The moment Mustard Seed’s team stepped into the courtyard of Seeds of Hope (SOH) Children’s Home in Bali, we could feel something special. The air was warm and still. The tiled floors had been freshly swept. Rows of blue chairs were already set up beneath the tin roof, facing a small stage. In the quiet anticipation, children peeked out from behind pillars, giggling softly, offering shy smiles, and whispering in line.
Then, everything fell silent.
About thirty children stepped forward in lines. Two teenage girls gently carried two toddlers. The youngest girl in the front row did her best to pronounce the English lyrics. One boy found it hard to concentrate. But when the music started, something beautiful happened. Their voices blended. Imperfect, sincere, full of heart.
Every soul we long to reach...
Every heart we hope to teach...
Everywhere we share His peace...
Is only by His grace.
Every loving word we say...
Every tear we wipe away...
Every sorrow turned to praise...
Is only by His grace.
(Watch their sing on the video below)
This song wasn’t just a performance. It reflected the children’s journey and the heart behind this home.
Mr. Sendi, the founder of SOH who taught the children this song, said that those are the words he teaches the children. “I chose Grace Alone song for them because the meaning is so deep. God’s grace has carried us through many painful, exhausting days. And if we’re still here, it’s only by His grace.”
Rosa, daughter-in-law of Mr. Sendi was once a teenager grew up at SOH. She is now the mother figure to all the children and shared why this song means so much to them. “If we’re still breathing, it means our story isn’t over. God still has work for us to do. Even when life is hard or painful, we trust He is doing something good in us. God doesn’t make mistakes. He knows who we are and how strong we really are.”
This belief is what Rosa teach to the children. “We teach the children to give thanks, to lean on God, and to be a blessing to others, no matter where they are or what they face. We don’t just receive God’s blessings, but let our life be a blessing to others.”
That spirit is lived out in every part of SOH.
We heard the story of Komang, a boy who came to the home with his older brother after their father passed away. With nowhere to go, they moved from house to house and felt unwanted. One day, they heard about SOH and gathered the courage to ask if they could stay. Mr. Sendi welcomed them in with open arms. “Finally, we found what we were looking for,” Komang shared. “We felt love here. We learned about Jesus for the first time. We found a family.”
Today, Komang is a professional chef at a restaurant in Bali. His brother works at an automotive dealership. Both have left SOH and are now faithful supporters, giving back to the place that once gave them a new beginning.
We also learned about Rasi, now the site leader of a Mustard Seed school in Papua. As a teenager, he lost both parents and ended up on the streets. Expelled from schools several times, he dealt with street fighting and a rebellious spirit. A friend brought him to SOH, where Mr. and Mrs. Sendi welcomed him in. With support, love, and education, Rasi found stability and faith for the first time in his life. His life changed completely.
Today, Rasi is not just leading but multiplying impact. Thanks to his mentorship, 13 young Papuans have been accepted into the TransformNation teacher training program. Ten have already graduated. Among them, Harta and Tirta have started schools in the remote Papuan highlands, and Michael works as an advisor to the Regent of the Yapen Islands Regency. The seeds that were once sown have now grown into trees. Places of refuge where children gather, learn, and encounter the love of God.
And still, the doors of SOH stay open.
Just last year, two unwanted babies were brought to the home. Even though resources are stretched, SOH said yes. Because they believe every child deserves to be loved, known, and given a future.
Of course, challenges remain. Flooding, leaking roofs, and limited space make it difficult to provide the safe and comfortable environment the children need. The team hopes to raise the ground level and build more rooms so that no more than two children must share a space.
But even in the face of these needs, Seeds of Hope continues to say yes. To one more child, one more story, one more opportunity to show love.
If these stories have touched your heart, we invite you to stand with us. Through your prayers, your encouragement, or your support, you help create a place where children are seen, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.
It is only by His grace that this work continues. And for that, we are truly grateful.

Cindi (left) shows Lucie Howell (MSI Board Member) her doodle
Watch the video of SOH children singing "Grace Alone"