Along with 12 other M squad girls, the majority of this month’s ministry
is focused on creating and maintaining relationships with girls and
women in the 200+ bars that line Bangla Road, which is well-known for
human-trafficking and prostitutes.
For me, I have never fully enjoyed the bar scene, regardless of what
country I am in. My first experience in bars was when I lived in Spain,
making friends and forming a campus ministry with CMFI.
Even in Nashville and Chicago, I much rather prefer coffee shops, fancy
restaurants, and home parties to bars. There are a few exceptions, such
when friends need a designated driver or a band has a set, but I still
tend to opt out on such excursions.
But here, on the Race, it makes sense in an odd sort of way. It makes
sense that we are in and out of bars 5 nights a week. I have yet to
order anything but pineapple juice and bottled water, but my real
purpose is to build trust and make friends.
Needless to say, I am loving it. I was a bit anxious initially, but not
any more.
I love making friends–it is one of my favorite activities. One of my
good friends once gave me a complement that, “if friends were money,
Hannah would be a millionaire.” So, while I’d prefer a cafe over a bar, I
feel at home in this month’s ministry.
