To the editor:

I recently returned from an orphanage for extremely challenged children at a Mustard Seed community, Blessed Assurance, in Jamaica. 

I was privileged to be included in a group of 26 people who traveled there to labor on some projects and to work and play with the special children who live there. The majority of the people who went were students from local high schools. 

While there we spent a very inspiring period of time discussing our experience with the founder of the Mustard Seed Communities, Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon. As we shared our reflections about our experience and listened to the monsignor I was particularly impressed when Monsignor made it a point to tell us all that whenever we hear that the Americans and particularly American kids are selfish and don’t care about anything but themselves that they are completely wrong. Monsignor Gregory said that he sees the Americans as the most generous people, always willing to help with time and treasure. Monsignor Gregory asked that we spread his words to our American friends and this is my attempt at fulfilling that request.

I thought that all of you would be pleased to hear that comment because, as Americans, we often hear the bad things said about our country and our people. It was wonderful to hear from someone who has received benefit not only in monetary contributions but in hard work from many groups of Americans. The young people of our community have made a profound impact on the Blessed Assurance community over the past 10 years by coming from St. Luke’s parish here in town with groups of high school juniors and seniors going each year to participate in this special ministry. We were told many times about the impact of our visits and the current group continued that positive trend.

Thanks Abigale, Amanda, Ashley, Charles, Courtney, Emma, Eric, Ethan, Ian, Jackie, Jackson, Jeff, Jonny, John, Lauren, Marie, Max, Michaela, Michele, Rachel, Sam, Talia, Will and Father Bob for all being a part of a wonderful week of service to those in need in Jamaica. Your work has made an impact on that community and on Monsignor Gregory.

For those of you who have had their interest piqued by this note you can find out more about the Mustard Seed Communities by looking at the video on the following link 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wY06f9wHbU

Chuck Arneson

Barrington