“NO REFUND”

“NO REFUND.” That’s what I read on the sign as I enter the room. I look around and I see a mirrored wall with a wooden fence creating a corral in front of it. What’s in the corral; what’s being purchased that has the “no refund” policy?  I see women; precious girls who are not seen as people but as something to be purchased and controlled/used.

As I enter the fenced area and sit down and begin speaking with these girls, my mind in running a million miles an hour. What do you say? How do you begin to have a conversation with someone who is sitting there waiting for a man to come take away another piece of her soul? How about, “What’s your name?” How would you start talking to anyone? They are just people; girls my age; a human whose instinct desires fellowship just like anyone else.

What is your heart supposed to do as you talk to a woman in a “club” who has 7 children and is working to support them since their father left her? To be talking with her and then to watch her get up and walk to the back where the red light was shining is the most heartbreaking and confusing feeling.

It was made more real to me last night how dehumanized we have made the women/people in these situations. Whatever country we are in would you go up and talk to her? Would you give her a hug or think her too dirty? Would you invite her to dinner with you or be too concerned with the eyes that will be watching? What would your prayers look like; maybe that she would open her eyes and stop sinning or perhaps that someone else would come and help her? Until last night my answer would have fallen into line with the average American; even the Christian American.

If you haven’t read my previous blog “Just a Bridge” I recommend that now.

This sounds like an overwhelming situation…is there hope? I was wondering that myself until the end of the night when the women who was leading us took us to a karaoke bar. As our team drank our coffee and tea and entertained ourselves and others with our *ahem* beautiful voices I learned something that gave me the hope I was looking for. I learned that the place we were in was the same place that just a few years prior was filled with women in the same situations as the two places we had visited over the past few hours. How did this establishment turn around and clean up? The woman who was leading us used to be the “floor manager” at that very bar. She was given the gift of someone taking the time to come to her and share the message of hope; of a Savior who forgives and cleanses. Immediately she went back and began sharing her new salvation with her co-workers and was able to reach many, some are now missionaries themselves.

The last song (All in All) “performed” by our group was a worship song.

Seeking you as a precious Jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all

Taking my sin, my cross my shame
Rising again, I bless your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down you pick me up
When I am dry you fill my cup
You are my all in all

As I listened to those verses from the song, being sung by such an amazing woman was so moving.

There is so much potential just waiting for someone and I thank God for opening my eyes and heart to know that I can be that person. It doesn’t matter what country I am in, I can still reach out and love; bring hope; be Christ to those who don’t know Him. Our Father wants to tear down the “no refund” sign and replace it with “NOT FOR SALE!”