Not for Sale

Two weeks time have come and gone since my team and I arrived in Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand where we were welcomed into the ministry, fellowship, home and hospitality of the little but generous church called New Beginnings. Amongst the three bible studies, Sunday morning church service, and Thursday night volleyball ministry we participate in throughout each week, our other main purpose is bar ministry in the afternoon and night time. What that tangibly looks like is just simply having conversations- with those people (mainly tourists) who we sit beside and the women and men who work at the bars each day. From there we begin to ask and seek to tell them about Jesus, His love, and His hope of life eternal. Now, a lot of what is considered normal here in Phuket is what most would call living a real life nightmare. Living in the physical reality of such evil and darkness has demolished my heart and soul in deeper ways than one. Let me explain. In any restaurant, bar, massage parlor, etc. a woman or man can sell themselves for sex with a stranger. Sex tourism and human trafficking is deemed tolerable because it’s considered quick and easy money; with no regard to the full dehumanization that takes place when these women and men stick a price tag on their bodies. No one cares. Not to mention that many of these women and men working don’t want to leave their jobs because of the money- many have families to provide for and food to put on the table just like anyone else. For many, this is all they know and they are psychologically trapped. As much as I have felt defeated and disgusted each time I have seen a young Thai woman being groped by or walking away with a customer, I have also felt encouraged and hopeful each time I have been able to interact with these women and see them smile genuinely. We are able to remind them that love and friendship outside of a cost estimate exists. I know God is here, in this city, calling out to His children- even if it’s hard for me to understand nine out of ten times each day. Walking these streets and sitting in these bars helps me to remember a key characteristic of God- He is always with us, and that will never change based on circumstance. If Jesus will sit with me in my darkness, so I will sit with these women and men in this darkness, not letting them believe anymore they are for sale but allow them to believe in a love that is free of charge in Jesus. Keep praying and keep encouraging who Jesus really is!

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