For our last night in Thailand, 32 members of J-Squad made our way to the Red Light District in downtown Bangkok. Here is one of my teammate’s (Morgan Pratt) experience in blog form – Completely worth the read.
There are things you cannot begin to understand or unsee as you walk the streets in this district, but out of that brokenness is hope. Jesus is there and He’s fighting for His beloved.
Pray for Thailand.
“Last night we went to the heart of Bangkok. The place that brought fame to prostitution here in Thailand.
As I walked the streets and physically saw sex being sold a fire was ignited in my heart. “But God, the problem is so big. Humans are being sold like meat at the market. Girls begging men to ‘choose me, choose me,’ so many hearts seeking intimacy, love, something more than themselves.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as I made eye contact with her. A BEAUTIFUL, loved, daughter of the King. “How much for an hour” I asked her pimp. Those words coming from my mouth felt like I took a horse pill without water. “600 baht, free whiskey, free beer, free vodka, 1 girl, 1 hour, 600 baht.” I couldn’t say “she’s worth it” fast enough.
My heart pounding as we walked into the brothel. So many thoughts flooded my mind. “What do I say, what will they think, can she be my friend forever?” The bright lights lit up the room as 10 eager girls were so desperately wanting to be chosen. I exchanged money and walked straight to her.
As I made my intentions clear a sense of belonging came over her face. Through broken English, karaoke, laughs, stories, dreams being shared, futures being dreamed about I made a friend. A beautiful 19 year old woman, who dreams of being a mom and a wife, a business lady, a friend. She longs to be loved. She chose this work because of the amount of money she brought home in one night.
“I am still good” He whispered as I hugged my new friend goodbye.
On January 27, 2017 a new reality entered my life. Bankers, missionaries, prostitutes, pimps, teachers, librarians, we are all craving and wanting to be loved. “But God, what good is one night of hanging out going to do” and that’s when He said “you now have one specific name and face to pray for, keep in contact with, and love until the day you die. Is that going to be good enough? Do you want to only be a person of harvest?”
So friend, I encourage you today, whether you are in the redlight district of Thailand, or staying at home raising your child. What will you do with the task at hand? Make it about you and only be concerned about the harvest? Or will you choose to sow, plant, and water the very task the Lord has placed in your hands?
We can not be a people only concerned about the harvest. When that happens we are making what is intended to be all about Him, all about us. Invest in the process. It’s worth it. She’s worth it.”
