This month we are working
with Tamar Center and one thing we do several times each week is bar ministry.
Honestly, I really struggled with this at first, as I wasn’t sure what to
expect and felt somewhat overwhelmed. I wish I could explain what it’s like to
walk down streets like Soi 6, but pictures wouldn’t even do it justice.
Tuesday evening was our first
night out and I was nervous/anxious all day. We taught English in the morning
and afternoon and then had quite a bit of down time during which I would pray.
I prayed that I would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, that God would give me a
spirit of boldness and that God would give me the worlds to speak. My ability
to hear from God has always been an area where the enemy has really lied to me,
especially on this trip and I was determined to not let that lie get in the way
of ministry!
As soon as we got there, our translator, Mon
was like, “You pick the bar – wherever the Spirit is leading you!” – way to be
confronted with something you were nervous about! We took a few steps down the
street and I said, “This one!’ and in we went. I didn’t experience a thunder
and lightning “Go here!” coming from the clouds moment, but a gentle nudging in
my spirit.
After we placed our order, we
played a few games of Connect 4 with the woman serving us to break the ice. We learned
that she was 44 years old with 1 son and 1 daughter. She started working in the
bar a year ago due to the suggestion of her friend, because she needed money
and when I asked if she liked it, she said that she wasn’t sure yet.
“If you could do anything in
the world that you wanted what would you do?” I inquired, as I silently prayed
to myself that it would be something I could relate to. “I would like to
clean,” she replied “I have hopes of one day opening up my own shop or going to
another country to work, save money and then come back to Thailand.”
Really? This woman’s dream is
to clean and that is what I do on a nightly basis? I couldn’t believe it! I
told her that I clean, but I’m not sure if she understood. She said that
Americans are rich, but so sweet and kind.
As time went on, she shared
stories of working in the bar that have made her feel uncomfortable. She told
us she is stressed about finances, because her daughter is about to start
university and in the midst of her pain and brokenness, I felt God’s
overwhelming love for her in my heart! This woman is worthy, valuable and loved
by the Creator of the Universe and for 40 minutes we had the opportunity to
convey that to her by listening to her story, presenting her with opportunities
to learn English and other job skills, complimenting her and providing the good news of the Gospel through a Thai track. This woman had
been to a few English classes previously and looked as though she was seriously
contemplating returning, especially when she heard there were afternoon classes.
I wish I could explain to you how very sure I was that this was exactly where we were supposed to be. God encounters are amazing! I mean, God will genuinely direct your steps and give you the words to
speak if you are willing. And though we spent 40 minutes ministering to her, I
felt as though God was ministering to my heart for those 40 minutes.
I didn’t expect God to pour into my heart like He did during that time, but the
devil is a stinkin’ liar and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to
bring light to the deception these women face everyday and I am thankful for a
God who lavishes me in His love and reaffirms my place in Him when I need it
most.
Please keep Ren [name
changed] in your prayers – I can see God is knocking on her heart and I believe
we were able to water a seed that had already been planted. Pray that someone
else will come along and finish harvesting it!
[Most of the women who are working the
bars in Pattaya are here by choice for the money. Please also be praying for
God to change the whole socio-economic climate of this country by bringing in
new ministries and jobs, so that being a bar girl is *not* the best option!]
