I walked into the gymnasium.
I sat down at my chair, and stared at the 200 brown and blue shirts in front of me.
Prisoners… At least that's what society would label them.
In reality, these men are more free than most people that walk the sidewalks of downtown Chiang Mai every night. These men, who entered these barbed wire covered walls as rapists, murderers, drug dealers… are now living a life for God.
I gave my testimony, and at the end I asked them to raise their hands if they were living or God. Every arm shot up like proud children on Father's Day.
Prisoners? Maybe…
Walking in freedom? Absolutely!
Most of the men at the Chiang Mai prison are doing time for selling drugs. The penalty is harsh.
When I looked out into the sea of deep brown eyes, my mind started racing.
When people here are caught selling drugs they are locked up for years, but on the same block people are selling people and the country looks the other way.
Who are the real prisoners?
Women roam the streets at night, waiting for their next customer. Their pimps are closely watching their every move. To run away, would mean death.
Who are the real prisoners?
Children go from working in their parent's fields, to working in a dark bedroom. Their parents have chosen the extra money thrown their way in exchange for their virginity. To run away, would mean death.
Who are the real prisoners?
My team and I are working with boys this month who have escaped this lifestyle. We are working with an organization called Abba House.
The goal of Abba House is to rescue high-risk youth and teach them trades so they don't get trapped in the sex trade.
Please pray for my whole squad this month. We are all in the Chiang Mai area fighting against this terrible cycle.
