The street is lit like Vegas, men in business suits and men that probably haven’t showered in days sit high up on their bar stools sipping on their beers. Watching these girls (anywhere from age 14 and up) walk by holding signs advertising Girls XXX, beer, music. We walk behind a curtain with our Thai translator and the girls come running towards us. They already know we are coming and can’t wait to sign up to come to the Christmas party. We have a seat between 4 men, 2 to our left and 2 to our right-ALL wearing wedding rings!!!! The manager comes over to us with her pen and pencil righting down numbers (because that is what they go by, numbers not names) as fast as she can. We look at the list…10 have signed up. There are at least 100 girls in the bar, quite possibly 200. They keep coming over…..20 girls on the list now! The men to our left lean over to us “What is going on over here?” they ask. “We are having a Christmas party for these girls in their honor” my friend replies. “Ooohhh, so you’re having a stripper party, huh????” “Not exactly!” “Is this a religious thing then?” “A religious ‘thing’????” We roll our eyes and lose the conversation. It has gone from simple inquiry to just plain stupid. I look down at the list 30 GIRLS!!!!” We look at our Thai friend “Time to go” she says. We exit the bar getting hugs from every girl on our way out “See you tomorrow” “See you tomorrow” they say!! Outside the bar our Thai friend says 60 GIRLS!!!!! That is 60 girls from 1 bar that our coming to the party to hear about Christ’s love and about a chance at real freedom!

-Stacey

This whole industry-no this whole country- just seems to me to be defined as a big circle. No matter where you start, the girls, the bars, the government, the justice system, the corruption-it all just circles around and around. There is no end and no beginning. Every cause seems to lead to another cause never to a resolution.

This afternoon we had the privilege to sit and talk with a young girl who has been working in the bar for 3 months, she is the middle of 5 children-2 older sisters and 2 younger siblings. She has a mother and a step-father back home (12 hours south of Bangkok) that she sends money to. She spoke very highly of her mother and step father and how he is a very good man. She says that she knows of step-fathers that are very mean and “force to have sex” but her step-father is very nice. Her mother is a wonderful woman but she says that “her mom like older sister and youngest sister best” you can tell in her face how it affects her, but she calls her mother everyday to make sure her she is ok. Her mother and father think she is a cashier in a bar, not taking customers. If they knew that they would think very lowly of her, yet they continue to remind her that they need more money. She speaks very good English, is very health conscience, knows a lot about fitness and has a bachelors degree in marketing from the university. I asked her if she liked her job (fully aware of the answer I would get) and she says “No No.” “Then why don’t you work somewhere else,” I ask? “You could work at the spa or at a store?” “I make more money here.” she says What do you say to her????? When did money become such a God? How did we ever get to the point that we sell our dignity, self-esteem and pride for big homes, fancy clothes and motor-bikes??? She says she wants to have babies so bad and she oogles over my pictures. Her desire for true love and a family are enormous. What she would give (her body and self-worth) to find a husband.

-Stacey

I walk down the street before lunch and already I have been overexposed to the culture that enables this prostitution and corruption and sadness 24 hrs a day 365 days a yr! Little girls sold by their families at the age of 10, young women sleeping with different men (sometimes multiple men) each night, the inescapable sadness that is in each of these women's eyes is just maddening. It is so each to want to cry out to God.."WHY?!?!?" "Why do you let this go on?" But then I come back to the realization that the Lord does not allow this but rather has given us the freedom of choice and in this choice the evil one can take hold. He died on the cross to forgive us for our sins and offer us eternal salvation if we only choose to do so. We, as a team, were selectively chosen, by him, to be here to share with them God's love and hopefully be able to share with them the value that they have in the Lord's eyes. It is so common for them to feel worthless and of such little value because that is what the world tells them each day, but because of the Lord's blessing we are here today to hold a Christmas Party and honor them and look them in the eyes and tell them they are loved by a man so much more important than a "customer." absolutely amazing how with the support of all of our friends and family back home with Run 4 their Lives and "Frocks 4 Freedom" and individual contributions at how many girls you have all given a chance to hear of God's love and opened up a door for freedom. Thank you to all of you that have helped in some way! Last yr 400 girls were given an opportunity to hear of God's love and I can't wait to experience an other yr with these women and girls and love on them once more!

