If only it were that easy to free them...

So today I did something that was quite different from routine...something I never would have thought possible...but it is something that mirrors the reason we are here and what we take action for...

Let me introduce you to Sir.

We ventured out to this marketplace today that is the largest marketplace in the world. It has 15,000 vendors in it and only opens on Saturdays and Sundays, this meaning that it is packed when open! As we were going vendor to vendor searching for Christmas gifts, we were finding some great deals and taking part in another Thailand experience. We each had a "buddy" that we went around with to make sure we were not alone, and were told to meet back where we started at a certain time. As Lyndsey and I went to find our way back, we actually got WAY lost.

We traveled into a section we had never seen and got sidetracked when we saw this little vendor with a sliding door that had some of the sweetest puppies inside. However, there were strict rules: shoes off, no touching, no petting, just look, and if you want to, buy. We fell in lovewith some adorable little guys that just wanted to be loved and cared for. However, knowing that we would never purchase a dog in Thailand, we left being saddened that they could not be loved by a willing passerby with the kindest of intentions.

We then continued to try and find our way until we saw dogs being lifted and talked to in Thai baby voices...we stopped to release our urge to give some love to these pooches. The closer we got, the more terrible it was... We saw dogs being flung from kennel to kennel, and heard cries that made me nauseauous to the point of gagging. They were being terribly rough with these puppies..ripping tape off of their clipped ears, throwing them around, and giving them food they could not even eat given their age and sizes. Placing so many puppies in each bin that they could not even move...they simply leaned on one another. There was no order, just chaos.

We came across this one little puppy who was extremely tiny. He was being pushed over by every other dog, not being able to get any food because they would push him, and having other dogs thrown on top of his drugged body. He could barely lift his tiny frame to walk at all or even stand. Helpless.

This is what we see all over this place that has our hearts: Bangkok.

I asked to look at him and gave him a gentle cuddle as my heart broke...

I then moved on to where Lyndsey was at where she was looking at a Siberian Husky....another terrible point, a Husky being side-by-side with other dogs in Thailand's finest 100 degree weather...not ok.

The actions that took place before our very eyes were worse than I have ever seen any animal be treated. There was cruelty and neglect. They were drugged and unattended to. Any puppy mills we have heard of in the states do not compare to what these people do so openly at a local market.

I kept feeling something just tugging within me. The more seconds that passed, the more I was being tugged. Each cry that I heard, each dog I saw thrown, led me to take action. I went back over to this other bin and asked how much. Not being near any amount that would even be placed, much less considered on such an animal in the states and with this man being able to change his mind to 1/3 less than he asked for, I stood with him near me just thinking and asking for confirmation...

One throw to this little guy and his neck would snap. More hard food for his unformed teeth as well as being pushed down, and he would starve. One too many big dogs sitting on top of him and his respiratory system would crash...at his mere price, and the peace to go through with it, knowing that I would find a home for him somehow...I took out my money and purchased him.

All day long we have been giving him the little water he will drink, and some milk, and detoxing his mal-nurished, bony body.

I have faith that the Lord will let me know what to do with him and where his home should be. Whether that means taking him to the states or giving him away to one or some of the girls here...there are many places here that have a store pet, so maybe that...maybe not...we're praying.

You may ask: Why?? What in the world?? Do you really think this will help? One is out and you think this can change it all? It will always still go on..This goes for the women as well.

If it only it were as easy to free these women as it was to free this animal..

Just as this animal cruelty goes on, so does the human cruelty we are surrounded by every single day. Bars filled with women induced by alcohol, being given a quick glance or sweet talk, being thrown around from one man to the other...a true mirror of this industry. And though we cannot hear their cries like the puppies, we can see them in their empty eyes. Both held captive and mistreated, but these women can choose "out". We are a factor in that process if we show God's love, and He moves in them for change. We are a factor when we purchase them for the night and treat them in the highest regards with selflessness. Sir was nothing to those vendor owners but another puppy to abuse, mistreat and make money from, just as so many of these women we have encountered are viewed at the bars...

Something striking hit me so hard with this whole fiasco. This is a mirror of what our purpose has been here. Do we really think purchasing one girl on one night will change her whole life? Maybe. And if there is something we can do, we must try with all of our might and use all of our resources to do so!

