Pastor Sam Slaffey from Christian Compassion Baptist Church in Philadelphia was awarded the first ever Lehotsky Lazarus Award at the 2009 North American Baptist Triennial Conference. Pastor Slaffey exemplifies the qualities of leadership and ministry that best represents the spirit of the award. Pastor Slaffey has been described by Pastor Larry Burd (Atlantic Association Regional Minister) as a man who is "God honoring, passionate, inspiring, encouraging, selfless, caring, and a community builder who takes action. He always seems to have a smile on his face and a testimony of God's transforming work in his life and in the lives of many people he ministers to."
The Burden - Pastor Sam Slaffey
Christian Compassion Baptist Church is located in one of the most poverty stricken areas of South Philadelphia - the Point Breeze/Grays Ferry section. Here many people including whole families live in dilapidated and abandoned houses. I have preached the funerals of infants who died because of exposure to bitter winter temperatures. I have visited homes where five or more children slept in one bed or on piles of old coats. I've had to feel around in the dark to find a milk crate to sit on as we gathered around a single candle to read the Bible.
Children as young as eight years old are trained by their parents to sell cocaine. Some youngsters at age twelve are already hooked on alcohol or the devastating drug "crack". Young women and girls sell their bodies for as little as $2.50, half the price of a packet of cocaine. Incest is a common practice in some families. Young men, as young as nineteen and twenty-two are gunned down or knifed to death in this deadly enterprise of drug dealing. Older people are robbed in broad daylight. Many men and women are illiterate, unemployed, and frustrated to the point of chronic depression. Many contemplate suicide.
With various programs, we minister to the homeless with clothing and food. We help persons addicted to drugs and alcohol by leading many to Christ and developing them spiritually as we see them through rehabilitation.
Although it is sometimes dangerous, we interact with various gang members and have seen the Lord deliver them from that lifestyle. Some who were members of the "Bloods", the "Crips", and other gangs are now born-again believers. Some armed drug dealers have given up that "occupation" to follow the Lord Jesus.
Because 78% of all African-American families in the US are headed by females (in 1987 Philadelphia had the highest rate of unwed mothers in the nation), it is a major ministry of our church to give them hope by leading them to Jesus. We teach them parenting skills, personal hygiene and health care, while exposing them to governmental programs to enhance their lives.
Many children, teens and young adults do not know who their fathers are, or where their mothers are. So the church provides positive role models for them. They learn Biblical principles wheile they have fun and enjoy positive social activities.
Single men and women are encouraged to live godly lives. Bible classes, wholesome events, and workshops are key motivators.
It is a priority to reach out to persons who have spent time in prison, both male and female, leading them to Christ. They are assisted in their search for employment, education and housing.
The church's Eden Ministry focuses on strengthening relationships of engaged and married couples. They are supplied with tools to help them practice good communications and demonstrations of real love.