SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- "This is the first time I experienced love in my life and understood that there are people who love the poor and needy.” This was one lame man’s grateful response when Gospel for Asia-supported women missionaries launched a ministry in his slum recently.

The missionaries began the celebration with prayer and Scripture reading. They then distributed food packets and vitamin supplements to 500 people in this slum in northeast India.

Everyone was excited to receive the gifts. One person said, “You have shown us the love of God through the food packets. Thank you for caring for us.”

Happiness was especially evident on the faces of the children whose fast-growing bodies are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition. For many, this was the first gift they had ever received.

Most of the residents are daily laborers working in brick-making factories, but because wages are so low, they can’t afford basic amenities and proper nutrition. Their children are illiterate because parents don’t have money to send them to school.

Worse, because of the hopelessness living in the slums breeds, alcoholism is rampant.

Many of the desperate attendees asked the women for prayer at this unique opportunity to reach slum people with the love and compassion of our Lord.

The women missionaries’ ministry will continue to benefit the children and families through teaching health and hygiene and by helping provide basic needs of the 885 people living in the slum.

Local government welcomed the women’s ministry and said, “The heartbeat of the church is similar to our government for the welfare of the people in the state. “

Pray for all slum dwellers in area that the Lord will help them to realize His love and care in their lives.