We will not always know the outcome, or she may not leave that life forever. However, for one night, she was free. For one meal, she genuinely enjoyed herself and laughed with ease. For once, she was not seen as an item but a dear friend. For once, she had no task to complete. For one imprint, it is all worth it. For one night, she was free.

We will most likely never see the finished product of our ministry, but we have to believe that the Lord will take care of that. In 1 Corinthians 3:5-23 it sums up being selflessly devoted to the cause of Christ and letting Him do His work both how and when He sees fit.

We are not the saviors of these girls, we are merely a tool in the whole process. "God is the one who made it grow."

We go out and we purchase as He moves us to do so, and we attempt to make a difference in whatever way we can, but He is the One who brings it into fruition and causes change to occur.

ONE BY ONE.

So why purchase this girl and not that one? Or why throw a Christmas party and only invite a couple hundred from a district and not be able to throw it for the thousands within? Why visit them day in and day out, only to have to leave them?

We do as we can...with our resources...with our support...with prayer....God moves. Even girls that have not been to the parties hear about it and know His fame. It is unbelievable the ladies we will meet and the stories they will tell and how they may know a piece of God (whether they know His name or not) even though we have never met them or shared. As He sees fit.

Tonight we purchased a girl that we had great conversation with at one of the pool bars. We took her to dinner and laughed and talked about so much. It was wonderful.

We wanted to purchase another that we had talked to, but she said we could not due to some reasonings with the mamasan, however, she wanted her friend to go.

Why not her? Why just the one? If we only treated her to dinner and not taken her to Beginnings to tell her again of the purpose, does it matter?

YES. God will use any act of kindness and His love to change this world as He wills it.

We found out later that she had gone to the Christmas party and loved it! This was God-intended follow-up at its best. As He saw fit...

Petting his petite and frail little body, I pray as I can feel each bone pertruding that God would be freedom to these women and children..little Sir is a symbol of their hurt and weakness...these women are the oppressed who do not have a voice or never knew there was a way out..This puppy in my arms is a symbol of the change that can happen. One at a time.

Weening him off of the drugs they have been putting into his little body and nursing him to health, just as we can help these girls escape the addictions of this industry, the money, the harm to their bodies.

This little puppy is sleeping with deeper breaths of rest as He is cuddled so close to my heart, just as the girls feel safe and peaceful when they are free.

This little puppy has been through much at such a few weeks of age, just as the girls have been sold, abused, mistreated, and held captive at their young ages.

Yes one is human and one an animal, But it takes one step to change both of their fates:To help. To love. To take action knowing that God will sort out the rest. I am one, but what I can do, I will do for Christ.

This is my mission to the oppressed....this is our mission in Thailand.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

James 1:27

In this we ask to, through us, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of wicked."

Psalm 82:3-4

We will "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; for the rights of all who are destitute."

Proverbs 31:8

Exceedingly More Than I Could Ask For

Last night, we threw the first of two parties for some precious ladies. We had 135 come from the red light district of Soi Cowboy and are planning on having more come tonight from the district of Nana as well as 30 from Soi Cowboy who wanted to be there last night. It is incredible to see God's hand move.

As our team and four Thais from Beginnings who interpret for us in outreach walked into the elevator to take on this red light district, there was so much adrenaline, excitement, and joy. We were about to go and purchase women in order to give them freedom for a night and possibly for a lifetime. They were about experience a night like none other filled with games, presents, crafts, food, and the message of our Savior. It was more than any of us could contain. Smiles all around, we walk out of the hotel and go our separate ways for this mission.

Soi Cowboy ahead....save face...enter in!

My team included Kristi, a wonderful and sweet teammate who came with her daughter, Nis, one of the brightest and kindest hearted women, and myself.

We first went up to this one bar that looked a little weary at first. There was alot of Thai dialogue going on, but her list of names of women that signed up to go the night before prevailed and we were able to purchase those girls as well as a few more that wanted to come. These women were filled with such joy- giggling because they were so giddy. It was such a sweet sight. My eyes will not forget. 12 ladies...as Kristi was about to walk them to the hotel, 1 girl was just showing up to work. Wondering where her friends were going she asked, and then immediately asked the mamasan, the manager of the girls who does the negotiating for them, and she just nodded and laughed. 1 more was able to come! Bar one- 13 precious girls.