-Stacey

There is darkness here. It is palpable and hits you in the gut when you walk through the red light districts...even through the streets. It is evident on the faces of some of the "customers," men who have empty faces and lustful eyes. It is evident through the imagery; neon lights flashing the disturbing names of bars, alcohol freely flowing, menus of girls and what they are willing to do for your American dollar, tickets written up much like you would receive at a specialty shop for a bouquet of flowers or necklace, except it is a ticket for a girl that was "purchased." All of these things have led us to tears and our knees as we ask God to intervene. All of this has made us question if we can really make a difference. If light can even shine here.

It can. We've seen glimpses of it. We see it in the faces of the girls that live at Beginnings. In their remarkable stories of redemption and hope. We see it in our conversations with the girls on the street when we speak about the opportunities that are available to them. We see it as a girl runs to hug us when we enter a bar. We see it as the doors of a bar are closed for the night because all of the girls have gone to a Christmas party in their honor. We see it in the faces of the 34 girls who received Jesus Christ last night. We see it. There is hope. Brentwood...it is worth it.

"Do not throw away your confidence, for it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of Christ, you will receive all that He has promised." Hebrews 10:34

He is in the darkness. He is in their faces. He is in their stories. He is sovereign over this city and over the hearts of the people here. He is King. He is light.

-JS

Christmas Visit 2010

As many of you know, each year, Freedom 4/24 sponsors two Christmas parties in Bangkok through our partner home, Beginnings. These parties provide as many as 400 women with a night to be honored, loved, and to be shown a pathway to freedom. One of our partner churches, Brentwood Church, sends a team each year to help throw these parties. This year, two members of our leadership will be traveling to Thailand with the Brentwood team. We are so excited to see God’s hand at work through the ministry at Beginnings, and through the faithful support you have given over this past year. We’ll be keeping you updated while we’re in Thailand, but in the meantime, here is an overview of how you can pray for us each day we are there.

Back row: (From left to right) Stacey Reighard, Jill Stroud, Sarah Mullins, Katelyn Bowers

Front row: Martha Heinlein, Amy Sabatini, Tammy Dupin

Prayer Requests for our trip to Thailand:

Thursday December 9th- Our team of 8 will be traveling from Washington DC to Bangkok, Thailand. Pray for safe travels and for smooth flight transitions. We will be switching planes in Tokyo, Japan. Pray that as we fly, we are able to get rest and that the 24 hours in flight would pass quickly. Pray that we are all able to stay healthy while in Thailand and that our hearts would be tender to the Holy Spirit’s leading during this trip.

Friday December 10th- We will arrive the night of the 10th in Bangkok. Pray that we are able to get through customs quickly and will have a good night of sleep upon arriving at Beginnings.

Saturday December 11th- As we wake, pray our bodies will be able to make an easy transition into the new time zone. Bangkok is 12 hours ahead of Lynchburg. Pray that as our first-time team members are introduced to the sex industry in Thailand, that they would be able to process what they are seeing and would be able to “save face” while seeing the evil that is going on around them. Pray that as we go over our plans for the week that as a team we would be unified, flexible, and ready to serve in any way possible.

Sunday December 12th- Pray as we start doing outreach in the bars that our hearts would be broken for the plight of these women. Pray that we would be able to communicate clearly, even with the language barrier, and that many would be able to commit to come to the parties. Pray that we will be able to continue to fight jetlag and transition into the time zone and culture in Thailand. Pray that we would continue to save face and to show the women we come in contact with the unconditional love of Christ.

Monday December 13th- We will be doing outreach during the day and at night. Pray that we will be able to continue to communicate clearly with whose we are inviting to the parties. Pray for favor with the bar owners and mamasans to allow us to spend time with the girls in the bars. Pray that we would not be numb to what we see, but that it would stir our hearts and strengthen our resolve to give these women a pathway to freedom. Pray that as a team, we would continue to be unified, and would be able to communicate openly and clearly with each other. Pray that we would be the hands and feet of Jesus not only in the bars, but to the residents and leadership at Beginnings. Pray for the residents of Beginnings as they will be helping with outreach and the parties as they are completing final exams at university.

Tuesday December 14th – We will be doing outreach during the day and at night. Pray that we will be able to continue to communicate clearly with whose we are inviting to the parties. Pray for favor with the bar owners and mamasans to allow us to spend time with the girls in the bars. Pray that we would not be numb to what we see, but that it would stir our hearts and strengthen our resolve to give these women a pathway to freedom. Pray that as a team, we would continue to be unified, and would be able to communicate openly and clearly with each other. Pray that we would be the hands and feet of Jesus not only in the bars, but to the residents and leadership at Beginnings. Pray for the residents of Beginnings as they will be helping with outreach and the parties as they are completing final exams at university.

