In December, I participated in an art exhibition raising funds for human trafficking awareness.
Some of us working with the show watched Nefarious: Merchant of Souls, a documentary about sex trafficking to get an idea of what was going on in countries around the world. Two of these countries are on my route: Thailand and Moldova. I didn't think much of it at the time.
I remember thinking the documentary seemed dramatic. Capped with eerie music and colorful scenes of women in skimpy outfits. I was told not to think of them as just prostitutes, they were people. I knew what was happening was terrible but I couldn't bring myself to really feel for the women. Maybe I was afraid. That's changed.
We live about five minutes from the Red Light District in Chiang Mai, Thailand. There are hotels, markets, massage parlors and American franchises all around. This place was made for tourists. Somehow, my eyes have been opened to see beyond the comforts. I can't turn away from it anymore, I can't unsee it, it's too obvious. There are signs of sex trafficking everywhere.
It's not just at night in the Red Light District. A new friend told me that she massages during the day where people come to get their "happy ending". I've seen a woman getting paid outside a diner. A woman being pulled by hand to a hostel. Women being bought by men right in front of my eyes.
But it's much more than sex. It's so much deeper.
One night, I joined our teams for bar ministry where we don't go in preaching the gospel. Instead, we build relationships. I've talked to a bar owner who was so ashamed that she couldn't look us in the eye when she talked. Another bar owner could not stop fixing her make-up and kept pointing to the photos of her younger self on the wall. Older women or children (too old and too young for the industry) came around begging us to buy some flowers. We were able to have genuine conversations and play pool and other games with these women but they often pulled away when a male customer came. They compete and flirt with them and ultimately, the men choose who they want…
These women are being rejected daily and if they aren't being rejected, they are being sold.
This is their life. They all have stories. What's happening is real. You know when you see it. There are strong emotions (fear, shame, confusion, guilt, unworthiness, rejection, sometimes even pride) in their eyes or even more unsettling… apathy. Whether or not these women are choosing their path or being controlled, something is wrong here.
Strangely enough, I've felt peace through it all.
There is movement in Thailand. This month, my team won't be going into the bars every day. We're going into a village in northern Thailand to help with the prevention of the industry. Other teams are continuing to make friends with the people at the bars and building relationships by inviting them to learn English or just hang out at our contact, Emmi's cafe.
This is what I've observed and experienced in one week in Thailand. Much more to come.
Thanks to your support, we've somehow been able to raise a total of $9,090 for my race since October. God is faithful.
Still in need of $6,410. Praying to be fully funded by the July deadline! Join me in prayer and if you feel led, financially. Thank you!
