The illegal trade of human beings is something we at Adventures are passionate about ending for good. So this January, Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we’re telling real-life stories of people who have been trafficked, bringing awareness to their plight and hopefully an end to the trade.
While in Costa Rica, Rachel Witt and her team from 2015 X Squad went to share God’s unconditional love with sexually exploited women in Jaco. Her heart broken for their pain, she didn’t expect God to also move in her heart for their customers: the men.
It was a dark Wednesday night as we approached the giant glowing casino sign in Jaco, Costa Rica.
Our ministry host had directed us to this casino, which was popularly known for tourists to come and buy sex.
As, we walked down a long dark alleyway to the casino, we all felt a very dark presence, almost like a burden on our shoulders.
We walked past a row of hotel rooms outside of the casino, where young women were walking into rooms with men, then entered the casino.
There were only a couple of people on the slot machines. It was clear people were not here to gamble. We followed a couple of girls to the outdoor bar area, and when I stepped outside, I could not believe my eyes:
There were at least a hundred young girls dressed in short dresses and high heels, waiting for men to approach them. Lots of older American men sat with the ladies, flirting and then taking the girls out of the bar to their rooms.
I was blown away. I knew prostitution and sex trafficking is a problem in today’s world, but this was the first time that I saw it in action. It surrounded us — and was out in the open for everyone to see.
After I prayed for courage, I began to walk around and talk to some of the women.
I will admit, it was a bit awkward. It was hard to walk up to a group of strangers and strike up a conversation, especially since we were the only girls dressed in T-shirts and pants. I resorted to the line, “I love your shoes!” as a way to start conversations, because every girl likes to talk about her shoes.
As we broke the ice, we talked with the girls about their lives, where they came from, their families, and what they liked to do. Every girl had a beautiful and unique personality. Some were quiet and reserved while others were bubbly and chatty.
As I saw the beauty and light in each girl, I couldn’t imagine how they survived night after night with this dark job.
As I was speaking to a group of girls, one of them recognized a man from the night before as he walked by and she called him over to our group. He was an American and about 60 years old. The girl we were talking to was 28.
The man took a look at the three of us girls and started laughing and said, “You girls don’t know where you are, do ya?”
“What do you mean?” we answered.
“Well, this is the place where we gringos come and pick up the working girls!”
As he said this we noticed the shiny gold wedding ring on his finger. He went on to explain how he and his buddies were laughing as we walked into the bar because we looked completely out of place in what we were wearing.
“Don’t worry, no man will come up and try to buy you,” he assured us.
I could not believe what I had just heard. I froze, not knowing know how to respond. This married man just casually told a group of strangers how he purchases girls for sex. He said it as if he was describing a normal part of his day.
And I didn’t have to worry about that happening to me — why? Because of my clothing? my race? my American passport? What did the girls next to us think of what he said?
As the man walked away, I felt a burning sensation in my chest. I was angry. He wasn’t interested in these girls’ personalities, their pasts, or their stories; he only wanted them for their bodies. And he talked about it like it was completely normal, almost as if every married American man buys sex on their vacations.
I left the casino that night happy that I was able to speak to the women, but still upset with the men who were in there.
Rachel and teammates in a parade for anti-trafficking in Jaco
The next day, I decided to sit alone in my hammock to listen to God. As I sat, I closed my eyes. I immediately heard a soft voice say, “Open your eyes”.
I was surprised to hear God’s voice because normally I don’t hear Him in an audible way. But this voice was clear as day. He asked, “What do you see?”
From my hammock I saw the clear blue sky above with a couple wispy clouds scattered about. I saw the big, green, lush trees next to me and a couple of colorful birds as they flew by overhead.
“It’s beautiful!” I replied.
The soft voice continued, “Do you remember the man you met in the casino last night?”
My heart sank. “Yes…” I replied.
“Do you think he is beautiful?” God asked.
I paused. “Honestly, no…”
Then God said, “Rachel, that man is beautiful in my eyes. He is more beautiful than the nature that you see around you. People are the greatest part of my creation, including that man. I created him in my own image. I died for that man’s sin and he is pure in my eyes. He is wandering far from me right now, which makes me sad. However, I am waiting and excited for the day that he returns to me. He is my prodigal son.
“Rachel, even though you didn’t say anything to this man, the fact that he had to explain his purpose for being at the casino helped him realize his wrongdoing. He hasn’t stopped his behavior yet, but your encounter with him got him thinking about his ways.”
As God said this to me, I went from feeling angry to sad for this man. I felt sorry that I had so quickly judged him. He is, in fact, a child of God, and I need to view him in that way. I need to show him and the other men in that casino the same love that God has for them.
Remembering my own past, I realized that these men are wandering from God the same way that I did. But God still loved me and He still loves these men. It doesn’t matter how much we sin or run from Him. God still loves us. He will always welcome us back with open arms.
Then God continued, “Rachel, you are going to see that man again. When you see him, I want you to view Him as my prodigal son. I want you to show him my love and grace.”
I went back to that same casino a week later, but did not see the man. I did, however, see other men just like him. But that time, I wasn’t angry. Instead, I felt compassion, knowing that they are just as broken as the women who were in there too. I tried to view them as God’s beloved children.
One man struck up a conversation with me, and after finding out I was a missionary, he asked if I was judging him for being there. I said, “No, I’m not judging. I am just here to show God’s love.”
So, maybe I will see that same older gentleman again; maybe I won’t. I think he represents men like the one I met my second time to the casino — someone who is hurting and looking for love. God loves all His children and He wants me to show them His love — even to the men who buy women.
*first photo by Carly Marin
Are you fed up with the sex trade? Do you want to be a part of seeing it end? Click HERE for Race routes where you can join others in advancing the front lines of freedom.
