Child Protection Taiwan Project #35777

Sprouting Dream | Sponsor a Child in Taiwan

by The Mustard Seed Mission

Project Report | Jun 29, 2025
Through Every Storm: Standing by Yi-Lun's Family

By Ariel Wu | International Social Media Manager

Life has never been easy for Yi-Lun, a high school freshman born with a rare, undiagnosed bone condition. As he grows, his condition worsens—his spine has curved to 70 degrees, pressing against his organs, while his legs have become increasingly deformed. Despite these physical challenges, Yi-Lun’s determination to push forward remains strong, fueled by the unwavering love and care of his mother.

Anchored by Love

Mrs. Sun, Yi-Lun’s mother, has been his fiercest advocate. She left her job to focus entirely on his health, traveling across Taiwan in search of treatments, even exploring options abroad. During school hours, she waits nearby in park gazebos or small storage sheds, rain or shine, always ready to be by his side. Her quiet sacrifices have shaped not only Yi-Lun’s life but also his spirit to persevere.

Eight years ago, The Mustard Seed Mission (MSM) entered their lives through the Sprouting Dream Child Sponsorship Program, providing financial assistance, essential supplies, and stability through difficult times. With his mother’s dedication and MSM’s support, Yi-Lun has thrived academically, earning the Presidential Education Award twice.

When the Road Got Tough

For years, Mrs. Sun transported Yi-Lun to school and medical appointments on an old scooter with a modified child seat. As he grew, these rides became increasingly painful. Two years ago, friends and family pooled resources to buy a second-hand car, finally offering Yi-Lun a safe, comfortable way to travel.

But during last year’s typhoon season, severe flooding destroyed their car. Shortly after, Yi-Lun’s father—the family’s main financial provider—was injured in an accident, leaving him with unstable temporary work. With no reliable transportation and mounting medical needs, the family was overwhelmed.

Recognizing their urgent situation, MSM helped the family secure another second-hand car as soon as possible. For Yi-Lun, this wasn’t just transportation—it was a lifeline to education, healthcare, and the chance to continue living beyond his circumstances.

“There were so many times I didn’t know how to go on,” Mrs. Sun shared. “But you never gave up on us. When we had nowhere else to turn, you helped us through the impossible.”

Let’s Keep Showing Up

For eight years, MSM has stood by Yi-Lun’s family not just as an organization but as a source of stability through life’s storms. His resilience, paired with his mother’s unwavering dedication, inspires us to keep showing up. Because every child deserves the chance to live a happy and fulfilling life, no matter the obstacles.

Join us in being a steady source of hope and strength for children like Yi-Lun.

For friends in Taiwan: https://msm.pse.is/4vh6wb
Support us via GlobalGiving: https://goto.gg/35777
Corporate Giving via Benevity: https://bit.ly/4dVydK2

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Mar 10, 2025
Learning Through Play: A Focus Workshops to Bridge

By Ariel Wu | International Social Media Manager

When we talk about our Sprouting Dream - child sponsorship program at The Mustard Seed Mission (MSM), we usually imagine financial aid to help families through tough times. But there’s another equally important side to support—helping families strengthen their relationships and build resilience. That’s what the Focus Enhancement Workshop set out to achieve in Taoyuan City this October.

This annual event brought together families from our child sponsorship program and the local community for a day filled with connection, learning, and fun. With distractions everywhere in today’s fast-paced world, the workshop focused on helping parents and children improve attention, communication, and collaboration all while growing closer as a family.

Learning Through Play

The day began with ice-breaking activities to create a welcoming environment to ease everyone into the day. Instructors then led families through interactive games designed to promote teamwork and focus. Parents and children worked together, learning how to better communicate and support each other. These weren’t just games, they were opportunities for families to build trust, patience, and understanding in a fun and engaging way.

For one mother, the workshop was especially meaningful. She shared how the games kept her child with developmental delays engaged and focused throughout the session—something that hadn’t always been easy at home. The activities offered her practical ideas for how to continue supporting her child’s attention and growth in everyday life.

By the end of the workshop, families left feeling more connected and confident in their ability to work together. Feedback from participants highlighted how valuable the experience was, with many expressing their hope for more workshops like this in the future. It wasn’t just about the skills learned—it was also the bonds strengthened.

Empowerment That Goes Beyond Finances

The Focus Enhancement Workshop shows what we aim to achieve through our child sponsorship program. Empowerment doesn’t stop at financial aid—it’s about providing families with tools and opportunities to grow stronger together. When parents and children build closer relationships, it lays the foundation for children to thrive in every area of life.

Your support makes programs like this possible. Let’s work together to create brighter, stronger futures for more families. Join us today!

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Nov 21, 2024
A Promise, a Dream, and a Presidential Medal

By Denny Chou | Supervisor, International Mktg Resource Centre

Xuan’s journey starts in a quiet mountain village, tucked away in Taiwan’s Atayal tribal lands. Her life hasn’t been easy. Raised by her single mother, who worked tirelessly to care for Xuan, her younger sister, and her aging grandparents, every day was a test of strength. But Xuan? She’s not one to back down.

Her grandmother was her anchor, her storyteller, her guide. They shared a promise: one day, Xuan would return to their village as a teacher, bringing knowledge to her people. It was a promise that lit a fire in Xuan’s heart.

Then life threw a curveball. When her grandmother passed away last year, Xuan’s world shook. But instead of faltering, she clung to that promise. She poured herself into her studies, topping her class and earning accolades in language, dance, and choir. Her passion for her Atayal heritage shone through every step.

Enter The Mustard Seed Mission’s child sponsorship program—a lifeline that brought more than just financial relief. The program offered Xuan and her family stability, ensuring she could focus on her studies without worrying about daily necessities. Beyond that, Xuan found opportunities she’d never dreamed of: participating in summer camps, receiving emotional support during tough times, and accessing resources that nurtured her education and growth.

Through this comprehensive support, Xuan not only excelled academically but also gained the confidence to embrace her Atayal heritage. The sponsorship program wasn’t just about making ends meet—it was about helping Xuan thrive, equipping her with tools and experiences that allowed her to transform adversity into achievement.

And now? Xuan stands tall, the proud recipient of the Presidential Education Award. It’s more than a medal. It’s proof that a young girl from a tiny village can dream big and rise higher than anyone imagined.

Xuan’s story isn’t just about her. It’s about the power of promises, the magic of community, and the spark that ignites when opportunity meets determination. With your help, more children like Xuan can turn their dreams into reality. Ready to join the journey?

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