1….2….3…. Bar ministry
My team had the opportunity to choose what ministry we wanted to do this month and honestly, it was a hard choice. Our options were: slums (talking to kids about Jesus in a poverished area)/ monk chats (learning about Buddhism), cafe/hostel ministry, or bar ministry (talking with the individuals that work at the bars- these are ladies and lady boys that work in the sex trafficking industry, bar owners, and “Johns” (the men who buy the women for a period of time).
When I was praying about what ministry i wanted to do tonight my instinctual reaction was slums/ monk chats. i thought it would be intriguing to learn more about Buddhism and we worked with kids last month so it was comfortable. The last ministry I wanted to do was work in the bars because I wasn’t sure if my heart could handle it.
We were all torn about what we should do so we activated listening prayer and tried to see what the Lord wanted for us. So we prayed about it and counted to three so that we could share it out loud with everyone. We all felt lead to bar minsitry this month. It was crazy how that’s what God put on our hearts and then to see/hear how he’s moved since just a week ago- crazy awesome!
Last week on Monday we went to the bar area and just witnessed some of the things that happen on a daily basis and it was honestly a numbing experience for me. I had a hard time seeing women throw themselves on men, or how men would grope women and knowing exactly what followed after that.
The following day I decided I wanted to go out at night and try to start a conversation with a girl there and try to build a friendship. That is when my teammate, Laura, and I came across Tup*. She has the biggest, most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen! She was kind, compassionate, and warm hearted. So, naturally, I started a conversation with her. Just for a little back story- Laura had posted a blog about our ministry and a previous world race alumn read it and commented on it telling her about Tup. So when we came across her we were delighted to see that she was doing well and that many prayers had been answered, but not only on our end…
Fast forward twenty minutes into the conversation with Tup and she says, “your face reminds me of one of my other friends from America. I had to look twice when I saw you because I thought you were her.”
Without hesitation, Laura asked her if it was Chloe* (the girl that contacted Laura about Tup), and Tups eyes got so big! She said, “you know my friend?! You know her?!??? I’ve been waiting TWO years for her to come back to me…”
Guys I kid you not, the power of prayer is HUGE! Big prayers have been getting answered this week alone and I am so excited to continue creating friendships with these women. God had a plan for us when it came to this ministry and that makes my heart smile. This isn’t only one instance of Gods perfect love for us. We have had lunch dates with these girls, and open conversations about their stories. It’s been less than a week since we first introduced ourselves!
When I find out all of Tups story I would love to share that with you! Due to the nature of the ministry this month, I won’t have many pictures to post just for their privacy and protection.
*I have changed their names just so they don’t feel singled out.
With this ministry comes extra expenses of taking the girls out, getting away from the bar scene and doing fun activities with them. I feel you would like to donate to that, feel free to send me a message and I can share how to do that.
I am only $1,000 left from meeting this months deadline financially- wahoo! If you would like to donate to the cause, please click the donate button at the top of my home page! 🙂
** please continue to be in prayer over these relationships and conversations. Our BIG prayer for the month is that three women/lady Boys will walk out of the bar scene and step into freedom!! Please be in prayer with us! Chaing Mai can use all the prayers you have for it!! 🙂
Thank you all for your love and support! 🙂
