Matthew 13:31-21 “He told them another parable: the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

Matthew 17:20 “…Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

We can see in these two passages how a mustard seed can produce big change, both physically, and metaphorically. 

A mustard seed has the diameter of 1 millimeter. It is so tiny, one of the smallest seeds on the planet, and yet it grows into a towering and outstretched tree. Not only does it bear fruit (mustard seeds, which are rich in fiber and magnesium; their leaves are rich in calcium, copper, and vitamins), but it deposits nutrients into the soil. It provides shade for the weary farmer and a nesting place for birds. This tiny seed can cause a domino effect of change. 

And we see metaphorically, that Jesus tells us that even the smallest amount of faith, can have the biggest impact. Even just a little bit of belief, can move mountains. 

Here at CEPAD, we see this happening every day. Farmers, leaders, female entrepreneurs, youth, and pastors that receive a little bit of training, some seeds, a small loan, can have a big impact. And little by little, they are able to forge the path for change. 

Francesca, who is participating in her villages Community Development Committee (CDC) receiving CEPAD trainings, is starting to see the metaphorical and physical fruit of her labor. 

“With the trainings we received from CEPAD, our CDC has been able to obtain many benefits for the students in our community, one of which being pencils.”

“We’ve also been taught how to make organic fertilizers. As women, we work hand in hand with the men. We are putting into practice all the training we’ve received to better our community.”

These small changes like students having pencils and using organic fertilizer, can cause a domino effect of change. Students feel dignified in their studies and can practice writing as they do their homework – getting a better education can lead to more opportunities. Organic fertilizer enriches the soil, helps families save money because they don’t have to purchase chemical fertilizers, and communities learn how to sustainably care for their land. This leads to better harvests, better nutrition, and improved incomes, all of which create a better community.

Francesca recognizes the big impact that small changes can make. “We hope that God will continue to support us, as well as many donors who have provided this grain of sand to contribute to our community. We will be able to overcome our obstacles, and come out stronger.”

A grain of sand or a mustard seed, can lead to more change than we can imagine. 

Your gift of partnering with CEPAD gives families across Nicaragua the opportunity to create generational change to empower their communities to thrive.