Getting to Know…Carol Kane
Founder and Director of The Mustard Seed

What individuals have influenced you most and how?
I would say my parents and grandmother have had the most influence on my lfe. Giving love and spending time with me was very important to me growing up. My grandmother was at one time a Sunday school teacher and she was the one who told me all about having the Faith of “The Mustard Seed” and how important it was. My mother always worked hard for her family to make sure we had the basic needs especially while my father was stricken with TB and in the hospital for two years. My mother also took in a homeless family; a mother with three sons and they lived with us for three years in our basement. This was my first experience with people being homeless. My father and grandparents owned a dairy and I spent many days helping him deliver milk. I came from a hard working family and was taught at an early age the value of a dollar and how important it is to work hard, say my prayers and love all people.

What would surprise us to know about you?
I have five children, two stepchildren, nine grand children and four great grandchildren. I whispered too much in school and was hit on my hands with a ruler. I sang at the nursing homes. I also sang in the choir at our church. I was a maid for a family when I was fifteen. I had a paper route when I was ten and later on worked in a grocery store and a drive-in restaurant called Big Boys when I was in high school. I got along better with boys than with girls because I loved playing ball and capture the flag. I played clarinet in the school band but was never allowed to go to any of the dances after the football games. I was never allowed to go to movies but would sneak to one once in awhile. I remember using government stamps to get certain things at the grocery store during the war.

What was the best book you have read - what book would you recommend?
I love biographies. When I went to the Netherlands to visit my family members that I had never met I visited Anne Franks home because of her book. I was very touched by her book. I also loved Corrie
Ten Boom’s The Hiding Place.

What hidden talent do you have?
I love to oil paint but I’m not that great at it.

At what age did you trust Christ as your Savior?
I can’t ever remember not trusting Christ as my savior. I went forward to receive him when I was 15 at a Billy Graham Crusade.

What is your favorite sports team?
I love all sports and watch the play-off games. I love the Michigan and Michigan State games and also the Michigan and Ohio games. I loved the tailgating parties we had and many of us rented motor homes to go to them. I love the Florida teams but won’t mention what ones I like the best.