On my third night out in ministry, we were headed to worship. Yes, worship in a bar. This is something that our ministry contacts have been praying about for 4 years and it finally happened. Wanting to witness this event, every team (3 YWAM teams and 2 M Squad Teams and 2 N Squad team-60 people total) went to this one bar. As soon as we all arrived, I felt uneasy. Though I was excited for what was about to take place, I felt that we were a barrior that would keep people from coming into the bar. In addition to these feelings, I felt that I needed to go out and love some of the women. Then, the feelings only got worse when I saw a man in the bar next door go straight in, get ‘his girl’, get what he wanted and leave. Because the place was lined with mirriors, I was able to see him enter the back room and witness half of the things that occured. Ugh…
Needless to say, I was ready to leave that place. I did not care where, I just needed to get out.
Right then I noticed 2 teammates get up. They had wanted to fulfill a promise they made to a girl they met the previous night by visiting her. I joined them, and I could not have been more blessed. We made our way to the bar and find out that the girl we wanted to meet should be out in 5 or 10 miniutes. So we decided to sit and order a drink until she would return.
It was here that we were able to meet 2 women. One who has worked there for over 2 years and the other only 20 days. With them only knowing 5 words in English, I had to pull out all of the Thai I have managed to learn in 5 days. But, I did managed to have the Thai-English book with me. With this, the conversations began. I found out that she has 2 teenage daughters that live 5 hours away from her. She is from a family of 5 and her dad is currently ill with severe heart problems. I discovered her favorite fruit, how old she was and that she liked to dance. I tried to show her that I liked to dance, but that it was different than what she did for her job. I put my hands in the waltz proper hold, and she got it. She said “Ch-a, c-ha” and ‘walzzz’. I smiled saying YES. And that was the begining.
There came a point where I thought the conversation was ending. Thinking it would be time to go, but something greater was instore. She gets up and ushers me to dance with her. Initially, I was a little hesistant, but I went. I taught her the cha cha and waltz and it was so sweet. We did a little freestyle and just had a ton of fun! I treasure the fact that she had fun, was respected and craved healthy attention. Though that was my first encounter with this woman, her focus was towards me the entire time. (Which is RARE! 99% of the time, as soon as any man passes by, any conversation you were having is lost and ignored. This is due to the fact their income is based on what a man may be there looking for.)
I cannot wait until the weekend is over, for I will get to see my newest friend again.
P.S. The girl that we went to visit was sold for the night, we never got the chance to see her.
P.S.S The weekend passed and we have been out 3 times, and my dancing partner was sold for the week (at least) and our other friend was sold before our eyes.
