The Eastern Archipelago teachers consists of one Mustard Seed site leader and 12 TransformNation interns who serve children at three local schools: a Mustard Seed school and two partner schools.

Rasi, MSI's site leader, was one of Mustard Seed's children at Seeds of Hope Children's Home. He received a scholarship from Mustard Seed and after graduating from university he was first assigned to a teaching position. Through the years, his leadership ability was recognized, and thus he was promoted to principal position.

The TfN interns serving at two local schools are Kashi (assigned as school principal), Tirta, Paul, Harta, Constance, Raymond, Alicia, Leland, Tabitha, James, and John. Anthony, another TfN student, is assisting Rasi at Mustard Seed's school.

The schools that Mustard Seed serves on the Eastern Archipelago are located in the Papuan highlands. Although the island is famous for its world-class mining sites, it has some of the most underdeveloped areas when compared to other parts of Indonesia. In addition, the island has had unstable political climates for decades.

Among the 3.5 millions people who live in Papua, close to 30% of them live in poverty, while in some areas that number is higher than 40%. Statistics also show that about 21% of the population cannot read and write.

A few other significant factors contributing to the underdevelopment in Papua includes: challenging topography, tribe wars, and gender inequality.

1. We watched the video of Lionel and read several stories of students in Papua. At some point in their lives, they met teachers who led them to life-changing opportunities, through various activities at school. What do you think were the essential parts that lead them to the transformation?

2.What do you think about a study that stated “nearly nine out of ten people of faith, felt God's love and heard about the good news before the age of 18.” What does that say about the influence that a teacher has over his/her students?

3. What kind of changes would you like to see in the lives of children in the Eastern Archipelago and how can you be a part of those changes?

4. Do you have any questions about the work that Mustard Seed does? What would you like to learn more about or understand better?

1. Please pray for the teachers who are serving children at the Eastern Archipelago. May they continue to be excellent at their work, leading children to know their purpose in God. May Mustard Seed's teachers promote love, stability, and peace wherever they serve.

2. Please pray for Papuan children and their parents. May God help them prioritize their children's education, that they would value their daughters just as they do their sons.

3. Please pray for peace and unity in Papua. May all dark powers that try to steal peace and kill harmony between the tribes be gone in God's powerful name.