Next, we went down to this other bar to retrieve the one girl who had signed up the night before. As negotiating was going on, many more came out to see what was going on and before we knew it....30 girls were now signing up to go and running in to change as the mamasan approved. From 1 girl to 30! It was unreal. However, God had more plans beyond this breathtaking experience.

Seeing as we were just finishing the money that had been passed out to us and also being out of the spending money I had exchanged at the start of the trip, Nis calls another Thai from Beginnings, Jit, and asks her for another 1,ooo baht. This is about 30 American dollars. She and Martha bring the money and end up walking many of these women to the hotel as we get the money figured out. Martha leaves her money with me, and God continues to work...

Nis looks over at me and says, "5 more?" So I hand over the money, and the number just keeps growing. Girl after girl, begging to come and being let out of this bar. As long as there is money, they were let go.

Let me just say, handing over this money was one of the most interesting experiences I have had. Part of me is feeling strange for adding to the industry, but this is the only way. Another part of me feels more liberated than I have ever been before. Again, you are all part of this experience! This was money we all donated to come together and be part of something bigger than ourselves. Handing it over for LIVES! It does not come close to weighing out. It's like a stab in the heart to think of this...this is a living person...but all that is cared about is the money. You hand it over, and they hand her over...wow! They deal with being an item for purchase each and every day. Every day they are viewed this way. Do you hear the cry and the chaos of this war??

Oh, how I pray that it would resonate in each heart as it does in ours.

As the purchases keep flowing, and Nis giggle with glee each time she looks at me to ask if we can purchase more from this bar....35...38...41..47...51...I begin to run out of the money that was added to ours...I search my purse....but more want to come....53....56....57....58....

(You must know that Ann had me purchase a bunch of lotions from a store that is even more expensive here than in America. So I took 32 lotions from this store to Thailand, where Ann offered to pay me back in Thai baht. The night before, as I am almost ready for bed, she decides that she would like to receive the lotions and pay me for them...strange, but whatever fits the schedule! Little did I know that the Lord was preparing provision for the following night...)

As we are out of money, I remember that I had placed the Thai baht Ann gave me into my purse in a separate section from my spending money...I search and we have just enough with a couple dollars left over to purchase the remaining girls desiring to go. GOD IS GOOD! Is that truth so real to you? I pray so. He provides in big, small, and real ways! We do not know what is going on, but all the while, He is forming His beautiful plan just ready for it to explode in all its glory and splendor. What a mighty God! I am at a loss for words at how He works....all I can do is thank Him, praying that He knows my heart of gratitude and hears the words that I cannot seem to utter...

His plan was to bless these girls exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ask for or imagine because He is at work within us, and He is able to do more than our greatest request. Ephesians 3:20

As if this experience was not enough for my precious Jesus to do to show me how great He is and what He has in store...I had been talking with two men the entire time. I will take you to the conversation...

They first open the conversation by watching Nis write names down, and asking me if we are forming a convent. I give a smile and say "no" to appease the clever wit, and they continue to ask what is going on. I tell them of the Christmas party, and from there it all took off. Asking repeatedly that I allow them to buy me a drink so I can sit with them and they can probe some more, I politely decline and tell them I will stand where I am at to chat. They assumed I was part of a Christian organization, I affirmed; they asked where I was from, I told them; they asked why I was here, I told them. They asked what I did, what I am studying in school and what my intent was. Knowing about Counseling, one then assumes that I have a large scale plan of inviting the girls out to this party to let them enjoy a fun time and then to get intense and counsel them there. He thought it was "a brilliant plan." I assured them this was no grand scheme of mine of trickery to charm them and then make them pour out their hearts, but that we gave them a night of freedom in hopes that maybe they could see there is another option. If not, for one night they experience something they may never get the chance to again: Freedom, not being itemized, love, presents, abundant food, constant smiles, a great speaker, a party they will never forget, and a message that could change their lives forever. They admired the idea and liked that the organization raised money that did exactly what we promised it would do.

