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