Imagine a bridge raised over a river, fluorescent lights flickering and changing the colors of the trees around you. Imagine light rain, a comfort from the heat and the sweat. Imagine a break from the darkness of the bars and the women that cover the streets, breaking your heart with every man they beckon in. Imagine a new friend, a Thai woman so beautiful that you're instantly drawn to her. She's the kind of woman that you would do anything to make her laugh. We stood on that bridge like a group of ten year old girls. We giggled and squealed in excitement. Our new friend lit the lanterns with ease, while we cautiously assisted. Releasing Thai lanterns in Thailand was definitely something to be checked off the bucket list.
Bar ministry had begun a few days prior, and this new friend was our most instant and deepest connection. It felt as though I had known her for years. We visited her every day until she offered to take us out to release lanterns. We readily agreed. The whole night felt like magic. Talking and laughing felt easy, comfortable, and beautiful. The language barrier is evident, but unimportant. We are not so different. She lives in Thailand, I live in rural Missouri. She works in a bar, I work at a kiosk. But she craves friendship, I crave friendship. She loves to dance, I love to dance. She loves to shop, I love to shop.
I expected ministry to be something supernatural. I'm sure it will be when the time is right, but for now, it is very natural. I expected angels and demons, but God sent me friendship. I expected spiritual warfare, but God sent laughs and lanterns. God works in the natural just as much as the supernatural.
I love this ministry because it is all about relationships. My job every night is to make friends. I've been learning the importance of love being the motive. True love calls for action. In the past, I have seen people as a means to an end of salvation. Every conversation is intentional with the ultimate goal being their salvation. But God is shifting my focus. People are created and designed for love. When Jesus came to earth, He came to love and give life. Love was the end goal. Salvation came about because of that love. When I see these women, I want to see who they are and I want to love them for it unconditionally and unequivocally. I want them to see Jesus from the love that He gives through me. I don't want a false motive or unauthentic spirit. Too many people have used them in the past. I don't want to use them too.
It's funny how America didn't prepare me for Thailand. I didn't learn how to do ministry for Thailand in America. But Thailand is teaching me all about ministry in America. Relationships are beautiful. God didn't declare the world 'very good' until the first relationship was birthed. Ministry isn't necessarily handing out tracts, or preaching on street corner, or making a Scripture verse your status on Facebook. Ministry is loving every person that God puts in your path. Loving them without motive, loving them as Jesus does. And I truly believe when that kind of love is birthed in your soul, people have no choice but to face Jesus for who He is. Love. Because after all, aren't we just Jesus with skin on?
