Soi Cowboy's Christmas party

Before the party

During the party

Wow.

The Christmas party went so well. We went to Soi Cowboy around 6 last night and didn’t leave until 9. If it had been up to me, we would have gone in, executed the plan, and gone out but God had other plans. I asked him to open my eyes and he did. It was a little bit of a disappointment, how many mama-sans (bar managers) said no and how many girls said they’d rather work than go to the party. The group I was in got maybe 6 girls and the other groups we passed by on our mission had less than that. It seemed like it would be a very small party, if any party was going to happen. But by the time we got back, almost every chair in every table set up was full. I have no idea where these girls were coming from, but they were pouring in. 

Setting up the party

almost every chair filled by 10!

Last night was the first time I really saw Soi Cowboy for what it was, a playground for the lost and broken. The last time I went down the strip of clubs and bars, I just walked through to get an idea of what it was, I didn’t really pay attention to what I was seeing. Last night, spending almost 3 hours in this hopeless place, I saw. I saw girls in skimpy nurse’s costumes lure men into their bars, I saw men get off tour busses with plans to divide, conquer, and return, I saw little girls no older than 11 used as bait, I saw girls bringing their children and siblings to work, I saw faces of girls who were miserable and every face of these girls was miserable.

But in the Christmas party, I saw hope. Every woman and child who attended the party felt honored and rightfully so! They laughed, they cried, they sang, but most of all they were able to hear that someone greater than all of us loved them so much that He died on the cross for their sins, that no matter that they’ve done in the past, Christ will welcome them into His family, if they believe!!!!! How does that not excite you!? These girls were able to just hang out. No customers, no job, no feelings of worthlessness. In fact, quite the opposite, friends, food, party, gifts, and HOPE! I can’t stop smiling just thinking about it.

I met a 33 year old woman named Pim last night while we walked to the hotel together and she told me that it had been so long since she’d been to a party. I told her that she would love the party because it was a night honoring her and all the other ladies who would attend. When you really think about it, when was the last time that these girls were able to sit around, hang, out, eat, sing, and just enjoy their time without having to sell their bodies? Even if some of them went back to work afterwards, which some did as we passed by them walking back to Beginnings, I’m sure the seed of love and hope was planted, even if it takes a while to grow.

Tonight is the last Christmas party for Nana Plaza, which is supposed to be bigger than Soi Cowboy’s night. Please pray that God opens doors and hearts of the mama-sans and girls.