From Death to Life…
A part of me died last night. Another part came to new life. As I rode the 90 minutes by motorbike (as it’s called here) to a city I’ll leave unnamed I had a myriad of emotions. As I rode with our team of four I knew for me, I was on a journey of discovery. The ride through the countryside of Thailand was beautiful. Traversing through small villages, rice paddies and enjoying the beauty of the flora and fauna of Thailand. It’s known by many as The Land of Smiles. My emotions ran away from me at times as I thought about what I was headed toward. Not a world of beauty… but rather, a world of evil and darkness. A world ruled by lust and greed. A world where the vile lusts of men is the catalyst for the men who are fueled by that greed and will do anything they can to satisfy it – on both ends.
When we entered our first of 3 brothels I had fear. The questions that arose from within were, “Can I handle this?” “Will my emotions get the best of me?” “What if I see a small child – will I become incensed enraged or fall to my knees sobbing?” And finally, “What if some of these women who are trained to entice and seduce, overpower my senses and weaken my will to resist?” Although we were more than 10,000 miles apart having Gail standing with me and even encouraging me to pursue this call on my life made it easier – but as a man, what if I failed? It was without question – my greatest fear.
That fear died in the first brothel which gave me greater strength in the second and even empowered me in the third. At no point during nearly 8 hours of visiting the brothels was I ever tempted. On the contrary, the prayers of those standing with me – helped strengthen me to stand firm with a clear understanding of the mission before me. I did not see one of these girls in any other way than with the thought of “My God, please, please help me to set them free.” Free from the bondage of the hell they are living and free to come to an understanding of your perfect love. It’s all I could think about. Praise God.
There was a moment when my emotions did get to me. Fortunately, the place was so dark and the music so loud – no one could see my tears or hear my sobs. It was when a beautiful girl no more than 13 or 14 years old came out and sat across from me. She even seemed a little drunk. She broke my heart but helped me to have a greater understanding of why I was there. Where the fear died last night a renewed fervor for the rescue of these girls came to life in me.
God help me to set these captives free. I’m sorry my friend, I have to stop here. I’m overwhelmed to a greater degree than ever before. The need is so great, but we can rescue these girls one at a time.
I’ve said it before and will never stop. Thank you from the depths of my heart for being a part of my life and the vital, life-changing work we are called to do. Together, with you as a partner, we are making a difference in these precious girls’ lives. Not to glory of any man or ministry – but to the glory of God.
Jeff
