The Tenth Station:
Jesus comforts and nurtures the abandon children

Arrival at what is named
"My Father's House A Mustard Seed Ministry"

Mustard Seed cares for approximately 64 mentally and physically handicapped children who were abandoned by their parents who couldn’t and in some cases wouldn’t care for them. It is believed by some Jamaicans if a child is born afflicted it is cursed by demons and often left in the sun to bake a die. Some of the children also had Down Syndrome or have physical handicaps and are given physical therapy.

These children were so severely handicapped and stricken with such devastating diseases we were not permitted to take any pictures at this location. Many also, from their conditions were either born blind or became blind soon after birth.

Father Gregory who is the founder of Mustard Seed had built a small little chapel on the grounds where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed 24 hours a day. He made the most profound statement I may have ever heard in my life. He said we are all blessed by Christ in some way, and it’s sometimes difficult to see how these children who are so sick are blessed, but my little frail children are blessed with the gift of time. What Father does is have 2 children brought in by the nurses every half hour on the hour around the clock each and every day to be in front of the Blessed Sacrament. When I walked into the chapel, there they were two children in wheel chairs present with our Lord. I spent a little time myself with them as I was in prayer and then gave them one last look as I got to the door to leave and whispered God bless them.

This community was founded and is directed by Father Gregory Ramkissoon he began it as a means to enrich and empower the poor. The center has a workshop employing young adults and women in making greeting cards. It has a ceramics workshop and other programs for disadvantaged men and women.
Mustard Seed also has a radio station that broadcasts Christian programming to the Jamaican community. Many of the pilgrims who were with me were interviewed live on the air. It was a lot of fun as they thanked the people of Jamaica for allowing us to visit their country. Zink Link was recently added giving the children who are poor a chance to experience and have access to the internet.

Food For The Poor has supplied Mustard Seed with wheelchairs, furniture, food, lumber, doors, and windows. Fr. Gregory also serves on the board of Directors at Food For The Poor in America.

 

 

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