We are finally back home after 11 days in
Thailand. I loved our team on this trip - loved the ministry - loved watching our guys teach and play with kids during the daytime and then do something so insanely opposite by witnessing to men on the streets at night. It was like unscrewing your head and turning it around two times every day. This was an amazing group of guys
(see past two blogs).
I was reflecting on all the modes of transportation our men's team engaged in during the past 11 days:
Airplane
City Bus
Taxi
Car
Van
Songthaew (pictured above)
Back of a pick-up truck
Boat
Raft
Elephant
Ox Cart
Tuk-Tuk (pictured below)
... and we used our Legs a lot.
Good to be home though.
And be blessed.
Airplane
6 comments:
Welcome home! It's good to have you back! Hope you have the chance to get lots of rest and recuperate.
I can't help but wonder how the men who solicit prostitutes responded to you all. Were any of them open to your witnessing?
Also, the bar girls...how was that? I imagine many girls would rather get out of the life on the streets.
Does this type of missions trip take a toll on you all emotionally? I imagine it does.
It all was such a big part of the trip, I just wondered how it turned out.
Many of the men are open to conversations about the Gospel. They're looking for intimacy. That's why they're there seeking prostitutes - there is a hole in their heart they're trying to fill, so yes, they're open.
The men haven't worked with the bar girls at all - we don't do that. Our ladies team have worked with them extensively and have had amazing results.
Yes, these kinds of trips do take emotional tolls, but it is worth it.
There are many things about the mind and heart of many men that I do not understand. Sometimes, it is far too easy to think that for many men it is just a physical act. All that said, I can identify with trying to fill a hole in your heart. I have my own unwise ways to attempt that.
I know the men don't work with the girls, but I was sure that Joelene and Olivia shared that with you. I'm really glad that they helped them.
I know I have said it before, but you all are so much stronger than I am. Honestly, I would be far more angry and sad...and afraid for my safety. Not only do you guys have big hearts, but you have courage and faith.
I was a women on the team that was blessed to be able to spend some time with the bar girls. They are just beautiful women/girls that believe they are doing what they need to do to take care of their families. They are like our sisters/daughters. I don't speak Thia so talking was not easy but we were able to laugh together at the bar playing a game(connect four)
It was a little scary walking through the streets one night. Our guide walked really fast & it was hard to keep up. When we got to that bar we only had a few minuets to talk. But we must have connected somehow. Because when we went back to get them for the party they remembered my name, came & brought some friends. I walked back with 6 Thai women. I was the only white girl. One of these ladies(the guide) was actually a Lady boy. She told me She Know Jesus for 4months. She worked for Tamar Center 4months. She was working in the bars before, now she is helping these girls women to see they can do something different, change their lives too. AMAZING!!!
Yes, extremely emotionally. Being able to love those beautiful women, touching hearts & lives. Being Jesus' hands & feet. Nothing Better!!!! Priceless
Anonymous...Thank you so much for sharing that! I am in awe of all of you...you are an angel!
I wish every person could feel special and cherished. I have been in both situations...loved deeply and later, in other situations, someone to use and toss aside. I have chosen to be alone, until I find that love again. There was a time when all of these girls...and even the men...were young and innocent. No one sets out as a child to do these things.
I am so proud of all of you for the love you shared with all of them. I can't help but believe that deep down there is a hope that they are cared for...no matter how many walls they have put up.
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