Neither one thought that the party was a bad idea- they actually loved it. When they asked what it was for, I responded, "Do you not think that they deserve it?" They said yes, that most people, especially men, treat them like trash, for a better use of words. They continued the questions, so I too began to ask them some. Where they were from: South Africa. How long they lived in Bangkok: 3 years and 15 years. One was married to a Thai, the other had a girlfriend, but both go to the bars to relax from work and "be nice to the girls by buying them drinks and talking with them.." I agreed. They said, "It's about time someone does something nice for these girls, and helps them out." I looked at them and said, "Why don't you?"

He said, "I am only one person." I said, "Well I was only one person, invited my two roommates this summer, then we were 3 and 9 more joined us for this trip. It always starts with one. It is an overwhelming though, but even if something just starts with one, it grows as people join your cause." He said that being the one is just too hard. I explained again that that is how it all starts..."if you know it should be started but are not willing, who is to say that someone will feel that same passion that you do, and have the same capabilities to do so?" I told them, you are one...if there is something you can do for something or someone, you should do it. If you can, why not?

As the conversation grew deeper, they just got more and more intrigued...asking about Beginnings, asking what happens when I return home- thinking that I was the brains behind all that went on at the organization or on this wonderful night. Assuring them I was nothing but a mere helper trying to do God's work, they asked what I did when I got home and I began to tell them of Freedom 4-24. This was around the time Martha had walked over. Already having told them about Beginnings, I also was able hand over her Freedom 4-24 bracelet.

Pray these men are as intrigued in the cause when they are home or by a computer. I pray that they read up on everything. Their interest was no defeating feat..God took over with every word. I had no eyes of anger or detest as I looked at them and entertained their every question. He took over and spoke words I could not have said in my own strength in this situation. Have I mentioned how great our God is? :)

The party was incredible! These girls enjoyed themselves to the fullest degree and were treated like they should be each day. Nothing was requested of them but to love on life and enjoy themselves. There were so many smiles, and their grateful eyes were more than I could bare. This created a smile on my face that brought me to the point of my cheeks hurting, but I could not have cared less. There was so much joy and laughter and relief in that room. It was amazing! Not to mention that so many raised their hands showing interest in a relationship with Jesus. 31 decisions were made and they went into a separate room after to hear more about the Lord and the love He so freely gives. They all walked out with even bigger smiles than they walked in with, which was unimaginable to me before, but it happened. They were ever so grateful and made my heart want to burst with the love and joy I have for them. God reigned true as always. Pray for these lives. Pray for this truth to resonate within them.

These glimmers I am able to give you are nothing compared to what went down last night. It was incredible.

Thank you all for the prayers. God is answering in ways I could have never imagined. The party last night went as well as it did because of your donations and support in prayer! God hears and is so faithful! Remember: Our God, the One and Only, is so great! Even asking Him to bring along men that I could enter in conversation with- I never thought that kind of dialogue would occur. It truly was riveting.

I am captivated by the love our Lord gives and the way He answers prayer and gives us gentle whispers that change our whole world. Sweet sweet Love.

Pray for tonight's party. I know it is going to be amazing.

Praying for you all! Watch as God turns your world upside down for His wonderful purposes.

Flashback...maybe not.

Being back in Bangkok just five months later after living here for a month turned out to be a lot different than expected...

I had thoughts of feeling like it had been such a long time since I was surrounded by sweet Thai faces and that I may feel like I was starting all over again here. Little did I know that the Lord was going to make it as though I had not missed a wink of it.

Ann, the house mom at Beginnings, greeted us at the airport by saying, "Welcome Home!" That is a bit how I feel being back here. We are staying in the same room at Beginnings, in the same beds, and seeing so many of the same faces we once spent time with every day...this is going to be so hard to leave in a few short days.

For those unaware, we are back here in Bangkok, Thailand to throw 2 Christmas parties for 2 different red light districts. They will be held on the 16th and 17th and will be filled with food, fun, presents, games, and a speaker who will share the Gospel.

Both today and tonight we went and did bar outreach, and I will honestly admit that I was a bit intimidated by the girl that was here this summer. She was brave, she trusted God with her whole heart, and she had a passion to do whatever it took- big or small to see these girls either come to freedom or be closer to it...this was a process to come to, but it happened here this summer. Reading my journal and what my heart poured out was nothing like a distant memory, it was all there with each word I read. However, I was scared to not be able to live up to my first reaction and how the Lord aided in what we came here to do. Yet again, the Lord overcame my silly flesh as He always does, and coming back, the Lord brought me back to where I once was.

