the web

The contributing factors of the sex industry in Thailand is an intertwining web of many issues. I love lists, but could not figure out how to list these as they are all involved with each other.

Buddhism and its world view creates much of its own impoverished people. Looking around at the elegant temples dressed in gold and fine jewels completely paid for by those living in poverty struggling to support their families is one small, but clear picture of how Buddhism plays a significant roll in this issue.

Another factor Buddhism plays is its world view. These young women earn merit and honor as they provide financially for their families as is expected. (the men usually sit around and drink beer starting around 8 or 9 am)

Poverty plays what seems to be one of the largest rolls in this issue. The bars offer income without requiring education. Many of these women try to find work to support their families yet it is extremely difficult without education. The bars pay more and require less, so many parents send their daughters to the bars.

Thai culture dose not promote creativity, so dreaming of innovative sources of income is not prevalent. This when mixed with the worldview of Buddhism idea that if you are born into poverty you should just accept it. The income you get is what the god's have chosen for you (changing it is not an idea most seem to interested in)

The demand of selling sex is great as "sex tourism" is an extremely profitable business in this poor economy. The demand is great.

Government turns a blind eye most of the time as it creates much income. The Government receives money from the west and the UN to create a means to crack down. Yet at the same time much income is generated by the bars as well as the bar owners paying off the Government to turn their blind eye.

Depravity of heart is creating this issue. All involved are trying to fill this void by gaining something from selling or buying or allowing this issue to go on, and the only cure is restored hearts.

All these are just a few glimpses into the web of what creates this industry.
But there is so much being done in spite of the seemingly great darkness.

I am finding many people not confronting the factors, which contribute to the issue, but confronting the issue itself. The heart.

The YWAM Tamar Center is seeing God break through in these individuals lives on a regular basis. Because of the Tamar center may women have chosen to leave the bars. and work with the Tamar center's Cafe, card making shop, salon, or bakery.

In Cambodia God is bringing awesome transformation! One of the absolute most notoriously perverted brothels on the face of the earth known for petifilleia in Svay Pak has been shut down. Now a Church and ministry center use this building to show Christ's love to all in this area. It no longer known as a safe area to buy or sell children. Many in this dark corner of the globe are now being transformed by the gospel, and shining their light to others. AMEN and AMEN!!!

HOPE is always greater than the greatest injustice, and I am finding that more than true in Pattya Thailand, Svay Pak, Cambodia and everywhere that has been created by the loving God wooing his bride to freedom.

Not a dreamland

When I first got to Pattya I was extremely overwhelmed by the level of darkness. Everywhere I looked I saw old white guys with young Thai girls. I saw a world feasting on the dark desires of their hearts, yet lonleyness filled their eyes. It seems as I watch these thousands of men interact with these women that I am watching them in a dream land, or fairy tail. I wanted to wake them up and yell "go home" or just ask "how are your wife and children?", yet i remained silent feeling helpless.

After just a few days I have began to get excited for what I am seeing in this city. As I have seen more darkness the longer I've been here I have gained hope. I have seen so much more of what God is doing in the darkest place I have ever seen. God is using those at the Tamar center to bring restoration to individuals who were hopless. I am seeing young girls leave the bars to work with in bakeries, salons, cafes and make jewelery and cards to export. They now walk with smiles that penetrate deep into a place that cause joy to rise in my heart. Hope walks the streets. Now these women go to the bars and share with the young women about the possibilities beyond the bar. This is working.

Now when I see the men everywhere I am sad, yet hopeful. I am disgusted, yet excited. I long for these men to meet their creator and be filled by the only one who can satisfy our empty hearts. This too is happening.




(two girls on right are Tamar Center staff inviting the bar girls to English class)