In 1985, hundreds of parents in the remote Borneo village of Kaladan longed for a junior high school for their children. At the time, there were three Christian families living in this village of approximately 10,000 people. One of these individuals had heard of an organization named Mustard Seed International, which builds Christian schools, youth ministries and orphanages, and trains national teachers to serve in impoverished and unreached communities.
Mustard Seed leaders were sent to visit Kaladan. At the time, Kaladan was dominated by two religions; Islam and Keharingan. Keharingan is a mixture of Animism and Hinduism. Many of the people in Kaladan worshipped the bones of their ancestors, and paid homage to monkey spirits who controlled their village.
The Mustard Seed leaders explained to the village elders that they could build a school, but, they added, “Mustard Seed is a Christian organization and we would like to build a Christian school.” How would the elders feel if teachers were free to share their faith and teach from the Bible? Amazingly, the elders eagerly agreed to this arrangement, and Mustard Seed staff members set to work building a new Christian school.
Now, if you were to visit Kaladan on a Sunday morning, you would hear the praises of Christ ringing out over the village. More than fifty families attend the local church. Almost of these families have given their lives to Jesus Christ because of the influence of loving and caring Christian teachers. The school continues to enjoy the favor of the local population. Hundreds of graduates have pursued further education. The school has produced government leaders, church planters, entrepreneurs, evangelists and expert farmers. Mustard Seed has also provided a kindergarten, a high school, and a mission training center. The impact of the Christian schools in Kaladan is inspiring to the entire community.
God has given me the awesome privilege of serving as the Director for Mustard Seed Indonesia. Mustard Seed is involved in providing a life changing Christian education for children in Kaladan and in many other places. Mustard Seed provides this ministry through the generosity of churches and individuals in the United States and Canada. Would you commit yourself to praying for the children and youth who attend the schools each day?
