Here, in Asia, there has been one thing that I have seen more than I could have imagined, and one thing that has hurt my heart more than I can put into words.
It is something that is a major issue in every country I have been to thus far, but has been most obvious, here in Thailand. I have been wanting to write about this since month one, but could never put into words to help you all understand what I have witnessed. There are truly no words for the hurt, abuse, and darkness I have encountered.
But, here’s my attempt.
I am sitting down on the side of the street, eating my Pad Thai with my teammates. It’s a busy street, lots of markets, restaurant’s, and bars. There are tons of locals around, as well as tourist. As my eyes wonder these busy streets I can’t help but notice, prostitute after prostitute.
Picture this, middle aged white male, holding onto a young Thai woman dressed in almost nothing.
One, after another, after another.
My whole body cringes every time I see these odd couples walking by. Questions flood my head. Why is she choosing that? Why is HE choosing this?
Buddhism is the denominating religion in Asia. So, if you are poor, unhealthy, etc., it is because you have ‘bad karma’. Meaning you were a bad person in your past life and must now pay your debts in this life, in hopes to have a good life when you are again reincarnated.
So, if you are wealthy you do not help the poor, because you are erasing the debts they believe they NEED to pay to someday get a good life. In fact, you would be doing them a big disservice, because their debts would carry over into their next life.
When a family finds themselves in trouble, and needing money, their best resource then becomes their daughter. You sell your daughter for a weekend, to a strange man, and there you go, your financial troubles are solved. Maybe it happens once, maybe it never stops.
In most cases, that precious girl, then continues that lifestyle to help her family. It’s just her ‘bad karma’ that she deserves to pay off. She has lost any hope to have anything better for herself in this life.
About two weeks ago, my team and I went out for a night to do some bar ministry. We walked into the first bar we saw. Standing in front of this small bar, are two Thai women, dressed in tight, small dresses and tall heels. Inside the bar, are some bartenders, and lots of older white men.
We sit down at a table in front of the bar, order some sodas, and invite the two women standing outside to sit down with us. They eagerly sit down, and we ask them their names. We ask them how long they have worked at this bar, and what their dreams are.
One was named Dao, and the other Buppha. They both had been working at that bar less than two months. One said she wanted to be a business owner, and the other a chef, but to support their families, they must work at the bar.
We ask them if they would like anything to drink, and they both ask for beer. We kindly tell them no, so they order juice instead.
Without us even asking, Buppha starts to tell us in her very broken English, that she got very drunk the night before because she was so upset.
We ask her why, and she goes on to tell us how tired she is. Tired of being used. Tired of living to please men while sacrificing everything she has. She tells us that she will often tell men that she is on her period just so they won’t ask her for anything.
This is a real woman, a mom in fact, who is trapped in a sick cycle, with nobody reaching out to help her. A woman that believes she will never find freedom, a woman that believes her only real purpose in life is to please the next man that walks in the door. A REAL woman, with a REAL heart, REAL feelings, REAL hopes and dreams, and a REAL purpose from The Lord. A real woman like your mom, your wife, your sister, or your daughter. A soul longing for so much more, but being forced to sell herself night after night just to get by.
We tell sweet Buppha, that we have a friend that can help her find a new job, if she would like. Her and Dao’s eyes light up, and they quickly say “Yes!” We have them write down their information to give to the church we have been partnering with. We tell them about the church, and about Jesus.
They are open to everything we say, so we invite them to go to church the next morning with us. They said they would try, but would probably be tired from working so late, so they might not make it.
They thank us multiple times then tell us we can go to their houses whenever to have some good Thai food.
My team and I prayed our hearts out that night that they would come to church that next morning, but unfortunately, they never showed up. But I know our God, and I know He is good, so I continue to pray and believe that these sweet women will find freedom from this sad story, and come to know how loved they are by our father in heaven.
In all honestly, I have struggled with having to see so many women and children get sucked into this nasty sin. I have struggled to love the men I see with these women. I have struggled to even share my stories.
This is just one story, from two women of the many women who are trapped in this lifestyle. Not only in Asia, but all over the world. My heart breaks for every single child, and women who is being sold every day. But, it’s now up to me and you. To bring light to these hurting souls. To spread awareness. To share our hearts in hopes to heal another.
There is only one answer to this hurt, and its Jesus. Who already paid all our debts on the cross. Who gives us a second chance and never-ending forgiveness. Who calls us his sons, and daughters, and tells us we are WORTHY! We are not just flesh and bones, made to be sold, but sons and daughters of the King, equipped with wonderful gifts and purpose.
There are many hearts that need to hear this good news. Can I be bold enough to ask YOU to help? To pray for these lost and hurt souls? To spread awareness? To support your missionary friend going out to bring light to this darkness? To GET INVOLVED in your own local organization fighting for girls to be rescued?
If any of this has spoken to your heart even the slightest amount, I believe The Lord is convicting you to do more! Please join me and these girls, in fighting to finally get the victory they rightfully deserve!