Wednesday December 15th- We will be preparing the banquet hall in the morning and afternoon, and then going into the bars in Soi Cowboy, one of Bangkok’s redlight districts, to bring girls to the Christmas parties. Pray we have favor with the bar owners and mamasans, and that they will allow us to take many girls to the parties. Pray the girls who have verbally committed to attend will be able to come. Pray that all logistics with the party and transportation to and from will run smoothly. Pray for meaningful conversation and points of contact between our team, the residents and staff at Beginnings, and the girls attending the party (This is key for follow up and outreach after the parties). Pray that the girls will feel loved, honored, and respected. Pray their hearts will be open to the message of Jesus Christ that will be presented at the party. Pray they will consider moving into Beginnings and leaving the sex industry. Pray that we will rest well after the party and have energy to move forward with excitement for the next day’s parties.

Thursday December 16th – We will be doing last minute preparations for the second party, and then going into the bars in Nana Plaza, another one of Bangkok’s redlight districts, to bring girls to the Christmas parties. Pray we have favor with the bar owners and mamasans, and that they will allow us to take many girls to the parties. Pray the girls who have verbally committed to attend will be able to come. Pray that all logistics with the party and transportation to and from will run smoothly. Pray for meaningful conversation and points of contact between our team, the residents and staff at Beginnings, and the girls attending the party (This is key for follow up and outreach after the parties). Pray that the girls will feel loved, honored, and respected. Pray their hearts will be open to the message of Jesus Christ that will be presented at the party. Pray they will consider moving into Beginnings and leaving the sex industry. Pray that we will rest well after the party and be refreshed the next day to follow up with those we have met at the parties.

Friday December 17th- We will be resting in the morning and spending some time as a team re-grouping and sharing what God has revealed to us in the last few days, and doing follow-up with the girls we met at the parties in the evening. Pray we will be able to make meaningful connections with the women we met. Pray these connections would bring them to trust Beginnings, and that it would be the beginning of a long term relationship between them and Beginnings. Pray as we visit them, they would see a genuine spirit in us and would seriously consider making the difficult decision to leave the sex industry.

Saturday December 18th- We will be having a free day and will be getting out and enjoying the city. Pray for a fun, relaxing day for our team. Also, we will be packing up and preparing to head back to the US. Our flight leaves at 11:55 pm on Saturday evening. Pray for safe return travels, and again, that we would be able to rest on the flights. Pray that our flights would not be delayed, our baggage would arrive safely and on time, and for good weather in DC upon our landing.

Sunday, December 19th- pray for a safe arrival at Dulles. Pray specifically for Stacey, who will be driving us back to Lynchburg. Our team should arrive back in Lynchburg Sunday afternoon. Pray that we will all be able to rest and transition back into the new time zone. Pray that we would be forever changed by what we saw and experienced in Thailand.

Back in Bangkok

By Janette Marin

Ann, the house mom at Beginnings, has continued to greet us with, "Welcome Home!" and it sounds so sweet to my ears. This house is a place of comfort and love, these girls are my sisters, and the streets are our 'backyard' mission field. On a ride to the market with Ann, Lyndsey, and Jit (a Beginnings resident) we were conversing about this being another home for us. Ann, Lyndsey, and I had tears welling up in our eyes as we talked about how good it was to see each other again and how much we missed each other and how we truly are family. There is rest in one another and a bonding that will never fade. This has become a home to us and we are gladly overwhelmed by such a gift.

I love this home, I love the girls that are safe and happy at Beginnings and I yearn for those who are still in the industry and do not know God. Yesterday, we went into the pool bars to visit with our friends. The first girl I spoke to on my very first trip here one year ago is still working at the same pool bar and she has become such a dear friend. We were playing pool and joking around and she stopped to show me some pictures of her family, to show how much her children had grown. She pulled out her phone and showed me some and then we continued on with our game and she told me to press the side button to keep looking...so I did. Many pictures of her beautiful face and pictures of her with friends I knew at the pool bar as well as pictures of her children and nieces and nephews made me smile, but some unfamiliar faces showed up, and I asked about them. Some were other relatives that I had never seen, and some were pictures of men...
Of these men, she would say, "that is customer" or "that is friend" and my heart broke. Flashbacks of the first conversation that Lyndsey and I ever had with her flooded my mind -- "Friend" is a word containing different meanings for her; regarding these men, it meant the customers who were actually kind to her- who took her out for dinner, or bought her clothing, or took her dancing prior to the implied.. The customers are the ones who were unkind to her, the ones who did not treat her as a friend; or they were those who came into the bar and just played pool with her.
When she would point out who these different men were to her with a smile or a straight face, each realization caused me to feel a shortness of breath...this is my friend...this is God's precious creation...why does this have to be her life?
I do not think that the things that I see here or the countless conversations about my friend's work or their sweet faces will ever stop being an overwhelming experience. Whether it continues to be a harsh realization of what goes on here or whether it be a broken heart for these kind women, I am constantly stunned and taken aback by the reality of this darkness.

