Kifumbira Slum; June 13

Yesterday afternoon we visited a slum which New City Church ministers to. This was an emotionally tough place to be. It is a slum comprised mainly of widows and their children - many of whom have AIDS, which is apparent by the obvious sickness. About 80 women sat on the grass to hear the word which we brought - each team member gave a word of encouragement. I simply recited a few lines of the 23rd Psalm. What words other than God's are adequate to speak to these people? It is a hard thing to know that these are my sisters and mothers in Christ, and yet they will star in that slum long after I have returned to comfort of America.
Sin and the curse of sin are horrible. How long oh Lord?
Even in the slum though, there is joy. This is an amazing thing. Certain women radiated the joy of Christ. I attribute this to the power of the Spirit of God, particularly working through the ministry of New City Church. I feel that we are only able to give so much comfort, but those faithful people from New City Church can bring so much more because many of them have suffered similarly. (See 2 Cor 1:3-11) One deacon in the church has particularly ministered to the community. Twice a week he visits, doing Bible study sessions and mercy ministry sessions, helping with finances and even providing supplies. Essentially, it is poor people ministering to desperate people. This ministry has developed a great deal of trust between the church and the slum. That is diaconal ministry as it should be.