It was pitch black. All I could see were large cat-like eyes peering down on me as I walked up the stairs. I had heard about the second, third and fourth floors. The air got thicker and the smell of alcohol permeated my nose. I knew someone had grabbed me, but who? It must be a woman. Their hands were small. Wait! More hands. What’s happening? I attempted to scan the room. “I’m Connie. What’s your name?” I shouted over the music. But no one could hear me.
All I could see was the bar, poles and stage lit up with rope lights. Girls were preforming. I quickly looked away and sat down where pulled to. My mind raced and I closed my eyes while attempting to make sense of everything. Someone grabbed my chin and directed my attention to the stage while another literally opened my eyes and said…
“Mr. Lady, look, look! You like?”
What? Did she just call me Mr. Lady? I respond in broken English…”No, me no like, We’ve come to see friend.”
“Oh, you have lady friend?” she asked, sounding disappointed. “No sex show?”
Again, I replied – “no, I do not want.”
She seemed just as confused as I was. “Why you come?”
“I come to see friend” I said, trying to speak as clearly and loudly as possible.
“You want water?” she asked
“Yes, please. Bottled” I knew the right thing to do was to offer to by her a drink.
“I buy you water too”
“Khorb Khun Ka” She says as she makes the wai motion of slightly bowing, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion.
My eyes were still adjusting but before I knew it…I was surrounded by half a dozen new women who had just left the stage. Without my knowledge I was buying all of them drinks. Dear Lord! What is going on? The drinks arrive and we toasted the King. Knowing that I wasn’t going to be able to communicate with the girls, I ask for the check, paid and quickly left.
This is the short story…many details are left out. But, I was not alone – I took 3 others with me…including another staff member. It was something that had been given much thought and prayer. I contacted several ministry partners and asked their opinion. There wasn’t a single hesitation. I contacted those back at the office and at home to pray. We were confident that “this friend” who worked there needed to hear the simple words – “God loves you and is with you”.
Many trips later, and I still have not seen nor has anyone heard of this woman. She was memorable. She was stuck in the 80’s. Hair that would make Cyndi Lauper proud. My kind of gal. To this day, I still think of her and many others like her…who are trapped in a life they do not want.
Did we make an impact that night? Some trust in men and money, buy I trust in the Lord my God. Yes. Yes, we made an impact. If you want to know how you can get involved, I’d love to share about orgs that I have come to respect and love. They offer help and discipleship to our friends in Thailand.
I return today to Thailand and later this month…I hop over to Cambodia to lead Adventures teams. I appreciate your prayers. Don is holding down all forts…Ambassador and Purchase Effect, along with the dogs. 😉
SUPPORT UPDATE
Since our last post where we asked for 19 people to commit to supporting this work $100 a month, we have gained one new partner. If you are able to be one of the remaining 18 partners, please contact us. We’d love to answer any of your questions.
