We are happy to share with you a story of a fatherless child who received seeds of generosity years ago through one of Mustard Seed’s children homes. Meet Rasi, as he shares his story:

“Go away!” I shouted to a woman carrying a child. “Do you have some spare change?” she asked. “This is an orphanage! Not a charitable house!” I said. The woman stood still which made me even angrier. How dare you, I said in my heart. My life was not easy either. Growing up without caregivers, I moved from town to town. Stealing, selling drugs, and street fighting filled my days as I struggled just to survive. Not long ago, I was kicked out of school for fighting. My heart was still full of frustration. So why should I help her?

“Ehm…Rasi, what’s wrong?” I recognized Dad Sendy’s cough as he asked me. He was the leader of Seeds of Hope Children’s Home, the place I ended up with other fatherless children. Still annoyed, I told him how inappropriate the lady was to have asked for money. “Go to the kitchen and get them some food,” Dad said. I was a bit surprised but I did what he asked. I took two plates of rice but only put a pinch of salt and cooking oil on top. The speed at which they ate made it clear that they were starving. As I watched, I began to feel compassion for them, so I gave them two spoons and added some more food. I didn’t realize that Dad was also watching from afar. Then he said, “Give them some rice to take with them before they leave.” I gave her four pounds of rice and she just left without saying anything. I felt annoyed. Not even a thank you? Dad came to me and said, “Never hesitate to give to the poor, whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” I felt challenged by what he said. I said in my heart that this is an orphanage; we are all poor children here. People should have come to help us, not us helping people. Even though I didn’t understand what he said, his words and deeds spoke like a sword piercing through my heart.

A couple of days later, someone from Mustard Seed came to the children's home and Dad said that the man was willing to help to pay my tuition so that I could enrol in a university. I was so surprised. It was a huge miracle for me. How could somebody who doesn't even know me, trust me and gave me this amazing opportunity? I couldn't stop thanking them and God. Dad said, “Remember what I said? Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.” This time, his words planted a seed in my heart that is imprinted in my mind and values even to this day.

***

Seventeen years later, that small seed has grown into a tree where birds lodge in its branches. After graduating from university, Rasi was assigned a teaching position at a remote high school. Through the years, his leadership abilities were recognized and he was promoted to principal. The seed that Dad Sendy planted in Rasi is his source of inspiration as he ministers to the needs of impoverished children. With a heart of compassion, he has become a father to many fatherless children in the community he serves.

Together, let us turn our eyes to the millions of fatherless children who need someone to be willing to step in and plant a seed that will transform their life, restore their hope, and lovingly send them on their way.

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
Proverbs 19:17