Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Two months ago we were given a big announcement: man-istry was on. Man-istry is something commonly talked about on the World Race but not every squad has the opportunity to experience it. Man-istry refers to a month where all the men are taken off their regular teams and form one large team of men.
The women are then mixed up into new teams- some may be with existing teammates, some may be on a team with completely different women. This month typically happens in Thailand, so the announcement didn’t come as a shocker.
When they read off my new team, I was stoked! Each of my new teammates were women I loved being around and was excited to do ministry with. We share an athletic bond (3 of the 5 played college athletics) and have similar personalities.
At debrief, we were given more information about our ministry for the month. Most World Race teams work with women in the sex industry during their time in Thailand, so I was not surprised when I found out I would be in Phuket working with SHE ministries.
Started in 2006, SHE (Self Help and Empowerment) is a Christian charity committed to helping women and children at risk in Thailand, many of who are trapped in the commercial sex trade. SHE is dedicated to providing employment, vocational training and counseling for women who want help out of this industry.
For more info on SHE, check out their website: www.shethailand.org
During our last team meeting as Family Force 6, my teammates made an interesting connection.
“Bouche, you’re the only one of us going to the southern part of Thailand.”
It’s true, the rest of Family Force 6 will be serving in jungles of northern Thailand.
“What’s ironic is that you are the least likely person on our team to head to the beach…but you’re the one they sent to the beach town.”
“Yeah, and you’re not really a ‘bar person’ so to speak.”
Exactly. If I had to choose between beaches or mountains, it would be mountains every time. Hate is a strong word, so I’ll say I strongly dislike the beach. You might think I’m crazy, but here’s my reasoning.
1. I burn. Not only do I burn, but I burn at a ridiculous rate. Therefore, I’m the girl slapping on sunscreen every 20 minutes and sitting in the shade while everyone else is getting golden brown. I will forever be the pasty girl…
2. I sweat, a lot. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is or where I am, I think I have a problem. I’ll let the picture speak for itself.
Check out them pit stains! This was after preaching at a 1 hour church service in Swaziland.
(keep in mind it was cool on top of that mountain)
3. Sand gets everywhere. When you’re gobbing on the sunscreen and sweating at the same time, sand sticks to every part of your body…not to mention gets in your bag, towel, book, phone…
4. Beach hair=tangled mess. Curly hair + salt water=disaster. Plus the salt burns your eyes and makes you really thirsty.
Say what you will, but these are pretty good reasons for me to not spend a lot of time on the beach. My teammates believe otherwise. Ironic that I’m the one placed in the beach town.
The bars are not my scene either. Never have been, never will be. They’re smoky, loud and expensive; I’d rather spend $3 on a tub of Rocky Road ice cream, grab some spoons, friends and a board game and share some laughs. To each his own, but I think I’m too frugal to drop my money on drinks.
Needless to say, the ministry we will be doing this month is not something I would have picked for myself. During our orientation, a staff member from SHE shared some scripture she had been praying for our team. It couldn’t be truer for me.
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” John 15:16-17
I did not choose to come to Phuket to build relationships with prostitutes, I’d be more comfortable teaching some kids. God has chosen me to love on these women trapped in a hellish world- to speak belief into their life and give them hope for a different future.
My Wisconsin buddy Lauren was praying for me and said she saw a picture of Jonah and the whale. Not knowing what that would mean to me, she told me anyway. The only thing I could think of was a sermon series my church was teaching in before I left for the Race. This encouragement from Lauren prompted me to reread this portion of my journal- it’s crazy when your own notes teach you over again!
It was all on obedience.
Obedience is responding to God’s will for us. The missionary martyr Nate Saint defines it as a die cast decision made beforehand, not a momentary option.
It doesn’t matter that I’m not a “beach person” or a “bar person.” Knowing this is where God has called me and knowing that I am equipped to love people, I am choosing to be obedient to God’s will in my life. I am making a die cast decision to bring the Kingdom to women who desperately need it. 150 women have left their lives in prostitution as a result of SHE ministries. I’m believing we will increase that number during our time here.
Literally, a day and night difference on Bangla Road, where we will be ministering this month.
(Left) Street vendor selling her wares. (Right) It's typical to play games such as Jenga and Connect 4 at the bars. Pictured are my teammates Lauren and Kristin playing Jenga while conversing with a bar girl.