As I walked down the streets, the very same paths before, I began to feel overwhelmed by what is going on here. In a sense it all felt like something I had seen before, something I knew all too well to a possible point of detail-by-detail recollection.. like it was just a "part 2," if you will. After this mundane moment of my blast from the past, it hit me even harder than ever what is going on in this city- the lives that some of the most precious people I have ever met have to live out each and every day. My heart is burdened even more than before for this women, this nation, these men, and everyone in the world who is oppressed. This was my prayer to let it be more real to me and feel as He feels, and God answered. This is not flashback...this is reality...this is their day in and day out nightmare... I never knew my burden could get heavier or feel more real than it did when this reality hit me the first time, but it did and it is. Any sweet face means more to me than even before, every smile makes my heart ache to see them walking away and living a life of freedom, every laugh makes me pray harder that we can enjoy true fellowship in being Christ-followers.

I pray that God would use us in ways that we cannot even comprehend. I know that He is faithful and I know that He has something crazy amazing in store for this week and for these women and for these parties we will be holding tomorrow night and the night after.

I pray that they will know us by our love.

I pray that He does more than we could ever think or imagine.

I pray that God becomes their heartbeat and that freedom becomes their song.

Please join me in this battle cry...this truly is the midst of war, but God is good and faithful and true. When all else fades, He remains.

Ashes to Beauty

Friday night was ashes to beauty in all of its splendor. We, and by we I mean all of you included, took the Beginnings girls and staff out to an amazing restaurant that is located in the tallest building in Thailand. The restaurant is a few flights below the revolving top floor where you can see the whole city. Bonita and Roy were telling us, after, that most of the girls have never gotten to eat like that, out to such a nice place, or been at such high heights in their life. Thank YOU!

It was such a gift to see them enjoy it. They were astounded by all the buffet's food, and just ate to their hearts desire. I have no idea where it all went or how none of them got sick, because I was just wide-eyed at their appetites. We laughed a lot about it, and they were just so appreciative. So to all of you who are on this journey with us, whether it has been prayerfully, financially, or anything, we and all the girls and staff at Beginnings thank you for an absolutely wonderful evening at Crystal Grill in the Baiyoke II Tower.

Now I want to tell you of the beautiful Cinderella's that were in attendance.

As the girls came down the stairs to congregate before we left for the Baiyoke Tower, I was struck. I could have cried they were so very beautiful. They were so happy...so excited...and I found myself to be so blessed. They all had their skirts and dresses on, hair and make up done, and big smiles as we commented on how suay ("pretty" or "beautiful" in Thai) they looked.

We kid alot in this household, but really, it was all so beautiful! What I saw was more than pretty faces and laughter, I saw redemption at its finest. As each girl came into the kitchen I saw the love of Christ, the old made new, genuine joy, relief, excitement, beauty...I saw, in true form, ashes traded in for beauty. Lives of freedom...

The girl who has been plagued by false idols...redeemed. The girl who wore a number on her uniform, as a mark of available purchase, as she waited drink tables in the bars...redeemed. I saw the girl who was gang raped on her trafficking journey...redeemed. The girl who does not remember her story or what village she was trafficked from...an orphan to the world, but completely claimed by the Lord...redeemed. The girl who worked on the streets prostituting herself to feed her children...redeemed. The girl who has been spared of this lifestyle because her sister, who is still involved in the industry, brought her to Beginnings so that she would never know that life...redeemed. The girl who explained her coming to the faith as a love affair between Christ and Buddah, in which she had to choose...redeemed. The girl who talks to her child each day...redeemed. The girl who went from sex slavery to loving Jesus with all that is within her heart...redeemed.

I have seen such immense darkness here, but I have also seen the fulness of Christ's redemption, grace, and mercy in such precious lives. It is heartbreaking, incredible, and Isaiah 61:3 in true form...

"to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

A display of his splendor is here. Pray for more lives to be redeemed here in Bangkok, as well as in all the world. Do all that you can by any means you can to be that link to our great God. His work is such an amazing masterpiece.

