Chiang Mai, Thailand stole my heart. And I’m completely okay with that.
Such a sweet month. My heart came alive in ways it never had before. Breaking for these men and women in the bars as His love flowed through the cracks. Trusting the light of the Kingdom inside me was stronger than the darkness I was entering into, fighting for three freedom and healing of these people so desperate for love but looking in all the wrong places.
And I got to know some of the women who work in the bars. To me they’re not prostitutes, they’re my friends. They’re not statistics or objects, they are human beings. They are mothers, daughters, aunts, nieces, and cousins. They are people with hopes and dreams, and in many cases it were those hopes and dreams that were taken advantage of that led them here.
My heart ached for them.
Because I saw behind the make-up and scandalous clothing. I saw daughters made in the image of their King, broken and abused yet so full of life and joy. It didnt make sense except for the fact that Father is relentlessly pursuing His children as He unleashes His Kingdom in their midst. They may not see it yet, or even be aware of it, but its happening. I saw it. Love was invading their hearts as we tried to pour out as much from ours as possible. We fought and prayed for these women with all we had.
And He was faithful. Oh was He faithful.
Business slowed. Fewer customers were coming. I got to take some of my friends out of the bars for the night, paying their bar fee so they could have a fun night like any other 20-year old who didnt have to sell herself every night in order to support her family. And that night was one of my favorite of the Race. Because let me tell you, it is such a privilege to know and love these people. The women. The children. The ladyboys. Even the men who come into the bars longing for attention. Because Jesus loves them. And they are worthy to be loved. They deserve to be loved for who they truly are, not for what they can do.
My sweet friends from Kitty Cat Bar! Love them like crazy!
The truth is, these friends of mine have blessed my life in more ways than I ever expected. Pouring so much beauty and joy into my spirit by being able to share life with them. Laughing with them. Playing pool with them. Talking with them. Pouring out every ounce of love I had to give. Fighting for them to experience the freedom He created them for.
And I will continue fighting for them, because our God is a God who fights for us. And He never stops fighting for us as we walk in the fragrance of His victory sealed on the Calvary road. So as His people, we will fight alongside Him for the ones He loves.
