What am I doing in Thailand?
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13
I came to Thailand to go to bars and hang out…
with prostitutes!
Girls in cute, modest dresses are not the normal people seeking them out.
Soft drinks or juice are not the normal drinks they get bought for them.
A listening ear is not normally offered to them.
Questions they’re asked are not normally about their family or their dreams.
But here we are, defying the norm.
We want to offer these women some mercy.
When we’re not at the bars, we’re interceding, asking God to have mercy.
“Do you have many friends here in Chiang Mai?” I asked.
“No.” she said, firmly.
“No friends?” I asked, taken aback.
“No friends.”
My God, this woman has no friends.
How lonely she must feel all day long, not knowing God is always with her!
Daddy, have mercy!
“If you could do anything, what would you do?” we asked another lady.
“I’d go home. I’d be close to my children, my family, sister. I’d just go home.” she responded, wistfully. Then she shook her head, as if to shake the thought away, and gave us a half-hearted smile.
My God, this woman doesn't get to go home.
Give thanks to the Lord if you have friends who accept you or if you can go home tonight.
Unfortunately, for a prostitute in Thailand that’s not a possibility.
Imagine what it’d be like to live in such blindness, loneliness, and despair.
Please pray for mercy. Pray that we’re able to befriend these women, and give them the hope they need. Pray that we never look down on them, or despise them, or treat them as if they are not as worthy of love as we are.
How loved they are!
How worthy they are!
Christ died for them, too!
If only they knew that!
Daddy, have mercy to save them and rescue them from their hopelessness!
Give them a hope and a future!
Please keep me and my team in your prayers, for God’s renewing strength and grace to pour into these beautiful women, and perhaps also minister to their customers.
Bless you and the team for a wonderful job y’all are doing ! If there is anything I could do for you let me know ! You are always on my mind and in my prayers keep the good work up !!!
Thank you Helena for sharing your experience so richly. You are in our prayers. Yes, let’s pray for their potential clients… that they may be turned away… that the business goes away… that these ladies may “go home”. If time, please look at http://www.starfish-project.com/index.aspx .. a ministry that evolved from your environment…but in China.
Much love to all… Caitlin’s friend, Maggie.
So sad. Praying that our Lord will meet the needs of this community and that you and your team will be successful in sharing Jesus with them all.
Love you. Rhayma
There’s a documentary I watched about prostitution in Thailand and it was very sad and enlightening! Def makes you appreciate what you have and the life you’re given. – Amber
I find myself deeply moved by the plight of there girls. Their choices are so limited at least thats what they believe. Helena i am so glad you are there. Both for them and for you. This could very well change the way you look at the world. Love you!!
Hi Honey!!
Praying for you, the team and the squad as you shine the light of Jesus into these dark places.
Loving YOU for GA!!
See you next week!!!
Thank you for this, Helena, it is beautifully expressed. Cait’s mom
Dearest Helena & Team mates,
May the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit continue to extend his AMAZING GRACE to these women and to all sinners through you – for God uses sinners to redeem sinners…. And then make them, too, clean and righteous in His sight!!!
I love you,
MOM