Mercy Ministry in YWAM Armenia consists of serving at the Bethlehem House orphanage and in retirement homes. The Bethlehem House only accepts children with serious disabilities who were rejected by their parents and for whom nobody cared in the hospital. Many parents reject their children because they have serious health problems. They are ashamed of such children and are afraid of damaging their family's reputation. This is because in Armenia, it is considered shameful to have disabled children in the family. Most of all, the children at the Bethlehem House have a need for care and attention. We feed, bathe, dress and play with the children. We also help the Sisters clean the rooms, do the laundry and help with anything that is possible. During our time, we try to help the children in their development and with developmental games. We take them on day trips, and just spend time with them, sharing with them the love that Christ has put inside us. There are also times when we gather and pray individually for each of the children. The Sisters try to find families for the children, but while they are in the orphanage, we want them to feel loved and surrounded in care; knowing that they matter.
