MUSTARD SEED MISSION TRIP 2009 by Fr. Luke - April 25, 2009

- What a memorable and rewarding experience it was!!

“I tell you, whenever you did this for the least of my people, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40

In the spirit of this verse from Matthew’s Gospel, I am honored to share with you a short reflection about our Mission Trip to Jamaica. As most of you know last week Monday to Sunday, sixteen of us worked in Blessed Assurance, Montego Bay with the Mustard Seed Communities, helping to care for children with mild to severe physical and mental disabilities. The number of kids in Blessed Assurance tripled since last year which gave us plenty of opportunities to feed, bathe, change the diapers or just interact with those beautiful children.

We had a chance to do some heavy labor as well. In the severe heat, up to 90F, we were putting a cement sidewalk that connects dorms with a community building, digging a trench around the property and doing some outdoor painting.

The whole week in Jamaica was an eye-opening experience for all of us. I am sure that everybody came away with a broader perspective of the world and the kind of needs out there. I am also sure that all of us came back with that sense of joy that is part of serving in the name of Jesus and a renewed commitment to living a life of service. It was actually harder to leave than it was to be there.

Thank you all for your prayers and support!

Fr. Luke