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)