Remember the old nursery rhyme “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”? In Uganda, young children really do wash their clothes, just like in the song! These cute girls were tackling their weekend chores together—and making it look like fun! My spirits are always lifted by the sweet voices of children carrying Luganda melodies across…
Isn’t it funny how perspectives can be so different? While many kids in the U.S. are counting down the days until summer break, Mustard Seed students are thrilled to be back in class after their three-week term break. These darling faces tell the story—school is where these kids want to be! In Lukaya, just south…
In Uganda, life is unpredictable. Success depends on people who shine in tough times. Gloria is one of those people. She’s the senior secretary at Tree of Life Ministries, which runs Mustard Seed Academy. When power fails, or rains flood the roads, she finds a way forward. Gloria warmly welcomes visitors and students alike. Gloria…
It’s term break in Uganda, and Mustard Seed students are making moves toward bigger dreams. Students above were competing in the Father Grimes National School Chess Championship. It was held at an impressive venue a three-hour bus ride away. Part of the excitement was four nights in a hotel. Our teams excelled, ranking in the…
Are you feeling grateful for your home? I am. And I believe the mother pictured here is, too. This is a typical scene in Lukaya—not the worst and not the best. The main house is painted and has some landscaping. The small building with two doors and two windows is likely the boys’ quarters. When…
In March, the Tree of Life Ministries Board of Directors met, and we were delighted that Vincentia could be with us. She had recovered from a long illness. Sadly, on Easter Day, she joined our other strong Ugandan woman board member, Alice, in heaven. There was an outpouring of sympathy for the loss of this outstanding…
Today’s photo takes you inside the Mustard Seed Academy library, where students are intent on their “All About Me” activity. These reflections will soon make their way to you. Just two years ago, the shelves stood nearly empty. Now, thanks to your generosity, they’re filled with textbooks, fiction, and nonfiction works that open new worlds…
These children are students participating in the Lukaya Town Council Athletics Meet. Notice they have no uniforms. Still, they have big smiles. John Robert, Mustard Seed’s Headteacher, reported the reason for their joy. It is the delicious rice shared by Mustard Seed athletes. Many competitors were from schools where lunch is only served to students…
The water system providing clean water is failing. One huge water tank has already crashed from its tower (thankfully, no one was hurt), and the second main tank sits precariously on an unsafe platform (see photo above). Without immediate action, hundreds of students and community members will lose access to clean, safe water. The alternative…
In this edition, we meet Kalyose, a Mustard Seed graduate, as he tells us with pride about his career in construction. We also meet the Environmental Club members (pictured) and hear about their work. PPU-Apr-2025 Reduce