It’s 8:00pm.
I walk into the 2nd story meeting room (which I like to call the sauna) and my night begins. I, and thirteen others, have gathered for the simple, yet grand purpose of glorifying God. We hit play on the IPod of the night and worship music floods the room—almost drowned out by the sound of singing voices.
A time to give thanks.
A time to repent.
It’s 8:20pm.
I stand arms out, palms up—an act of submission, ready to receive. I sense movement around the room, as my friends stir, stopping to pray over we who are walking the streets tonight, going out to the bars to bring the light of Christ into the darkness. Prayers pour forth from my lips—prayers pleading forgiveness for the lost, prayers begging to see individuals with the eyes of Christ, prayers asking to be full of compassion and kindness, prayers for hearts to be prepared for conversation, for us to be received with favor by those we encounter. Hands are laid upon me and my ears hear the murmured prayers of my friends.
A time to be intentionally covered in the armor of God. [Ephesians 6:10-18]
A time to declare we are the light of the world, the salt of the earth, the fragrant aroma of life, the letter from Christ. [Matthew 5:13-16 ; 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:3]
It’s 8:40pm.
I leave the building, accompanied by my teammate, Melissa. Besides confirming two coffee dates for the next day, we have no idea where our steps will take us. Yet, there is no fear or confusion. We trust the Lord to work in us “…to will and to act according to His good purpose” [Philippians 2:13].
A time to trust.
A time to obey.
It’s 9:00pm.
We hear a voice calling out “Hey girls!” We turn and are greeted by the warm smiles of a vibrantly friendly Australian couple. Never the ones to refuse an opportunity for a delightful dialogue, we smile back and the conversation begins to easily and smoothly flow. Our new friends are fun, full of laughter, and candidness. To me, their affability showcases joy and I am thankful to partake. Like any good conversation, the subject matter organically meanders- from tales of traveling to World War II, from the concept of “story” to promises of free cups of tea were our lives to collide again. We leave the exchange with full hearts, blessed by the encounter, thankful for authentic moments.
A time to rejoice.
It’s 9:55pm.
We stop by a certain bar, desiring to confirm with a friend our plans for the morning. But, we don’t see her. My heart sinks. I ask the other girls if she is there. She is not. She is “working.“ My heart breaks.
“Oh God, why? It hurts. She is beautiful. She is adored. She is deeply loved for who she is. She is priceless. Why has a price been placed upon her body?!? Why are people buying her as if she is an object? How do they not see the repulsive barbarism of their actions?”
I will never fully understand the atrocities of this world. The horrors of sin will continue to stun and haunt me. All I can say is…
“But, by the grace of God…”
Without Jesus, I am capable of anything. Absolutely anything.
But, by the grace of God, I have been set free from the bondage of sin upon my body.
But, by the grace of God, I am forgiven and free to run in the path of His commands.
But, by the grace of God, I see people for who they are– beloved sons & daughter of the Lord.
Yes, my heart breaks. It breaks for the girl whose body is sold every night, multiple times a night. And, it breaks for those who are buying her, for they are blinded, held in captivity, prisoners to their lustful, worldly desires without hope and without God in their world.
My lips offer up prayers of rescue, of salvation, of reconciliation to God—for both the oppressed and the oppressor.
A time to mourn.
A time to forgive.
It’s 10:10pm.
Melissa and I arrive at the second bar. I am thrilled to see my friend sitting and eating dinner. I order a pineapple juice and join her. “Tomorrow, coffee? 2:00? Kah (Thai for okay/yes in the feminine form)?” I breathe a sigh of thankful relief when she excitedly nods her head and smiles with every feature gracing her beautiful face.
We linger for a bit, not long, for even though the bar is slow, we do not want to overstay our welcome by “detracting from business.” We laugh, play intense games of Jenga, and share pictures of our lives. Fifteen minutes later we hug goodbye and leave for the night, hearts full of eager anticipation for the morrow’s meeting.
A time to hope.
It’s 10:30pm.
We arrive home, our weary legs tiredly climbing the flights of stairs to where we will debrief the night. We are greeted by peace, lightness, and serene strength. I breathe them in, exhaling the chaos, the heaviness, the desperation. I sit, letting the words of a song soak in:
“You are my God and I will give you thanks. For you are my God and your love endures forever.”
“Open Up” (feat. Michael Ketterer) United Pursuit & Iris Ministries
A time to breathe.
It’s 11:15pm.
Our debrief of the night is complete. We have laughed, cried, questioned, and answered. We have sealed the night with the name of Jesus. I go to bed with a thankful heart.
A time to praise.
