Dear Reader,
This day marks the beginning of something exciting. This month, 12 World Race women and myself will be partnering with “The Lighthouse Ministry” here in Chiang Mai, Thailand. During the first week, we had bar ministry training preparing our hearts, minds, and bodies to enter the Red Light District. We have sent out teams of girls every night to minister to the bars in the past week. We have already began developing relationships with the women and lady boys in Chiang Mai. I have loved it so far! It is such an honor to have the opportunity to show them Christ's love and make them feel valued.
At this time of year there are nearly 25,000 prostitutes here. This prostitution includes men, women, children, and lady boys. In short, many, if not all of these individuals have acclimated to this lifestyle, so much so, that they literally have lost hope of any other option. In most cases, the hope of another option has ceased to exist.
However, there ARE other options. There are other ways to find income, to live a better life, and to find value in society. “The Lighthouse” acts as a bridge, helping prostitutes leave their means of employment and step into a new life of freedom and value. They also provide a myriad of services and opportunities for these individuals to start anew.
The only problem is that those who work in the prostitution industry here often need convincing of this redemptive reality. Someone to step out and show them that they are loved, valued, and cared for. Someone to step out and genuinely ask, “How are you?” instead of, “How much are you?”
That’s where we come in. The past week, the other volunteers and I have began entering the bars where prostitutes work. We have listened to their stories, learned about their families, spent time together, and have gotten to know them as friends. Through this action, we know that the message of LOVE will be sent from us to them. We know that our actions will communicate, “You are valuable because you are you.”
In an effort to show these brothers and sisters how loved and precious they are, we will visit them regularly, invite them to lunch, and spend as much time with them as possible.
Here is where you can help. In order for us to bless them in this way, we invite you to partner with us, by donating to this cause. The money we raise will directly be used for the men, women, and children we meet and our time together.
We know that the season of giving is amongst us, so we ask you to consider sending a Christmas gift to the people trapped in this cycle of prostitution. With your donation, we will use the money to bless those we meet by taking them out for a coffee, meal, or a fun adventure. While we may think this is a simple gesture, we’ve learned it’s monumental for the recipient.
Please help us by donating through my team members blog at the bottom of this page and rallying behind us in prayer.
With love,
Lauren
http://courtneynaylor.theworldrace.org/?filename=help-me-help-others-this-holiday-season
