We walked into the Thai boxing area, passing by the bars lined up on each side, trying to decide which bar we should go to. With approximately twenty bars to choose from in that area, we walked through, searching for one that wasn’t very busy.
This is the Thai boxing ring, which is surrounded by bars.
Jen and I found a bar with nobody in it and 4-5 prostitutes sitting outside. We quickly took seats, hoping they would join us. And they did! We ordered our drinks and settled in to play Jenga with the girls.
This is the bar we went to. In the mornings, the whole strip of bars is deserted and we are able to prayer walk there each morning.
Throughout the course of the game, a couple of girls ended up switching in. We tried to talk to them with their limited English and learned that one of the girls was only 16 and the other had only worked there two days.
I looked at the girls. So young. So vulnerable. So innocent.
The girls loved playing the game with us. It was just like playing a game with young girls. Probably because they were.
These two girls were innocent. Pure. Undefiled. Beautiful. Eager. Hopeful. Alive.
As I looked back at one of the other prostitutes, the one who had worked there a month, I saw the difference. The difference one month makes.
She was used. Shamed. Defiled. Broken. Lost. Hopeless. Dead.
STOLEN.
Childhood. Stolen.
Virginity. Stolen.
Freedom. Stolen.
Life. Stolen.
BUT all hope is NOT lost because our God REDEEMS!
Redeems hope.
Redeems dignity.
Redeems purity.
Redeems life.
Loved. Desired. Wanted. Pursued. REDEEMED!
