You know those moments when you step back and ask, “Is this real life?”
I do. I say this nearly every day on the race but this month has completely blown me away. It’s been blessing after unreal blessing and it’s like God can’t stop giving me more!
Before I signed up to go on the World Race, I saw a video of a lady and her story grabbed my heart. She had overcome so much and the Lord had worked so mightily in her life and she was helping bringing change to lives all around Thailand. She was inspired me even from my living room in Australia. It wasn’t at the forefront of my mind when signing up for my route but when our route was changed to include Thailand, I was even more excited.
When I found out that our team was going to Lighthouse in Action to be serving with Emmi, the lady from the video, I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face. I was overjoyed!
Meeting Emmi has been such a privilege. She is an honour to work with and she has encouraged us all with her plans for her ministry that are directed by the Lord. My new team, ‘Lovewell’ has been working alongside team ‘Genuine Overflow’ to show God’s love to the women, men and children that we come into contact with.
Our big ministry this month is prayer. Emmi has really encouraged us to become prayer warriors as we realise that there is an incredible spiritual battle in this place. We daily come together and pray to start and finish the day as well as daily prayer walks in the bar area.
Each of us works in the coffee shop (Zion Cafe) and as well as serving customers we are there to help build relationships with the girls who have been saved from the trafficking industry. We get to hang out with them each day and love on them and it’s incredible to see how the relationships have grown. (Also, we get to try a lot of great smoothies!)
In the afternoons, we frequent the nearby slum and hang out with the kids. There’s a small cement field with bamboo goal posts that we play soccer on and it’s so much fun!
In the evenings, we have the choice to go to the bars for ministry or intercede at the house for those who have gone. It is incredible to have the opportunity to do both.
In the bars, we want to let the women, lady-boys and children know that they are loved, cherished and valued. They are worth so much more than sex and being abused. We want to talk with them and let them know there is hope.
There’s a campaign currently running to sell ‘She’s Worth More’ shirts in order to help continue this work.
(If you’re interested in purchasing a shirt, please let me know.)
I’ve learned so much about God’s heart this month and He has been showing His love to me in so many ways! This ministry continues to expand my heart and compassion and be challenged to love fully and love well. I’ve been so blessed by the many people that have sent mail this month and written so many encouraging words! Thank you for all of your support!