I am so glad that I have my Maker to rely on because I cannot do this on my own. I cannot carry on a conversation with dried eyes by my own strength. I cannot look through pictures on a phone without falling apart if it were not for His peace residing within me. I cannot see my friends leave the bars with customers and have restraint if it weren't for His steadfast love and assurance.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

He is Lord of all. His Will will be done. My trust and hope rest secure in His hands. He produces change. He heals what the world deems broken, He restores what they declare diminished, and He bestows worth to what they claim is worthless.

Please pray that this Truth is captivating to these women, pray that we may show them Christ, and pray for freedom.

going away party

Rachel and Mary will be heading back to the states on July 4th.

All of the girls we've made friends with in the pool bars have already expressed how much they're going to miss them.

But, it makes for a good excuse to try to get some of our friends from the pool bars to come see Beginnings!

We're having a going away party/lunch for them next week on Friday. We're saying it's "for Rachel and Mary", but really... it's all about the girls that we're hoping will be able to come. It's going to be from 10:00am-4:30pm (it's a come and go thing so that hopefully it will be able to work with a lot of the girls schedules for them to be able to come). That will be 11:00pm Thursday -5:30am Friday your time. I expect you all to stay up through the night to be in prayer about this. :) I'm joking. But seriously...

This will be an awesome opportunity for the girls to get to see Beginnings and meet Ann and the girls here and to hear what Beginnings it is all about.

Here are a few of the girls that we really hope will be able to come.

Be praying that many of the girls we have invited will be able to come and that their hearts would be open to hearing about Beginnings.

nala

By Megan Smith

This is my beautiful friend Jeab.

We had an instant connection the first time we met and I’ve loved going back to see her almost every day and slowly working through the language barrier to learn more about her each time I see her.

The other day we drew “tattoos” on each other. I asked her what she wanted, and she said for me to draw a rose. Then I told her to write a thai word on my wrist, but I told her to choose what to write.

When I asked her what it said, she said “nala” and smiled. Nala means lovely.

I had to take a minute and remind myself to smile so I wouldn’t cry.

When she looked at me, the word that came to mind was “lovely”.

I couldn’t help but wonder what she sees when she looks at herself.

All I’ve heard from the stories we’ve heard about the girls here is how dirty and used they feel. And if they aren’t feeling that, many of them are choosing to block out all emotion so that they don’t have to feel anything at all.

But, I hope that through our friendship I am able to show her just how loved and “lovely” she is. I hope that I am able to help her to see that she is worth so much more than she’s been taught and experienced that she is worth and that I could show her a glimpse of her worth and beauty.

I hope to be able to help her see herself the way God sees her.

Team 2

It’s time to start praying for team two!

Lyndsey Andler and Janette Marin will be flying out of Charlottesville at 6:10 in the morning on June 30th and will land in Bangkok at 11:20 at night on July 1st.

Keep them in your prayers while they're preparing for the trip and be praying for safe travels for them on the 30^th through the 1st.

Also, keep Mary and Rachel in your prayers, as they will be traveling back on July 4^th.

greater things

By Megan Smith

I feel like there has been so much going on inside of me over the past few days, but it's hard to put it into words.

On Tuesday we went to the pool bars for the first time, and have started going in every afternoon since. I love spending time with the girls. Of course, I love all of the girls that we've met. But, there is one girl in particular that I feel I have a special place in my heart for. I love going in to see her. Just seeing her reaction when she saw us walk in on Friday, made my day. She shouted and jumped up off of the stool she had been sitting on and threw her arms in the air to hug us. Many of the other girls reactions are similar. I love that we can be a bright spot in their day. They certainly brighten ours!

Be praying that our friendships with them will continue to grow.

Every time we see our new friends in the pool bars, I get more and more attached to them. I was talking to Bonita about that and she said it doesn't take long for them to work their way into your heart. It's so true. I just met them on Tuesday and I already have such a deep love for them.

It was really hard for me to leave the last pool bar that we went into on Friday. I just hate knowing that when we leave, they are still there. And it breaks me when I think of what they may face later in the day.

