modern day slavery

As we walked the streets of the red light district, I understood all too well our instructions, “Stay close and don’t look anyone in the eye.”  The craziness and despair that filled the streets was overwhelming…and then we entered the brothel.  The dark and narrow stairwell led us to the top floor where we were greeted by young, beautiful girls who were shy but happy we were there.

It was hard to imagine that these girls led a prostitute life.  However, condoms on the bed, rows of locked money boxes, and girls leaving our little gathering and only returning 15 minutes later, after a customer was satisfied, snapped me into their reality.

A western mind can’t fathom their stories.  A young girl sent there to earn money to pay for her sister’s wedding.  A Christian woman who was sold something like 14 years ago, so she could repay a debt that keeps growing with interest.  Escape is not even possible as that means death will find her.

Most, if not all, of these girls did not choose to be here.  They are trapped in this modern day slavery.  Entertaining 6-7 customers an evening and some that trickle in during the day, only earning $1 – $2 a customer, enslaves them to this life they didn’t choose.

We shared the simple but powerful message of Jesus and I believe God used it to speak His love to them.  God’s heart breaks over their pain.  As we said goodbye, I hugged one of the girls.  She returned my affection with a kiss on the neck.  Yes, I believe hearts were touched in some supernatural way.

Pray for these girls and the many more out there.  Pray that this modern day slavery would be defeated and these girls set free, never returning to this life again.