The Mighty Mustard Seed – Your Catholic Weekly Reflection from CMMB

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples about the power of faith. When the disciples asked for help in increasing their faith, Jesus reminded them that with just a little faith, God can work miracles in our lives.

Sometimes we may feel that what we do for others is small or insignificant. But as the reading says, faith as small as a mustard seed can uproot a mighty mulberry tree. God can do wonders with those with little faith. Whenever we respond to God’s calling and make a positive difference in the life of another, no matter how small, our actions will be multiplied in the Almighty’s hands.

After volunteering for CMMB in Trujillo, Peru, Amber Walker was moved to become a force for change for children with disabilities.

Amber Walker never expected what would happen when she planted her “mustard seed.” In 2010, she volunteered with CMMB in Peru. Amber served in Trujillo, in the northern coast, where an influx of poor, rural farmers has transformed the outskirts of the city into an urban slum. Initially, CMMB’s efforts were centered around fighting anemia and chronic malnutrition – huge public health challenges in Peru. Although she was trained as a physical therapist, Amber joined the maternal health program to assist mothers and newborns. She soon noticed, however, that one segment of the community was constantly being overlooked: children with disabilities. Some of them were hidden or locked at home by their own mothers, as health services did not give them the capabilities to improve their future, and their mothers faced a daily struggle to survive. Some parents were stigmatized for having a child with disabilities. Some children were abandoned when couples found out they were disabled.

Upon returning to the United States, the memories of the families Amber met stayed in her mind, and she jumped into action. She reached out to her colleagues at Regis University and mobilized them to become a force for change in Trujillo. With a team of professionals in tow, Amber returned to Peru to train and assist caregivers and physical therapists to work with children who needed specialized rehabilitative services. Once trained, these community caregivers would be able to provide appropriate therapies to the children who lacked access to the essential care they required.

As a toddler, Ericka suffered convulsions left her permanently impaired. She receives specialized therapies through Rehabilitation with Hope.

The “mustard seed” that Amber sowed in 2011 bloomed into CMMB’s Rehabilitation with Hope program. Today, CMMB runs two fully equipped centers for disabled children in Peru, employing five specialists and meeting the needs of 72 children. Of those children, 36 now attend special schools tailored to their needs. Mothers and caregivers are directly engaged in the rehabilitation process, giving continuity at home. Moreover, the parents of the children have found additional strength by connecting to other parents facing the same issues. Indeed, they have improved their agency and now are more able to fight for their children’s rights, defending their dignity.

Jonel’s parents left him when he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant. His grandmother, above, has cared for him since and he has been making great progress in the Rehabilitation With Hope program.

“These are brave parents of brave children. Competing against all odds. Fighting towards a brighter future. And CMMB Peru is by their side.”
—Ariel Frisancho, Country Director, CMMB Peru

When Amber Walker threw her pebble into the water, she never could have known the ripples it would make. But she had faith and threw it anyway, and left behind an enduring legacy.

In grace and peace,

CMMB/Healthier Lives Worldwide