You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
It has been a wonderful month in Phuket. A great start to the World Race… we’ve seen God working here in so many ways. I was nervous at first when I heard what we would be doing this month, but as each day went by, God gave me more and more peace. Each time we went out to the bars in Patong, the girls were so welcoming and loving. As we talked with each girl, we got to know her story.. how she came to be working in that particular bar and if she liked working there. Our mission this month was not to go into bars and take girls out, but to form friendships and trust, then tell them about the different opportunities SHE has for them to get started on a new path, such as baking, making jewelry, working for SHE, taking English classes or making crafts to sell.
As we got to know the girls, it was pretty obvious that the majority of them would leave the bar they were working at. As we became friends with them, we would ask questions like… Do you like working here? The main response was a polite smile, and a ‘no’ head shake. It broke my heart.
A typical conversation: How often do you work here? Every night. Do you make a lot of money? If I get a client, yes, if not then no. I don’t like going with a client but I need the money. Why? Do you have a family? Yes, I have kids but they don’t live here. I will see them when I am done working here. When will that be? (Answers vary, here are a few I’ve heard: Until I find a husband, For 3 more months, I don’t know.)
Our last night out in Patong was a night I’ll never forget. Another World Race squad, the S squad arrived at SHE on Wednesday. We were so excited to meet fellow World Racers and hear their stories. They will be here for the month of February, so on our last night out, we took them to Patong for their first time and our last time. I’ve seen a lot of men picking up women, hitting on them etc… but for some reason tonight it really hit me hard. Everywhere I looked there was a girl with a man(usually way older). For some reason I could really focus on the girls and how they acted with the men and I could actually see the hurt on their faces. All these girls that smiled at us and told us about their family, were also the ones being lead away to who knows where… they were purchased. I started noticing that they would always stay a step behind the men who were leading them by the hand. They were not smiling, they were looking around, they were scared. They didn't look like the same women we laughed with and shared stories with. As I was sitting at a bar sipping on my 3rd Sprite of the night, I looked to my left and literally watched a transaction take place. My stomach was in knots. I kept thinking, what is wrong with these guys! How could they do this?? And why were the girls’ emotions so vivid to me tonight? I thought my last night would be easy, relaxed. As I prayed, God told me that He simply wanted me to know that the fight was not over. Although we are leaving Thailand, hundreds of girls are still here in bondage and I don’t need to forget to pray for them and pray for this ministry. What made me feel a little better was seeing how the new WR squad completely jumped on board and was so passionate about loving these women. I know God was trying to tell me to be in constant prayer… not only for the girls I met, but all of the girls that future teams will meet through this ministry.
It is easy to get angry at the men who are taking the women, and it is easy to judge them, but we have to remember that we are there to love them, too. God hates the sin, not the sinner. He loves ever
yone the same. One thing we had to do as a team a lot this year was remind ourselves of that. God loves every person in Patong just as much as He loves me, becaue we don't have to earn His love, it is freely given.
Jude 1:23
Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgement.Show mercy to sill others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works,
that no one should boast.
