“I’m glad I was born in a slum,” says Suchada Nantavong with a broad smile on her face. She continues, “through that God has given me understanding to be able to work in the slums in Phnom Penh.” Most people who live in slums are desperate to get out, and Nantavong was one who succeeded in doing just that. However, she chose to go back with Jesus’ heart, hands and love. The story began when Suchada and her family first heard of Jesus through the evangelism of YWAM Thailand’s Slum Ministries. She was given a scholarship, skills and away to make a small income.

After being so blessed, God sparked a burden in her heart for the slums in Phnom Penh. She went to join YWAM Phnom Penh as a full-time volunteer. Now she is addressing basic health-care needs and helping hold church services for between 100-120 people (mostly children) each week. When their vehicle arrives the children run exclaiming, “Jesus is here! Jesus is here!” 

If a woman, born in a slum, now declares she is grateful that she was born there, if she can see God’s good in what the world dismisses as bad, what continued transformation does God have in store for the lives of many more like her?

Source: Suchada Nantavong, YWAM; Joel News

BIBLE STUDY: Matthew 6: 25-34

PRAISE: God that He transforms the ‘inside’ and then takes care of the ‘outside’. Pray for much fruit in the slums of Phnom Penh.