By Paul Richardson

The evidence is undeniable. The west has rejected God, resulting in the total collapse of our culture. Character no longer matters, resulting in the deterioration of the nuclear family. Divorce rates, along with depression and suicide rates among teenagers are shattering records. These trends are spilling over into Southeast Asia where Mustard Seed schools are reaching thousands of kids.

We are fighting back. Mustard Seed teachers are on a mission to forge godly character in the next generation of leaders, and we won’t back down for anything.

Character is so much more than obedience to rules. To have character is to be fully alive and fully human. Consider an acorn. The potential of a massive tree awaits within. The acorn is planted and grows, yet without nutrition and water it remains stunted and unfruitful. It is a tree… but not the complete expression of what it means to be a tree. Such is a person with weak character. Loved by God? No doubt. Yet not exactly what Jesus meant when He said I have come to give you life!

Your character is the more virtuous version of yourself waiting on the other side of your next challenge. It is the result of having been tested and found valid rather than fraudulent. We face challenges and temptations. We suffer. Our responses hold the power of life and death.

4th year TfN trainee, Prina, contemplates the new theme as she prepares for her teaching internship this year.

In Deuteronomy 30 God said, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”

Our theme this year is CHOOSE LIFE! Children in our schools will learn the art of a great decision. They will keep decision journals. They will analyze their choices and record the results. More life-giving choices will generate momentum, breathing life into their relationships, affecting their careers and generating impact in the world around them. Will you join us? Choose life.

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Main picture: The leadership team of MSI’s Lab School gathered at a retreat to pray and decide on the annual theme.