Some pictures to enjoy...because of you:

grace like rain

The rain here is intense. One minute it is hot and sunny then suddenly....monsoon! It brings in this cool air, and the sound of it crashing is just so sweet. It is washing it all away...

It reminds me of God's grace. His good, undeserved, unending grace that He pours down on us with love.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16

Steve Fee's "Grace Will Be My Song" continually filled my head today with its anthem so true.

Jesus Jesus Jesus
You ransomed one like me
Jesus Jesus Jesus
Your blood, my liberty
And now my shame is gone
And grace will be my song

Jesus Jesus Jesus
Lover of the weak
Jesus Jesus Jesus
With strength to carry me
And now my shame is gone
And grace will be my song

Glory Glory Glory
To the one who saved my soul
Glory Glory Glory
To the Everlasting Lord
Glory Glory Glory
To the King who sits enthroned
Our God

What a wonderful truth! My prayer is for these women and children to be able to sing and rejoice one day:

"and now my shame is gone...and grace will be my song"

Urgent prayer

Hey guys,

I know you are already praying for what is going on over here, but I have a specific request. Two girls who have already become very dear to us have some serious stuff going on, and we need such prayer for them. One situation is specifically being handled within the next few days. The stuff you are about to read is pretty intense, so if you do not want to read, it is understandable.

Thank you again for all the prayers you already have put forth! The Lord hears and He answers beautifully.

Because He Chose the Nails, Janette

This is straight from Bonita and Roy's prayer letter:

___________________________________________

Beginnings brushes with trafficking victims regularly. While we work with women in the sex trade, it is inexorably linked to human trafficking. The following is a tale of my experience as a trafficker!

For two years we have enjoyed a young woman (age 12 at arrival – now 14) in our Beginnings family. We’ll call her Pon. She is delightful. She loves Jesus. She is playful. She is creative. And she is illegal.

She was abandoned by her mother at birth and raised by her grandmother who died just before her journey to Bangkok. While we have spent hours searching the internet for her possible homeland and village, it has been to no avail. Her recollections mostly resemble Burma, but we are not certain. She has no ID card, no mother, no father, no siblings, no nationality, no homeland.

Because she is at such high risk of being “caught” and then of being trafficked, we have been vigorously seeking a way to protect her with legal papers. (Both the military and Thai police are notoriously corrupt and have been accused in multiple trafficking cases.)

A friend from Laos who has helped others gain residency said she could help. After questions, prayers, and tears, we sent Pon with our friend on the twelve hour bus ride to Laos. The bus was stopped eight times by police who boarded looking for illegals. Pon hid in the bathroom but was discovered at the last stop. Because she was heading “home” to Laos, she was allowed to leave – not on the bus but on the back of three different motorcycles driven by three different men through the jungle -- alone. God protected her.

After two days of meeting with various officials, it was determined that Pon would NOT be able to obtain papers there – unless we wanted to pay off the officials for their corrupt demand of about $5000.

Now the most difficult dilemma: How do we get her BACK?

After hours of heavy silence, prayer and tears, our plan was to rent a van and driver and travel all night to Ubon (at the Laos border) where we would pick up Pon and, prayerfully, “traffick” her back to Beginnings.

Before Ubon we were stopped twice by police. We all had papers so we were allowed to advance. We counted at least 15 police stops on the other side of the road – we would have to pass through AFTER we had Pon.

We slept in the van for a few hours and then met a tearful, frightened Pon and friend. We determined we would take the northern route, assuming there might be fewer stops. Before the northern turnoff we were stopped twice. The officers looked in each of the van windows, asked multiple questions and even identified our “sleeping” Pon as a foreigner --- and then told us to have a good trip. God protected us!

We were not exempt from stops even on the northern route. We approached the first turnout where the police had stopped a bus and two vans. We were waved on. God protected us!

We came to the next turnout where the bus had been unloaded and passengers were holding up their ID cards. We were waved on. God protected us!

At the next turnout, four police had stopped a couple vans and were busy with the inspection. Two other police were talking, looked at us but did not seem to see us. We drove on. God protected us!

