1.27.17 – Cabin Ministry
We went to buy tea, but we really bought more.
Today we ministered to women who sold their bodies for money. Before the earthquake in 2015, around 50,000 women were being trafficked. 20,000 of which were under aged. Numbers quickly grew afterwards as people lost everything and had no choice but to sell themselves. These statistics were given to us before we headed to the cabins and it broke my heart.
We walked into what seemed like a normal restaurant and bought some tea. Usually in these cabin restaurants everything is marked up double or triple to cover the cost of time with the girls. We individually began to pray out loud making it look like a normal conversation they could not understand. Words they did understand (like Jesus, God, pray, etc) we could not say but only spell out. After they served us tea we began to ask them questions. Our goal being there was to show these women the love of Christ, befriend them, and pray for them.
A few women went in and out of the conversation but one in particular stayed. She was beautiful, covered in normal clothing and jewelry. She opened up enough for us to know that she lived in a village 2 hours away from Kathmandu. She was divorced but had two young boys who lived with her parents in the village. She told us the story of how her boys often called her and cried “Mommy come home.”
My heart kept breaking as I heard more of her story. If only I could tell her she’s the daughter of a King. That she is fearfully and wonderfully made. That she is so loved and doesn’t have to do this. She’s worth more. However, we were abruptly asked to leave as men were coming in and ‘business was picking up’.
Our time there seemed short, but the effect it had on my heart will last forever. What got me the most was how casual everything was. These women weren’t on the side of the road wearing scandalous clothes, too much makeup, or being drugged like movies portray. They worked in a restaurant with overpriced items and dividers for men to do what they want.
I felt sick to my stomach.
1.30.17 – Dance Bar Ministry
Today we went into the city to minister to women in dance bars. We did a prayer walk, divided ourselves into teams, and entered the club. It was everything I expected, but it hurt so much more than I could ever imagine. The music was so loud that you couldn’t hear the conversation across the table. There was a stage in the center, women with short/tight clothing dancing, and alcohol being served everywhere. My head was pounding from the noise and flashing lights but I knew I was there for a reason. Our goal was to get the numbers of the girls in order to call them the next day asking if they would like to be rescued. After we sat down and ordered sprites, a woman hesitantly came and sat down with us. She spoke little English but we started a conversation. She became uninterested when we told her we were not able to buy her alcohol but she still stayed. Later we saw her dancing on stage and quickly found out that she was pregnant. Minutes later a young girl that claimed to be 18 (but was more than likely only 14 or 15) joined our table. She wore a cute lace dress with the highest heels I’ve ever seen. We talked over the blaring music and I found out she had only been there for a month. There was a smile on her face but there was a look in her eyes that said “save me”.
By the end of the night I was broken, disgusted, and furious. But in that moment God reminded me that He has a plan. His will is always greater than mine. He gave me peace and understanding. Most importantly I was reminded of His perfect, sacrificial, abounding, unconditional love not only for me, but also these women.
The next day we found out at least 4 of the women we talked to wanted out! Possibly even more after we left! I have no words to describe how good our God is. Continue to pray for these women as they take this leap of faith. Thanks guys!
