You were there on my first somewhat-terrifying moto ride in Cambodia. You were there every time I ate fried rice, walked past the Buddhist statues, saw the children wave at me as I passed by on the street. You were there when I met 30 men and women who had been rescued from the sex industry and were brought into a life of Hope and Truth.
You were there when I felt overwhelmed by the sight of hundreds of women trying to earn money for their families and feeling the only way to do so is to sell something that can be used over and over again: their bodies. You were there when I walked down that street in Thailand crying out to the Lord and asking the Holy Spirit to send His magnificent, redeeming flood upon every person who set foot in such a dark place.
You were there when I sang praises to the King Eternal while standing in the middle of brothels in India. You were there when I embraced a child who probably has AIDS. You were there on every crowded train ride, every long bus ride, and every rickety rickshaw ride. You were there when chains were broken and hearts came alive to the Love of the Savior.
You were there when I arrived in Atlanta. You were there when I met the 15-year-old girl who has been abused by people she trusted and has experienced physical and emotional trauma in a way my mind can’t comprehend. You were there when the Lord introduced my team and I to absolutely amazing people who pour out their hearts for His Kingdom and who want to see His restoration and justice consume Georgia and the world.
Everyone who has said a prayer for me, my team or my squad has literally been with me every step of the way, even if not in the physical sense, and I am grateful and thankful beyond any expression possible through words. The Lord has rocked my world and my prayer partners have joined alongside me in this breathtaking journey (I still have a week left). I am not much of a hugger, but if possible, I would truly hug each and every one of you. 🙂 There’s not a doubt in my mind that the prayers of His people made, and still is, making a difference; from physical protection to spiritual strongholds being broken because of the cries of the faithful.
So though it’s not much, I say “thank you” to you. Pretend I’m screaming it at the top of my lungs while holding a microphone and a bullhorn. That’s how my heart feels anyway. 🙂
