For three nights I was blessed to lead a group of young
women with YWAM out to the bar area to pray in our spirits as we built
relationships with the women working there. We split into two groups and went
to two different bars to connect with the women. At the bar I was at, the bar
owner was happy we were there and even encouraged us to go again. As we were
there I found out that there were a couple of new girls working there and they didn't talk as much with us. We still tried to make conversation with them and attempted to talk in Thai. While there, my eyes were opened to the fact that not only are
the women there in bondage but men like the bar owner are in a state of
despair.
On the last night I was with the visiting team of young
ladies, we went back to the same bars we targeted to bring smiles to the faces
of many women. We had some flowers for them with a special note. Some had a
confused look on their faces when a flower was handed to them but regardless of
their emotions, they all smiled at us even the ones that were very quiet the
first few nights. The bar owner was touched by our act of love for women
working at his bar. The last place we went to was the most impacting to me. We
went to a massage parlor that is normally very strict with who goes in. We
still tried anyway and had some flowers as a reason to being there. To make a
long story short, it was a surreal moment for me as I, unknowingly, talked to
the manager about giving the flowers to the women. He allowed us to go behind
the display where the women were waiting to be picked by the number on their
clothing to give them the flowers personally! Not being too conversational in
Thai yet, boldness overpowered me to talk with the women and share about why we
were there. From the inside looking out, the women can only see their
reflection and can’t see who’s on the other side looking at them. We gave out
all the flowers and noticed how some were very excited to get their flowers and
some didn’t seem too impressed. Before we left a friend of mine who lives here
asked the manager if we could keep coming back to bless the women and he
reluctantly said yes.
By the end of the night I was left in awe at how God gave us
divine favor to go into some of the darkest places to be His light and leave seeds
of hope planted in the hearts of men and women. I am one who believes that no
matter how dark the night may be, even one flicker of light expels darkness!
good job Jen! may God bless you more in the works of your hands. :)
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