From Blueprints to Blessings: Building Season is Underway

At Mustard Seed Communities, the work of our volunteer building teams provides a foundation of hope and opportunity for the hundreds of children and adults with disabilities who call MSC home.

Since we began hosting mission volunteers for week-long stays in Jamaica in 1993, the relationships between volunteers and residents have grown into sturdy friendships with lasting, positive impact. Building teams bring together skilled men and women in carpentry, landscaping, plumbing, and electrical work to enhance and maintain our campuses in Jamaica. These volunteers shape our environment into safe and comfortable homes where residents can live, learn, and thrive. Over the years, their efforts have constructed bright new cottages, repaired vital infrastructure, and created spaces for deep and meaningful care.

As this year’s building season unfolds, the impact reaches beyond the physical brick and mortar. Every builder returns home carrying more than memories—they leave with a restored spirit and a deeper sense of purpose.

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We are proud to share some behind-the-scenes details on what this year’s building teams have accomplished so far!

Covered walkways at Blessed Assurance

Collaboration between Kentucky North builders from teams Henson and Able produced a strong covering for the walkway at Blessed Assurance, our home for children and adults with disabilities in Montego Bay. It provides shade and rain protection for residents and staff.

Laundry and drying areas at Blessed Assurance

Laundry is a massive daily undertaking at MSC homes, as caregivers ensure that every resident is comfortable in clean clothes each day. So, laundry room expansion and a brand new drying area were two more projects taken on by teams Able and Henson. The project involved digging more than 50 holes in rocky ground, setting posts with hand-mixed concrete, and installing new drying lines on the posts. They also hand-spread gravel to make the space safer for all.

Adoration chapel renovation at Jacob’s Ladder

Praying and giving thanks for God’s blessings are central to MSC’s mission. We believe that “He is here,” surrounding us with blessings and love at all times. 

Each MSC home features a meditative adoration chapel for residents and staff to peacefully reconnect with the love of God. Team Hoffer took on the project of restoring this space at Jacob’s Ladder, our home for adults with disabilities in Moneague, Jamaica. New paint and tiles created a beautiful sanctuary.

Cabinets in three of Jacob’s Ladder’s villages

Improving functionality of our spaces makes for easier days for both residents and caregivers. The St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus team took on the project of building new cabinets in Ephesus, Corinth, and Damascus Villages.  As more residents join the Jacob’s Ladder community, these additions are increasingly necessary.

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Each rocky hole dug, wall painted, and pathway restored is a sign of the enduring love that builds up our communities. The impact of these efforts by our building teams will be felt for years to come, providing safe and nurturing spaces for MSC residents to call home. 

To every volunteer who has given their time and skill, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your work is more than construction—it’s a foundation for hope, dignity, and belonging. 

We look forward to welcoming more hands and hearts as the building season continues – check back for updates from many more teams to come!

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In this new season, our community of building volunteers works in honor of Father Norman Fischer, Bob Arlinghaus, and Paul Kellogg, volunteers who passed away last year.