MercyWorks

After seeing the work of Step Ahead Bangkok and Step Ahead Pattaya, we then drove to observe YWAM’s SLUM ministries. This is perhaps one of the simplest and purest ministry concepts I have ever seen in 30 years of full-time missions work. I suggested to the team they use the letters in SLUM to stand for “Showing Love Unto Multitudes” because that accurately describes what they do. YWAM missionaries with SLUM ministries go to a different slum every day with a fully complete and prepared program. They have literally thought of everything!

The team starts by setting out a really huge blanket on the dirt road in a slum. In a matter of moments, dozens of children come running to take part in the action. The team then pulls out a first aid kit and begins giving all the children vitamin C tablets and other health vitamins.

After the vitamins, the team cuts the finger and toe nails of the children and cleanse any wounds they have with antibiotics, creams and band aids. Nearly every child has cuts and wounds requiring attention.

After the children receive medical treatment, they play sports and games with team members.

Then the children learn a Bible story (this is the same for every slum for one week, then the Bible story is changed). The children then receive crayons and a page from a coloring book of the bible lesson to color, along with a board to use as a desk to color upon.

After the Bible lesson, the team sings simple worship songs with the children and teaches them about God’s love.

Following this, they have a time of prayer and then distribute food packets to the children.

It was incredible to see the impact the SLUM ministry team has in reaching out to the poor, and how little expense is involved – there is no building, no electricity, no overhead expense. Many of the women working at Step Ahead Pattaya are referred to by the workers in the SLUM ministry team, as these ministries complement each other. It was truly an honor to see such selfless service to the poor.

We ended our first day with gratitude for having seen three different expressions of bringing transformational change to people living in extreme poverty and in danger of sexual exploitation.