We worked with the New Beginnings Calvary Church in Phuket, Thailand. We did bar ministry and built relationships with both men and women involved in the sex trade. We built these relationships in hopes of helping them leave the lifestyle and heal from their experiences.
What a month. We went out onto Bangala Road every night. Let me try to paint a picture for you. Bangala is like PCB times 100. It’s a lot to take in after months of quiet construction work, teaching English, working in rehabilitation organizations, village ministry, etc. The closest swear words for the past few months were “shoot” or “darn.” Worship music was life (except I gotta have my T-swift every now and then). Then suddenly, I’m hearing all the secular things and I’m amusingly back to spring break #noragerts.
Now, I’m not super new to the party scene—I don’t drink or do other drugs but I love new people and a good dance party. I, humbly, figured that I would lead my team in this. I loved strangers and striking up conversation. However as soon I got to Bangala, I was floored. You see, I asked God to give me His eyes before this month got started. Instead of all the lights, music, and “fun,” I saw the extortion, corruption, and desperation being masked by all the distractions.
Harsh words, right? Well as I’m reflecting over the month, there aren’t many that can fit the situation. People were being sold for a night as little as 5$. That’s how much their dignity was worth. That’s how much they were willing to do to send money to family members in other parts of the country. It was my friend Ning’s first day on the job and she was telling us that she had family in the North that she was trying to support. My other friend Tono has always traveled for work. He ended up in Phuket because the money was good. His little sister wanted to continue school and he didn’t want her mixed up in this business too. He talked about her as fondly as I would talk about my brothers.
What would I be willing to do to ensure the safety and success of my family members? We’re very similar–Ning, Tono, and I are.
Now, I’m not trying to bring on the guilt trip. We are incredibly blessed and I don’t think God wants to shame us for that. However, I do think we have some sort of responsibility because He has given us so much. For some people, it could be moving to set up a rehabilitation organization in those areas with those issues. For others, it could be taking an individual stand against these issues—every action, as little as it may seem, can make a big difference. I’ve seen encouraging words, small donations, and prayers change circumstances abroad. Yours have definitely changed mine.
We just need to listen and be open to what God is nudging us to do. Let’s not choose to be blind anymore.
-esther
Here are some sic pics from Thailand. If you get a chance, GO. It’s beautiful.
