Racers have the opportunity to invite parents out on the Race for one week of intergenerational ministry. Both of my parents attended this week – called Parent Vision Week – in the beginning of September.
When they signed up, they had no idea what to expect. It turned out that we got to do bar ministry in the red-light tourist spot of Angeles City. Bars, girls, and my parents?! You can imagine the discomfort that could come in that situation… however, it ended up being one of the best weeks ever.
Below is an account of the week written by my dad, Jerry.
Monday- day of arrival in Manila, Philippines–
It was glorious to see my daughter, Jackson, all well & good. She greeted me with spirit & a bear hug (There were tears of joy from her mother). I was overcome with love. She has now made it thru 8 countries on her AIM journey and another 2 to go, before she’s home for the holidays.
We met with other Parent Vision Trip (PVT) parents from the US and were briefed on what to expect from our Wipe Every Tear experience in the coming days. We had no idea what 'bar ministry' in the red light district really looked like… No amount of preparation could prepare one for what was about to happen. Coach Kenny Sacht tried to help in any way, but made it a point that the adventure/experience would be unique, different, new, exciting, fulfilling and nothing like any other that we ever have done before. How true, how true– I’ll confess, I’ve never conceived of this before. I asked God for hand holding and words to help in my journey thru.
Tuesday–Nighttime to hit the bars: we entered the ‘Viking’ bar to see girls on the ship-shaped stage. I couldn’t believe the number of girls stacked on top of one another. We took our place in the corner, somewhat timid, taking in the surroundings, bewildered, wide-eyed , even amused at the circus. Who was I to pick to talk about a better life? I decided on a girl that wasn’t smiling, who had sadness in her eyes, who was not interested in dancing or socializing—timid as I. I found her, asked her if she would join me for a drink.
She did? !#$*=+.
We talked about family, I introduced the wife and Jackson, I spoke of better things: family, children, picnics, sun-rises/moonlight, romance, mates. I touched on a universal desire for more. She knew that life was short-lived. She knew the time in this job would limited and her short-term thinking wouldn’t serve her much longer. That was only the start of something bigger. She wanted more, to see more, to be more – a better life. I told her all was possible – that she could get a college education free living in one of the Wipe Every Tear safe houses.
She just had to come and see – come get on the bus with us in the following days and see if it was true.
Our bus back to Manila to visit the houses – 17 girls joined us to see if it was real. (Photo cred: Laren Lewis)
Needing help to open them up, I looked to Becky who could talk to these girls in their language. Becky is a Wipe Every Tear staff member and house mom, and she came from the same background, neighborhood and circumstances as many of the women. She knew these girls. She knew their desires, hopes and dreams. Becky reiterated the vision of a hopeful future. She collected contact information to follow-up with the girls. I was impressed how well Becky handled all the girls. She was quick and direct. She touched each one of them and made them think of a better life. She was a god-send.
Once all of us parents overcame the shock-wave and adjusted, we got into it. The reactions of all of us parents to the girls and the ministry was the most memorable part of the week for me. Talking to the girls as if they were their neighbors, friends, and daughters created a bond, and we formed a connection with these women. We connected to them on a personal level. We got their names and contact information to pursue them and give them hope. All of us parents began to schedule meetings, luncheons and potential visits to the 3 boarding houses with the girls we had met. More information would be given upon request. Us parents, who hadn't known these women two days earlier, took interest on a one-to-one basis, maintaining contact and wanting to know the girl’s future. Parents weren’t letting go.
Girls going to visit the houses. (Photo cred: Laren Lewis)
Conversation for the remainder of the trip centered on the girls. Where were they, when were they coming to visit, what were they going to do. Parents would exchange stories and share hopes for the extended family. It was heart-warming to see parents extend themselves. Focus was shifted from the environment the bar girls came from onto the places they’d go. Talk of the future was hopeful and bright.
We were able to see the 3 safe houses Wipe Every Tear girls live in. 17 new girls also made the trip with us on our bus to visit the houses and see if the opportunity was real. Our bus will always have room. These houses were so different from the bar, with girls singing, playing, studying and working together for a better life. We were all happy to see the successes in these 3 houses. An abundant life was evident. The conditions, spirit, soul, sisterhood and care for these girls was satisfying. Hope was for our girls to get there and abandon their old ways.
Joyful singing in the safe houses. (Photo cred: Laren Lewis)
The week was so enriching, satisfying, and fruitful. We all walked away better, more appreciative of the simple things. I was a proud parent, in many ways. I have a wonderful daughter, and now an even more extended family after this week. Thank you, Lord!
What a week—I was truly amazed and blessed—one that I’ll never forget.
