didn't you would all starve. Children like Jessie are being exploited and hurt by their families everyday with no HOPE for a better life. They wander through life with no knowledge that they are loved and valued by the One who Created them. But, through the love, support and care of Momma Julia and the Mustard Seed ministry, Jessie and others like him can go to school and learn that they are loved and have a purpose which could make the world a better place.


Please pray for Momma Julia and Jessie in hopes that they can all work together to heal this boy and his family.

A little blind boy......

"I have come to realize more and more that the greatest disease and the greatest suffering is to be unwanted, unloved, uncared for, to be shunned by everybody, to be just nobody (to no one)". Mother Teresa of Calcutta 1910-1997)


Yesterday the Mustard Seed home/school welcomed a little blind boy who came in to here their biblestudy. He is an orphan with a small little face and a mop of curly hair. He is 7 yrs old. As momma Julia told the children their favorite story of Jesus calming the storm and showed them the pictures, ALL the other children very naturally turned to him and described the pictures in detail. It was so precious. They care so much for each other.

Thank you for continuing to spread the Mustard Seed ministry so these children as they help each other through their struggles are helped and loved by the Lord through all of you: His Hands and Feet! Your support, love and prayers are assuring them that they are loved! Blessing and Peace

Hope is a Warm Blanket

Hope is a warm blanket
In the winter night.
Heavy winds might shake it
But you'll hold it tight.

If they ever took it,
You would feel so cold.
Hope is a warm blanket
Left for you to hold.


I recently found the above poem on the internet and wanted to share it with you.

My dear friends,
The Qwa Qwa orphans in South Africa so not live in a warm climate and have very little clothes. It gets down into the 40's at night and the children huddle together to keep warm at night. Can you image sleeping on the floor like that at night?. I know I can't!! The Mustard Seed school is trying to provide for the phycial, emotional, edcuational and spiritual needs of 60 children through the grace of God. But, this can not be done by One person, Julia O'Connell. God calls us ALL to help these children because He has given us so much like homes, cars, beds, food, drinks and on and on and one.

These orphan's are missing many things in their lives, so let's not allow them to be cold anymore. Let's give a blanket to each Qwa Qwa orphan at the Mustad seed school. Isn't this the least we can do?. One good blanket bought there will only cost $10.50 US dollars!! Let our goal be 60 blankets! You can donate $10.50 for one blanket on the right side of this blog (paypal link).

Let's give them blankets, let's give them HOPE!

Thank you and blessings

The Founder of The House of the Mustard Seed

As many of you know I, Kara, have a heart for orphans in Ethiopia and have been working to help Yezelalem Minch. Recently, my heart has been drawn to help a special lady in South Aftica named Julia Oconnell who recently started a school for orphans and takes care of sick HIV children there. She is a widow with 2 biological children and a 19 year old foster son that she raised since she found him at around. This son, Joshua, helps her care for orphans. Through our many communications on facebook, I have come to beleive that she has a heart of Gold and wants only to help "THE LEAST OF THESE". This blog is to share her story and her mission. I hope you will follow their ministry and help spread the word about her love and care for orphans in South Africa.

Julia Oconnell founded of the House of the Mustard Seed and works with 3 missionaries from Mountain Ministries. She was born in South Africa and felt such a passion for helping mend what apartheid has done. She has worked for Refilwe as a Community Deveopment Coordinator doing evangelization, HIV testing, primary care and fostering. Feeling a tug from the Holy Spirit, she ahs been lead to live among the poorest of the poor with the highest number of HIV patients in Qwa Qwa, South Africa. Three months ago,she also started a school that has 60 children, 30 of which are sick with HIV. They hope to having plumbing put into their village soon.

This may sound horrible to you but they are living out of black plastic bags because they can't afford furniture. A local church gives them $125 a month but that is just not enough. Can you imagine living off $125 month while raising helping 60 children of children.

Jesus appeared to her in a vision in 1986 when she was a young girl asking her to be simple in my Christian walk. This is what she tries to do each and every day through her love and care of the orphans of Qwa Qwa.

Tears of relief flow from their eyes.....

Words from Julia:
"With Jesus, I am determined that this little village (Qwa Qwa) will rise up. Our little orphans cannot sink any lower. There will be no more frozen bodies found on the mountain top ever".

Julia's mission to help God's orphans is a calling to "HELP the LEAST of THESE". This has not been a easy road for her at all. They have no water and are waiting for their municipality to get that for them. But, many of us know that Africa time is very differnet that America time. this can bring musch frustration for Julia and sickness has come to her because of it. So, her mission is not for the faint of heart. But, she knows she can only do this through Christ and the people that HE sends to help her. Maybe YOU who are reading this, ARE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE!

The amazing part of her mission that warms her heart in the midst of much hardship is this:

* witnessing childrean appreciate their 1st cup of tea
* watching children laugh at a dvd
* hearing children pray with all their hearts to the heavenly Father
* seeing children push food into their hungry mouths followed by TEARS of relief flowing from their eyes as they chew.