Yup that’s what I was thinking when I stepped foot into the red light district in Chiang Mai. I had seen and heard rumors of what it would look like but I was still surprised by what I saw. There are Americans, Brits, English etc. You think they all come here for just the sex right? Not entirely true. Yes they buy the women and lady boys (men dressed and possibly going through medical changes to become women) but it’s also because they want a companion for the night. My first night out in the bars was to focus on prayer and observation and see what the Lord was telling me. That’s when I noticed the difference (at least to me) between the younger men and the older men. The younger men are here for a good time, a spring break mentality if you will. They saw it as no big deal and what you do when you come to Chiang Mai, just as much of the tourist attraction as riding elephants are. While the older men 40/50’s and older were caressing the women and “loving” on them. They are spending money on them and holding their hands. It’s more of like if they’ve been in a relationship with them for a time. That’s when it hit me that the men really are just as broken as the women and lady boys. The men have come here to get the affection and longing they couldn’t get at home. Now don’t get me wrong and think that I’m justifying their behavior and down playing the women’s pain and hurt, it’s not the case at all. It’s easier to pray and have compassion to the women because they have no choice for survival, but in that thinking I would not be following God in obedience in loving all His children. God loves the broken men who buy the women as much as He loves the women. We are called to have compassion, love, and grace towards all not just the ones we want or the ones society deems “deserving” of love and compassion. That’s why we’re different. We carry God’s light and His love.
These men have either been cheated on, divorced, retired, or on business with wife and kids at home, that doesn’t make a difference in God’s eyes. His love covers all and His love can redeem all. So I’m asking you to join me and my team in prayer here in Chiang Mai. Pray for the women. Pray for the men. Pray for the lady boys. Pray for the kids in the red light district. Pray for the families of the red light district. Pray for change and open hearts. Pray for peace. Pray for God’s love to cover and conquer all.
If you feel led to support me financially and/or need an end of the year tax deduction I am still in need of $4,972 to be fully funded by January 1st
(where muay thai boxing happens and more bars)
