2025 Catholic World Mission Mustard Seed Mission Trip Reflection

CWM
Jul 10
2 min read

Updated: Aug 27

Blake Lowrey

Development Coordinator

Catholic World Mission

July 2025

I recently had the privilege to visit a great Catholic World Mission partner, Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica. Mustard Seed is a Catholic organization which provides care and support to a great number of people with special needs throughout Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, and several regions in Africa. The residents include those with developmental and/or physical disabilities, pregnant girls as young as 12 years old who have been taken away from abusive situations, those rescued from human traffickers in Haiti, and children who are born HIV positive. Catholic World Mission is proud to have supported multiple projects which have aided this critical work for several years.

After several delays in our flight and a bus drive through the Jamaican Mountains, we arrived at the Jacobs Ladder property at around 2:00 in the morning. Starting the next morning, we were able to meet Bashi, our guide for the trip, and Kevin, who made sure we were well taken care of throughout our stay. After attending Sunday Mass in Ocho Rios, we returned to the property and were given a tour and told some of the history of the site. The first thing I noticed upon arriving at Jacobs Ladder and meeting the residents is the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit in this place and the sense of peace that it brings.

Over the course of the week, we were able to meet the amazing residents and to see the light that they share with everyone they meet. I will admit, it was overwhelming at first to have people who physically are fully grown run up to you and offer extremely enthusiastic hugs. By the end of the week, however, any discomfort had passed, and I was able to return that wholesome affection in the spirit it was offered. The residents are so welcoming and despite their challenges, truly care about one another in the purest way.

We were able to complete some work projects for the benefit of the residents and staff such as replacing a fence, retiling a dining area, harvesting vegetables, and clearing land. I speak for myself, and I am sure all of the other missionaries, that this was a truly blessed experience and that we came home feeling closer to God. Seeing the power that Faith has to transform lives and to accomplish the seemingly impossible every day at Mustard Seed has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The staff, residents, volunteers, and clergy who make everything possible truly deserve all our support.