Three years ago, Shannon Marshall of 2014 J Squad learned of human trafficking, wanted to help, and was disappointed when she was told to pray. Now in Chiang Mai, she sees firsthand how prayer is her greatest weapon.
Three years ago, I sat holding my friend, Cassie, tight in a hug as we both sobbed hard, tears flowing down our faces.
We had just finished watching the movie Nefarious. This documentary covers the issue of sex trafficking around the world, focusing on the top trafficked countries including the US. It includes interviews with those who have been involved in the sex trade and those who are fighting for justice in this area, and discussions on how girls get trapped, why they stay, and also the hope of what God is doing to bring light and change.
During the video I felt myself experiencing a range of all different types of emotions including sadness, anger, helplessness, and hope. My passion for helping the exploited find freedom, feel loved, and see their worth came alive. I wanted to do something right then and there!
But after the movie, when we the missionary asked how we could help, her reply was: “The best answer I can give you – and really the best way to help- is to pray.”
A wave of disappointment hit me. I had a feeling this was the answer I would get. But I wanted to be on the front lines, not sitting back and praying. I wanted more, to do more.
Three years later, I watched the movie again – this time from Chiang Mai, Thailand. But this time I am in ministry in the center of the Red Light District, spending a month building relationships with sexually exploited women, trying to show them the hope, love, and light of Christ.
The women I have met and befriended are so beautiful, sweet, and fun – lovely. There is one girl I met at one of the bars who is just precious. She is the same age as my little sister, Lauren. I love my sister so much and I think God placed this girl in my life so that I can love her and treat her like my little sister.
This girl rarely gets time off but I get to bring her little treats at work, chat with her and her co-workers as much as I can. And the one day she did have off we got to go out and have fun. I just want her and the other girls to see what I see and especially what God sees in them.
*First 2 photos by Carly Marin.
I am on the front lines of battle now.
It really is war. I can feel and see it. Yet God is victorious. He equips us with his armor, sends us out with torches, loud voices, and full hearts. He is planting seeds for new life. The gates are wide open, inviting others to run inside to freedom.
Chiang Mai isn’t forgotten; it’s being transformed, made new – and God is the Builder. We are lucky enough to be a small part of it.
Through all of this, I’ve found my greatest weapon is prayer.
I had to go half way around the world and actually put myself in the middle of the issue of sex trafficking to prove to myself that prayer really is the most powerful help, because prayer puts everything in God’s hands and relies on his strength alone.
My favorite part of this ministry has been the emphasis on prayer and the time I’ve spent listening to God, letting him show me his vision for this city and his deep deep love for every single person, male and female who walks its streets.
If you ever find yourself asking, “What can I do?”. My answer to you is, “pray.”
Are you ready to see the power of prayer change lives across the world? Click here to sign up for the World Race.
