One of our primary ministries is in the Patpong district of Bangkok. It's a set of streets that look empty by day, but at night are filled with tents and bars… a major place for trafficking in our area. Yesterday we walked the streets of Patpong as the people were setting up their tents and getting ready for the night. As we walked along the streets and talked with those who came by, we interceded for the area and for the people who work there… even for those who come to purchase their "services". This evening, we returned to Patpong well into usual business hours. It was full of people. Music blasted from the bars, and girls danced inside, stood on the street, and waited on their customers. This time, we went inside the bars. We carried bracelets with us and would reach out, take the hand of the girl, tie a bracelet around her wrist if she allowed it, prayed for her, and tried to have a conversation with her.
This is the street before the tents go up and the shops open:
This is the street in the process of going up:
Here is Pat Pong at night:
Here are stories from three different participants about the ministry in Patpong yesterday and today:
Intercession
When walking through the Patpong district with my sister in Christ, I began to feel an enormous amount of love enveloping out of my soul. My spirit was filled with the love of Christ, for women in which we would ministering. Prayers of love, protection, and peace emulated from my very being, as I walked into the reality of sin and corruption.
Walking down the uneven streets of Patpong, continual prayer for the needs of those beings trafficked remained in the forefront of my mind. The idea that everyday this injustice is taking place helped me to understand that I was unaware of the depths of those being trafficked.
Watching the merchants prepare for the night ahead, hearing banging, continual movement ,and learning what would take place once I returned in a few hours, promoted me to intercede for hope of the people being affected.
Ladyboy : Jesus Loves You"
When I met a Ladyboy for the first time, I instantly thought of the lifestyle being forced on him, to change who he is, in order to fulfill someone else needs, arrested my heart at its very cord. As he grabbed for MY hand, I simply held it as tightly as I could, and while I looked into his dark brown eyes, I saw the despair, and the aching for this little boy to be loved. However, in the mist of his sadness, I was able to say this simple but powerful phrase to him "JESUS LOVES YOU".
Reflection
As I look back on today's events, walking through the Patpong district, tightly holding the hand of a ladyboy, soaking in the city's atmosphere. I began to uplift my own children as well as my precious grandchildren. But most importantly, remembered the ladyboy, and will continue to intercede on the behalf him.
God is able to change the darkness that is in our midst. As he is able to keep us from falling, and present those who are in the crossfire faultless.
*Photos by Connie Rock and Kristen