Lunch, back roads and hours later we were approaching the place where the northern route connects with the southern route about 100 kilometers outside of Bangkok. We knew this would be the most difficult. In anticipation, we stopped at a large vegetable stand. There we pondered, purchased, prayed and finally returned to the van. Within minutes an enormous cloud gathered above and it rained torrentially. The clouds seemed extraordinarily full of water. We passed at least four police stops – saw their cones and flags – but never saw them. God protected us. Even the winds and waves obey Him. What a mighty God we serve!!

We reached Bangkok without incident. When pulling off the freeway onto our street, Pon talked for the first time in twelve hours. She was home! We were home!! --- So young, so vulnerable, so frightened, she experienced the protective hand of God in her life. It is a lesson none of us will soon forget.

******* Another of our residents cannot boast the same story. Len was also trafficked from Laos. She, however, was not loved by her traffickers. She was made to wait in the jungle for many hours. While there she was gang-raped by several men and told that if she did not cooperate they would leave her in the jungle to die. When the refrigerated truck came by for the pick up, the back door swung open and it was packed with women and young children. There was no room. They were told to make room. The largest of the women got in first and the lighter sat on their shoulders for the entire twelve hour trip to Bangkok. They were then sold to various labor and sex establishments. Len was sold for sex. We found her in one of the bars we often visit. Pray for Len. The same God who protected Pon, loves Len and has brought her to this place of safety and hope.

Pray for Len, for Pon and for our continued struggle with finances. You are pivotal to this ministry and we love you!!

Blessings, Roy and Bonita

Just a few snapshots

Beginnings.

For those of you who thought that NYC was the city that never sleeps...

It is not a rare occasion to see these homeless dogs all over Bangkok...

There are also many methods of transportation.

New experiences... eating bugs.

Fish spa!

Some of the girls enjoying some sour mango

Sweet Lek and I

Precious BeBe.

Ann bought BeBe a pancake maker...the girls approved!

The darkness is everywhere.

Yet, we have hope in our midst...Heaven.

Minimalistic.

These past couple of days have been interesting, tough, and lovely all at the same time. We sat down yesterday with Bonita to talk about what to expect and how to react to the outreach ministry. Her details were intense. That is all I feel needs to be shared on the matter because of the knowledge that you all already have of these girls. They are exploited. Plain and simple.

Upon receiving this information, it was time to put these years of longing to be here, and times of training into action. Stepping into the bars for the first time.

During my walk to the bars with one of the outreach-able girls from Beginnings, I was not sure what to expect. I did not want to "lose face," I did not want to shame these girls or make them feel bad, I did not want to react...I just wanted to show love. I prayed the entire time. I have been praying for months now about this specific initial reaction to being there, and still felt as though I was not sure of how I would respond. I just had to trust. We met Bonita, and entered.

God is so very faithful to prayer! I thank you all for your commitment to pray for us, yet again. He hears and answers. With His strength, He gave the ability to have conversations with some of the women, to have an inviting face, and to actually smile and laugh with them. It was a blessing far beyond the requests in prayer. God is so incredible and amazing. To Him all credit is due always and forever. How His beauty can shine through any and every situation blows me away, and my heart rejoices at His power and majesty.

**"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

The first conversation I had was with a women who radiated with happiness, yet was so eager to be cared about. She loved conversing with us and was so sweet. I was not sure of how much English she knew right off the bat, but before I knew it, we were discussing our ages, nationality, family, and jobs.

I ask her how long she has worked there specifically- she says, "8 months." I ask if she liked her job- she says, "it's so-so...not really." I ask her why... She said some things that capture all of this in such a true, yet dark and somehow hopeful light...

"It is nothing. The men...no one cares about heart. All they want is you. They want that. To do things. They do not care about your heart. It is not for love (as she motions her hand to heart and then to mine)..no heart. They are drunk and they crazy (she imitates) They just want look...pretty face...body...but no heart."

This is real. The hope is that can we pray and love with no limitations, and ultimately hope that they would let the Lord fill that void. I pray that you do not take this information and use it as you will, but to just pray over it and these women and children involved. There are things I will only share with the girls I am here with, and some things I may only take to the Lord. On whether to share any of this or not, I have prayed so much...and I think you need to know this depth. Let it cause you to pray all the more, to be aware, and to love all you come into contact with.

This is war

at its best

on its finest day.

