Anyone who’s ever spent any time abroad, whether for school,
work, or volunteering, is all too familiar with the question, “So, how’s your
trip?” or, “How are things in [location]?” Most people expect responses such
as, “Great!” or, “Challenging!” or, “Really rewarding!” All of that is true, of
course, but it’s almost impossible to articulate what truly goes on in this
life.
I recently had the task of sending a quarterly update to my
home church. The following is from is the message I sent:
Life here can be
described as busy, chaotic, unpredictable, intense, and immensely wonderful,
all at the same time.
I would describe a
typical day, but, of course, there is no such thing. I live at the Hope for
Life girls’ home with fourteen girls, ages 9 to 21, along with the founder of
our organization, Mary-Kate Martin. We
also have our two kids, Benny (2 years old) and Lucia (3 years old), whose
mother used to live in the home. These girls have been abused on several
different levels, but you could never tell by the joy that radiates from their
hearts in this home. Every afternoon, I
tutor the girls, lead one-on-one devotions, and deal with any typical girl
drama that comes with having fourteen sisters (which is a lot). This is the
only girls’ home in this area, and women’s ministries are few and far between
in this country.
While I adore these
girls, my heart is really with the prostitutes of this city. My primary
responsibility is running the Blossom House Workshop, which is a craft business
to employ struggling women and teach them skills such as sewing, jewelry
making, and the responsibilities of employment and earning a paycheck. I never
imagined I’d be running a small business right after earning my music education
degree, but here I am! God has prepared me for this position in so many ways,
and it is always the highlight of my days.
Pursuing women in
prostitution is no easy calling, but even the shortest of interactions is so
rewarding. I spend time with girls in a nearby squatter camp, praying with them
and simply sharing life. Whenever I can, I also go out to the city streets at
night, offering the girls working corners a ride home early. Nothing breaks my
heart more than watching a young woman, probably no older than me, get into a
man’s car that speeds away for twenty minutes before dropping her back off at
her post. This is a battle so rooted in culture and sin that there’s no way it
can be won overnight, but it is a battle I will never face alone, with Christ
on my side.
My soul longs to show
these women their value, worth, beauty, and purity in Christ, despite the world
viewing them as dirty, shameful, and worthless.
Please pray for this
organization, as we are constantly under a spiritual attack, for the Enemy is
intimidated by the Good work we are doing. Pray for us as we close on,
renovate, and move into a new home by the end of the year that will house 22
girls. Pray for Benny and Lucia’s mom, who is expecting her third child at 20
years of age. Pray for our girls, that they all will accept Christ into their
hearts and declare his goodness in their lives. Pray for the prostitutes, that
they will be safe tonight and learn that they are valuable and that there is a
way out. Pray for the men, that they will become men of God and learn to truly
love and cherish women. Pray for this nation, that the sinful culture will
begin to shift and make this place a pulpit for Africa, proclaiming Truth
across the continent. Pray for me, that my love and passion for this nation and
these women will always come from God and will never cease, even in the darkest
nights.
Thank you, family. God
bless.
