Bringing Hope

The Lord appeared to us in the past saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3, NAS.

By night the red-light district where I work is filled with red lights, loud music, and lots of drunken people. But during the day, most Americans wouldn’t notice the difference between the red light and the rest of the city until I point out a few things. Over many of the brothels hang signs promoting a certain brand of beer. In this overwhelmingly Muslim country, drinking is frowned upon, as is prostitution. But the demand in my city is enough to keep 20,000 prostitutes working. And, while prostitution is technically illegal, the government turns a blind eye until the holy fasting month when all the red light districts are shut down for 30 days. In addition, owners of certain “houses” spread flower petals in the street. These are offerings to the spirits to help improve business …as if Satan needed more of an invitation to be here.

The girls are often in clothes that would look common in America - tight pants and sleeveless shirts that show their midriff. But in a country where many women go the extra mile to be modest, this type of clothing declares the girls to be exactly what they are … women for sale.

It is odd that I am not uncomfortable here. The girls are friendly and willing to talk and share their stories, often over a glass of iced tea. In fact, the only time that I am really uncomfortable is when a man comes in and asks, “How much for the redhead?”

My friends are always kind enough to explain that I am only a guest. Still, I feel degraded simply because the question is asked. And yet, these girls hear it many times a day, “What are you worth? 10 dollars? 5? 3?” Most of the girls I know are valued at three dollars an hour. And, if they are in the lifestyle long enough, I fear they begin to believe the lie that their worth is measured in dollars. Satan whispers in their ears that this is all that they are, that this is all they will ever be, and that there is no hope for anything better.

One of the common questions we ask is if the girls have plans for the future. Most don’t. They have some vague hope that someone will marry them someday. Many have “boyfriends,” who are just non-paying customers who steal from them. Still, they accept it because they are so desperate for someone to love them. And that is why we are there. We do our best to show love and to give hope to those in hopeless situations. We do not do this through any strength that comes from us, but we seek to introduce them to the One who loves them so much that He gave His life in exchange for theirs.

Pray that:

These women will realize their true worth in Jesus Christ.

Workers in these areas will bring hope to those who have none.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.