The Girls

The past 2 days we have gotten to have a lot of time with the girls. Since we arrived more at a weekend time, as well as that Bonita, Roy, and Ann (the house mom) just went out of town, it has been less school and what not and more hang out time.

It is crazy to feel how much love I have for these girls already. They are so very precious, and so incredibly sweet. You would never imagine the lives they have had to face. They do not harbor bitterness; they laugh and love with such ease and genuineness. There is nothing perverse about them, and they have this purity shine through. I am so glad that they know Jesus.

We have heard a few stories, learned some have children, and it all blows my mind. They are still little girls themselves. I am learning a faith that I have never seen before. All the laughs we have shared and their joy in life and in learning new things, it is a lesson to all.

I have been learning so much and just enjoying more of a relaxed kind of life. Lynds and I had a conversation about this yesterday. There is less "on-the-go" and "how do we fill the time here?", and more reading, sewing, enjoying in Thailand. I have found conviction in my own life in always needing to be doing something, instead of enjoying my Creator and the things we have labeled as "simpler." I will take to heart that He alone is holy, holy, holy... the whole earth is filled with His glory. Isaiah 6:3. Take it in..

On Friday night, we made an American meal for the girls, including cupcakes. Be Be, Ann's daughter, helped Courtney and I bake them. She is adorable and loves these girls, at the age of 10. She began leading us in song and was thrilled when we would sing along. After we sang "In the Jungle" she moved on to the worship song "You Are My All in All." What a truth!

"Seeking You as a precious jewel, Lord to give up I'd be a fool. You are my All in All."

Finally here

Hello all,

Greetings from Bangkok, Thailand! It has been quite the "day." We left D.C. at 11 a.m. on Wednesday arrived in Detroit at 12:30 p.m., left for Tokyo at 2 something, arrived there at 4 p.m. Thursday, and finally arrived in Thailand at midnight on Friday.

It has been quite a trip, but we are so glad to be here! I pray that all is well with you and where you are and what you are doing.

Upon stepping onto Bangkok grounds, I was not sure what to expect but have been asking the Lord to keep me steady and solid. Tiffany, from Lynchburg, along with Courtney, are also here at Beginnings and have already told us of some things to expect, learn, look out for, etc. It is so nice to see familiar faces. However, nothing can truly prepare eyes for seeing the evil over here.

On our way to Beginnings tonight, we drove down this strip that is like a line of darkness. If any of you have seen the movie Taken, there is a scene where there are some girls on the street and men pulling up in cars to take them for the night...that gives a slight comparison. It was already 1:30 a.m. and terribly dark, there were far more girls, and of younger ages, and it was right in front of us. The same hurt I knew we would feel was felt, but I looked out and thought of my sister, my mom, my cousin, my best friend...if I someday have a daughter...they were all there, because to someone that is who they are.

Some using their charm and body language, others looked miserable, others seemed sad that they weren't being invited in to these vehicles... all-in-all, there was such a heaviness and darkness that surrounded us, yet I know in my heart God is here.

As BlueTree wrote while in a brothel in Bangkok, Thailand, "For greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city." He truly is the Light in this darkness, the Hope to the hopeless, and the Peace to the restless. There is no one like our God.

These verses made my night brighter, as I hope they will to you.

Psalm 16:8,9 says, "I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure."

To Start Off...

Dearest friends and family, 

In exactly 5 days from today, Lyndsey, Martha and I will be flying 23 hours total to Bangkok, Thailand to live there for one month. My heart is filled with anticipation, great joy, and prayers as I think of arriving at Beginnings. I think of how I will meet these girls who have already found freedom and are living there with Bonita and Roy, the wonderful founders and couple who run Beginnings, and I think of how happy I will be to see some who have found their hope. Then I also think of what I will see on the streets upon arriving, and the 1.3 million women and children who have not found freedom, and my heart is heavy still. I do not think that this is a bad thing, however. This heaviness and awareness is what will keep me going as I am there, and when I return. 

We are pushed to move and help because the Lord has always helped us, no matter what. I am called to love because He first loved me. I am called to serve because He humbled Himself first. I care for those who I have not met yet because He knows each and every one of us by name. Your prayers and support mean the world to me and I cannot wait to share His work with all of you as I am over there and when I return. Praying for you all as well!  

Because He Chose the Nails,

Janette