In June 2025, members of Mustard Seed’s North American team had the joy and honor of witnessing a deeply moving moment in Eastern Indonesia. At Sumba School, nestled in one of the island’s rural communities, something historic was taking place: the school’s first-ever elementary graduation.

What made this day even more meaningful was that these same students, many of whom began as the school’s first kindergarten class, will also be pioneers of its junior high program beginning this year. What started as a dream: offering quality education grounded in the love of Christ, is now an unfolding reality.

A Celebration Marked by Joy and Tears

The entire school community gathered for the kindergarten and elementary graduation ceremonies. Joy filled the air as the youngest students brought smiles and laughter with a colorful drama, telling the story of little worms transforming into pretty butterflies. Their performance captured more than a lesson. It reflected their own metamorphosis.

Then came the elementary graduates, standing with anticipation. Their names were called one by one as they received flowers and official certificates, symbols of their hard-earned achievements.

But it was the moment that followed that captured every heart. Each student stepped off the stage and walked toward the audience, handing their flowers to their parents. Some children embraced them with tear-filled eyes. A hush fell over the room as generations were united by love, sacrifice, and the simple beauty of a child saying “thank you.”

Words from the Heart

Teacher Ari, the founder of Sumba School, delivered a heartfelt speech that moved every soul in the room.

“Two years in kindergarten is no small task,” he began. “These children have grown, and we as teachers have grown with them. We’ve fought to help them wake up early and we’ve prayed to understand how best to teach them. And their parents, many of whom never had this opportunity themselves, have fought just as hard to give them a better future.”

Later, during the elementary graduation ceremony, as Teacher Ari turned his attention to the elementary graduates in his speech and his voice softened with emotion.

“You’ve laughed, you’ve argued, you’ve dreaded math, complained about having to speak English every day. Some days, you were tired of hearing the same advice from your teachers over and over again. My children, do you realize how often your names have been in our prayers? We cried quietly when you struggled. Our hearts broke when you fell short. And today, we cry again, but because you’ve made it!!”

To the parents, his words rang with gratitude: “Moms and Dads, thank you for being the best you can be for your children. Thank you for partnering with us to shape them with love and faith. And to our teachers, thank you for planting seeds, nurturing them, and entrusting God to bring the growth.”

From One Room to a Movement

Eight years ago, Sumba School existed only in Ari’s heart. A silent conviction that God was calling him to return to his home island and start a school. There were no buildings, no resources, and no guidebook. Just faith, and a desire to see local children receive a Christ-centered education that would give them a chance at a different future.

That vision took root in a rented house with a single classroom. Today, Sumba School stands as one of the most respected Christian schools in the region. Staffed by a devoted team of teachers, it serves more than 200 students. These students know their worth in God’s eyes and are growing into young leaders shaped by love, wisdom, and faith. It is also a vibrant hub of learning and discipleship that supports and mentors 25 surrounding village schools, reaching 579 village children, and equipping 52 local teachers.

This year, another milestone unfolds: the launch of the school’s first junior high program. Thanks to the generous support of Mustard Seed donors, new classrooms have been built, new teachers equipped, and an entire community is preparing to take another bold step forward.

A Harvest of Hope

Moments like this remind us why Mustard Seed International exists. We believe that education and discipleship belong together. We are not just building schools. We are transforming lives: children, families, and teachers, so they can become all that God has created them to be.

What began as one classroom in a rented house is now a place where seeds of faith and learning are taking root. The story is still being written, but we can already see the fruit. Children growing in wisdom and confidence, families strengthened by hope, and communities beginning to believe in something greater.

As these young graduates step into the future, we’re reminded of the parable that gave our mission its name. The mustard seed, though small, becomes a tree where others find shelter, rest, and new life.

Watch the video of Sumba School Graduation below: