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 His behavior varies from withdrawn to out right naughty.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.