Hey my lovely friends and family,
Early this morning, my team and I made it to Chiang Mai, Thailand! WHOOHOO!
We are at a ministry called Zion Cafe & Hostel:
(http://www.zioncafeandhostel.com/#!about-zion/cu4n message me if you want to know Zion’s undercover ministry and how it impacts exploited women in Thailand!)
Which is an extension of Lighthouse Ministries here in Chiang Mai: (http://www.lighthouseinaction.org/our-heart1/#beliefs)
This is the month I have been asking God for since the beginning of the Race.
Many of you know my heart for women being exploited around the world (and right in the heart of Houston, TX); it’s big. I want to help hurting women re-discover their worth and identity in Christ, and bring them hope for the Father’s Kingdom.
Don’t know what human trafficking is or what modern slavery looks like today? Click on this link https://love146.org/slavery/ for a simplified rundown on the realities of human sex trafficking.
Our ministry days will look different day-to-day at Zion, but a ministry we often will be involved in is building relationships with young girls and women being exploited in the Red Light District of Chiang Mai; a lot of nighttime bar ministry.
The Thai culture deeply values relationships, and they are known as “The Land of Smiles.” Unfortunately, relationships end up looking warped and twisted for exploited women, and we want to go in and show them what true love looks like.
So how can you help?
#1. Funding
*In the process of building relationships with the girls, it’s customary to purchase drinks and food for/with them, share what you have, treat them; gifts are very common in this culture as a sign of respect and friendship. So our ministry asks that we do a little fundraising. Not only do I not have the extra money to purchase things for other people, but I am still fundraising for myself. The reality of living on the field is that we have no way to make money. Our only income is what our awesome supporters provide for us. I have under 3 months left on the Race; not very long!! Then I’ll be out of your hair. But for now, I still need personal money.
Having personal money helps me 1. Be able to afford living out on the field and 2. Helps me to be able to bless my teammates who also don’t have an income, and to bless exploited women I will get to meet.
#2. Sharing my blogs on human trafficking to create awareness, and asking me questions
*Why does this help? Because awareness is a key component to ending the slave trade. People don’t know what human trafficking is, let alone, that it still exists. And if they do know what it is, most people don’t know the extent of human trafficking or the long-term effect that it has on its victims. People who are aware are more prone to help and make others aware of this organized crime. Feel free to message me and ask me any questions you have on human trafficking, exploitation, where it is, what it is, how does it affect people overseas and in the US, etc. I’m here to make you more aware!
#3. PRAYER
*Guys, prayer is powerful. It just is. And it’s what’s going to move mountains and shift waters. I NEED your prayer. Not only me, but Chiang Mai needs your prayers, Zion needs your prayers, my team needs your prayers. These girls servicing men night after night; they need your prayers, too. I know it’s hard to pray for thousands of people you’ve never met; eventually, they all just become a number, a statistic. But I’m here. I see them. They’re real, and they’re in need of their Father.
So join me in prayer for Chiang Mai and its beautiful women. Women who so desperately want to be heard but don’t have a voice. We want to give them one.
Did you know that the word “Thai” literally translates to “Free?” Thailand is literally “Freeland.” So let’s help reclaim Thai womens’ lives and futures.
Stand with me. I want to bring HOPE to the hopeless; I want to be a conduit for The Lord to set the captives FREE. I want these women to dance in the Light of their Father.
I ask that you prayerfully consider supporting me financially and spiritually. If you are interested in giving, my PayPal is [email protected] or you can send a check. Please contact me on Facebook, text or email for the address. <3
More updates on our ministry this month coming soon!
Much love.
xoxo,
Maddie
