$6,800- $8,000.That is the price of a
Vietnamese women. Did you catch that? Yes,
the 
purchase of a women to be your bride. This is considered a “bride-broker” business, not human trafficking according to these businesses. Whatever they call, whether its legal or not the bigger issue lies in the fact that these women are considered business deals!
On Wednesday we had the opportunity to visit 8 Vietnamese women just outside of Ipoh, Malaysia who are wives to men who bought them. This gathering was started to show these women the love of Christ. A month ago these women had never heard of Jesus Christ, let alone love. Sold by their parents with promises of a better life only to be alone with someone who does not speak her language. I do not know these women’s stories but the majority of these situations are abusive and anything but loving. Love is a concept completely foreign to them and the reality for thousands of other women around the world.
Two weeks ago they heard of God’s creation, last week about Adam and Eve’s sin, this week what do I have to tell them? I started praying last weekend for God to show me something to teach them and to have a love and compassion for them as Christ would. I wracked my brain for several days because I honestly thought I had no way of relating to them. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks! Life and Hope… that is God’s story for everyone, including me!
I became overwhelmed as I looked up Scripture that taught God’s love for them. I just wanted them to know that they are loved, they are cherished, they are valuable, they are daughters to the King, they are heirs to the Kingdom, they are worthy, and they can be FREE! My heart broke for them as they raised their hands when asked if they had ever been abused. We were able to pray for them and many were asking for healing from these situations. I do not know every outcome from Wednesday, or the previous weeks, but some are rejoicing in a new found love!
“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:6-7
