During a morning devoton this week we read the story about the good shepherd and how God takes care of us and leads us. If we are his sheep we will know the sound of his voice. Everyone can hear his voice but not all can discern that it is the good shepherd.
The same day we read this passage the big bad wolf came into our fold and stole one of the shepherd sheep.
This month we have been working at a ministry called Samaritan Creations that helps women get out of prostitution. The organization provides employment, counseling, financial support, and helps educate the women. I have gotten to work alongside these women making dolls, teaching English, and spending time with their children and family. They are family and my flock.
I have gotten to hear their stories of abusive relationships, broken marriages, no family, financial problems that have all lead them to the bar, to sell themselves. I have gotten to hear their amazing stories about how Mike and Kay, the founders of Samaritan Creation, gave them an opportunity to get out, to respect themselves, to feel like they could make something of themselves. And they have. These women work hard. They are incredible mothers. They are growing spiritually and emotionally. They are my friends.
Oh Remember the BIG BAD WOLF.
Well one my friends at the ministryhas come face to face with the BIG BAD WOLF.
we will call her "Patty" and sadly she has returned to the bar.
She has been in the program 18 months and has gone to help get other girls get out of the bar giving her own testimony. Now she just walked right back in.
Last week she learned she was pregnant with twins. And this weekend she told our host that she aborted the babies and went to work in the bar. She told me she was locked out of her apartment because she was behind in rent. We found out she had been borrowing money. She needed money.
Money is the Big Bad Wolfin Thailand.
Money makes you feel like you need to sell yourself, money makes you think you need to abort to God given babies, money just like wolves come to steal, kill, and destroy.
As I watched Kay, our host, tears streaming down her face, I heard her say "I saw Satan talking to my girl. She was talking to loan sharks." The BIG BAD WOLF was coming to get her.
God you are the good shepherd, teach us to hear your voice and not the stranger's who will leave us when the wolf approaches.
In Thailand there is a huge problem with debt and loan sharks. Most of the women in the bars are working longer and harder because they have to pay off loan sharks. And loan sharks charge 40% interest. Women get sucked into debt and held there because there is no way out.
Patty thinks there is no other way.
Patty knows Jesus but right now I think the Big Bad Wolf is growling in her ear, drowning out what God is saying. I think God's voice is calling out to her and hopefully she will hear it before the BIg Bad Wolf devours her life.
Patty is only 21. She has a whole life ahead of her.
God is the good shepherd. He lays down his life for his sheep. I believe Patty will realize what the wolf has stolen and then I hope against all hopes she hears the voice of the shepherd calling her back to the flock.
It breaks my heart that there are people who have heard God and known God and will still choose to turn from him and all the people who have helped them.
Prayers for Patty to come home and know her true worth in our eyes and in God's eyes.
Blessings,
Jennie
