The children here in Thailand have stolen my heart. They are starving for attention, starving to be held, starving to be loved. My favorite ministry so far on the race is just being here holding them in my arms, and praying over their little bodies. Prayers I know my Father hears.
These kids have known brokenness at such a young age. Many of them are forced to go out at night and sell flowers at the same bars that women are being sold for sex. They see and hear things most kids don't know exist well into their teen years.
When starting on the race we had all heard about Thailand, and how it would be a tough month. A month that we would be challenged to love. When you think about bar ministry you don't think about the men or the children. All that is on your mind is, "How can we help the women get out?" There is more to the story than that.
This month the Father called me to work in the slums of Chiang Mai. This was not my first choice because I thought working in the coffee shop with some of the other girls on my squad and teaching english seemed more up my ally. I have been working with children for most of the race and so I thought a change up would be nice. However, God had other plans for me.
The night before I was told what ministry I would be working with the Father said "I want you in the slums!" What a confirmation of His desires for me specifically. These kids would blow you away with their tenderness and wisdom. They are bright little ones. The world speaks failure over their lives, but God speaks inheritor over them.
Every other day we go into a slum area near our house and teach english, play games, and tell a bible story. At first the kids were unsure of these white girls coming to visit them, but now they are little monkeys climbing up our body any chance they get. On the days we are not able to go into the slum my heart longs to just hold one of them and tell them that I love them. They are joy to my heart.
This month I am reminded of the children, the men, and the women that God paid for at such a high price. Join me in praying for the people of Chiang Mai. Pray for the women in the bars some are there by choice others are sold into the business. Pray for the men who also have a story. Finally, pray for the little ones on the streets selling flowers at night and the children in the slum that I visit.
