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The goal of the Mustard Tree Project is to share the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ by building friendship with the people of Ballymun and by helping them in practical ways. The work can be divided into four main categories: family, youth, education, prayer and training.
"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground, yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." Mark 4:31-32
Ballymun
Ballymun is a large working-class community (20,000 inhabitants), in the north east of Dublin. There are a wide range of social issues effecting the people who live there. These include:
- · Unemployment (80% in some sectors);
- · Drug and alcohol addiction;
- · Domestic violence;
- · Crime.
- Over 50% of the population is under 25. Only 50% of the young people continue schooling past the age of 14. A large percentage of homes are single parent families.
The goal of the Mustard Tree Project is to share the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ by building friendship with the people of Ballymun and by helping them in practical ways. The work can be divided into four main categories: family, youth, education, prayer and training.
Family Leisure:
Family outings; e.g. trips to the park, zoo, beach, etc.
Personal support:
Tea cup ministry, evangelism and discipleship programmes, prayer.
Practical help:
Children's clubs, transportation, food, clothes, financial assistance, painting and decorating.
Youth
A weekly meeting of 10 to 15 (13-16 years) young people for the purpose of Christian input, discussion and recreation.
Regular social and Christian events; YWAM youth camp, outings, concerts, etc.
A weekly children's club for twenty children (8 to 12 years) consisting of games, crafts, Bible stories and outings.
Education and Training
The Mustard Tree Learning Centre. A community based educational facility for at risk children and youth using computers and one on one tutoring. This includes mathematics, English and a foundational course in computing with an approved certificate.
Training in Urban Missions with a focus on youth ministry and community work.
Prayer
Regular prayer and intercession for the people of Ballymun.
A bi-monthly prayer letter entitled Trumpet Blast sent to some forty Christians committed to praying regularly for Ballymun and the Mustard Tree team.
More Details
The Mustard Tree Project was begun in 1989 by Tomas and Mechthild Jenkinson, two full time workers with Youth With A Mission, in response to a call to share the message of God's healing and hope with the broken and hurting people of Dublin city. The project is staffed by both long and short term voluntary workers training with Youth With A Mission. At present the team consists of two families and two single people.
If you would like any further information or would like to contact The Mustard Tree Project, you can use the information given below.
The Mustard Tree Project
76 Belclare Park, Poppintree, Ballymun, Dublin 11, Ireland
Tel: 00353-1-8620586
Fax: 00353-1-8367044
Email: mtp@tinet.ie
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