I sat in the bar, pen in hand; the strobe lights were more distracting than the darkness. Despite the dim lighting, the hand continued drawing, and before I knew it, the picture was complete.
Over the last few nights in the bar, it almost seemed hopeless. It was difficult to hear conversations, to talk to the women, and to share any message. It hard to concentrate and pray; the atmosphere was loud, dark, and heavy. This question kept coming to my mind: “Is what I’m doing really making a difference?”
During my quiet time today, I was reminded of something powerful:
Because we are children of the Most High, we are to overcome and overpower anything evil that is against us or those we are fighting for. Nothing is impossible. If we train our minds and hearts to believe this, it enables us to look for creative and extravagant solutions to any problem.
As we worshiped and prayed together before leaving for the bar, I specifically prayed for creativity—creativity to start conversations, to share the good news, to love on these women. In that moment, I knew that I needed to draw inside the dance bar.
I finished the drawing, scribbled out Jeremiah 29:11 and handed it to Sanju, our interpreter. She looked over it and translated the scripture into Nepali on the back. She then handed it back and asked me to pray about which girl I should give it to. Julia finished her two drawings and did the same.
When she walked by, I knew it was for her. Her name was Pho. She sat down with us, and Sanju began speaking to her in Nepali. I prayed that God would give Sanju the words that will make in impact in Pho’s life. Before I knew it, Pho was wiping the tears from her eyes. She sat with us for about 20 minutes before she was interrupted by her work duties.
We continued praying, believing that this message would continue traveling until it fulfills its purpose.
“So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing in which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
I was amazing to see how a simple drawing made in the dark had brought about a conversation that impacted so deeply.
My teammates later told me that Pho walked away and showed all her male coworkers. Within moments of receiving it, the message already started spreading. I’m convinced that this little picture will continue traveling until it accomplishes all that it is sent to do!
“…you know that your labor is not in vain if you do it for the Lord.” 1 Cor 15:58
