Abba Father,
I come to you as a daughter, who is about to go into a very dark place. God, your light is more powerful than anything in this world. We pray for protection for ourselves against the enemy. Father, I pray we would see your goodness even in a place where sin is rampant. God, I pray that the people we come in contact with will notice something different about us. That we would be able to give grace to the men that are in there because we know that they are searching for fulfillment that can only come from you. Let these men see that they need to turn to you to fill the voids in their lives. Please help the girls to know that they are not alone, that your love is surrounding them even in these horrible situations. These men that come and use them are not examples of the love that you offer. Your love is more powerful than anything they can find on this Earth and if they are willing to take the first step and look to you then that is all that matters. The love your son showed on the cross is the love that is given to your children. Let us be your hands and feet; let us shine your light and not be afraid. You will protect us. Whom shall I fear.
Amen.
Nepal is a destination known for it’s beautiful mountains and landscape, but it is also known for being a destination for sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is common throughout Asia, and Nepal is not a country without it’s share of dance bars and cabin restaurants.
My team was privileged to go to a cabin restaurant for ministry in the hopes of speaking with some of the girls. We were led down into a basement-esque room with about seven compartments (individual sitting areas that have a couple pillows, a coffee table and thin walls of plywood for separation).
A cabin restaurant is a brothel in disguise. We learned how the men come in and order food and drinks, which in turn is payment for the girl’s time. I say girls because many of them are teenagers, who lie about their age.
We met two girls whose names translated to Imagination and Memories.
Delighted smiles and pretty clothes hid the haunting feelings of hurt and defeat. For a small amount of time I wanted to be able to give these girls a chance to relax and not feel like a show was necessary. We wanted the walls to crumble and the truth to be revealed. Imagination was honest and stated that she was tired of living the life she was living and over it. I could see that the continuous need to hide her true feelings was fighting to overcome her want to speak out of the truth.
Imagination asked if wealthy people in America were happy with all of their things. We agreed that it was not true. I explained that many are searching for something that can’t be found on Earth.
“We’re all searching for something,” I started, “I searched for love for so long, I gave up on it at one point because I was tired of the disappointments.” Imagination nodded her head in agreement. Imagination acknowledged “I’ve been betrayed by men I thought I could trust. I made my heart hard…” “And every man you see you look at them as all the same.” I finished her thought for her. I knew those feelings all too well. “I’m from America and you’re from Nepal, but they’re all the same feelings.” Imagination looked up at me and nodded as she locked eyes with me.
There seemed to be only silence filling the room. I couldn’t leave the conversation there because I have found the love that I longed for. I spoke about God’s love and how His love is nothing like the ones we have found before. His love is limitless.
Shortly afterwards we left and I may never know if what I said makes any impact on her life, but I walked away with peace in my heart that God’s work will continue on long after this.
“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22