I wanted to share the story behind the song, The God of This City, as it has constantly resonated with my prayers while i have been here this past week.

This song has become an encouragement to me and I find myself singing it in my head as I walk through the bars and praising God for its truth.

You're God of this city

You're the King of these people

You're the Lord of this nation, you are

You're the Light in this darkness

You're the Hope to the hopeless

You're the Peace to the restless, you are

You're the Lord of creation

The creator of all things

You're the King above all kings, you are

You're the Strength in the weakness

You are Love to the broken

You're the Joy in the sadness, you are

For there is no one like our God

there is no one like You, God

Greater things have yet to come

and greater things are still to be done in this city

Greater things have yet to come

and greater things are still to be done here

hope

By Rachel Tiemeyer

Tuesday night I went for my first night of outreach in the bars with Bonita and Wan. I couldn’t help but feel nervous about what to expect. Thankfully, Bonita and Wan provided a sense of safety if I ever felt overwhelmed. Although the environment was unfamiliar and uncomfortable, the purpose of our mission outweighed any uneasiness.

Within seconds of entering a bar, we were met with smiles and genuine excitement and kindness from girls. While sitting in the bar, I felt I was a part of two different worlds at the same time. In front of me, there were girls trapped in a world that appears to be their only means of survival. Yet, when they were talking and smiling and making conversation with Bonita and Wan, I saw beautiful girls who remind me of my friends back home. It was both sad and intriguing to watch their ability to shut “off” their emotions on stage, and back “on” when talking with their friends once they were off the stage. As I sat there, I reminded myself time and time again to keep a smile on my face and not to make any expressions that would further shame them. It makes me sad to know that that is what they have to do every day.
Even though I prepared myself as much as I could for what I would see and experience in the bars, I was still shocked.

Bonita told me that the bar we went into was a good “starter bar” for me. While we were there, there were no customers, and Bonita said that was a rarity. A part of me was relieved and thankful.
I was told it was an unusual night because Ann and Wan both had appointments to meet with girls who had showed interest in Beginnings. It was wonderful to see that Beginnings’ efforts of planting seeds were being sown and girls’ interests were being piqued. Bonita mentioned that the most important thing that we could do in the meantime was to pray, pray, and pray!

When we left the bar we stopped at another because Wan was talking to two girls and Bonita explained to me that one of them was interested in coming to see Beginnings. We paid her bar fine and she came back to Beginnings with us that night. I was excited for her and prayed for her as we walked home. Everybody was welcoming to her when we got to the house. Ann talked with her and shared with her what Beginnings is about. Our job again: pray, pray, pray!

When Bonita told us about the appointments that Ann and Wan had with the girls who were interested in Beginnings, she had warned us to be hopeful, but also realistic. She had seen the excitement in our eyes when she told us about the girls wanting to learn more about Beginnings, and while this was something to praise and pray about, she did not want us to crumble with disappointment if they did not come and stay. Unfortunately, the reality is that many will not be able to at this time. I smile at how God has blessed us with this opportunity to be here and to minister to these girls. Tuesday night I experienced a very dark place but, in the midst of that, I saw hope. That is why we are here. Even if it is one meeting at a time, one friendship blossomed at a time, one seed planted at a time, one bar fine at a time, and one welcomed girl at a time, it is still one HOPE at a time. Thank you for your care and prayers.

new creations

By Megan Smith

Psalm 139:13-14

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

Since I was a child I have had those truths instilled in me. My parents were always intentional about making sure I knew how much they loved me, and how valuable I am to them. But even more importantly, they made sure I knew how much God loves me, and how valuable I am to Him.

These girls were never taught that. They were told that their worth comes from bringing honor to their family, and that they will honor their family by providing for them. Because of a lack of means to be able to provide for their family in any other way, they turn to the sex trade.

I have so much to be thankful for.

Last night I went with Bonita and Nit for my first night of outreach. We went into the gogo bars, and it was all I could do to hold myself together. I had prayed that God would break my heart for the girls the way that His is broken for them, so it was no surprise that it was difficult.

The girls would rotate on the bars, they would dance for a few songs and then switch and a different group of girls would go up to dance. While they were dancing, their blank stares broke my heart. You could see the disconnect from themselves and what they were doing.

When they were able to take a break, we would talk to them and there was an immediate transition in their demeanor. They were so friendly, and their smiles were contagious. It was refreshing to see them be able to enjoy themselves for even just a few minutes.But as soon as they had to go back to dancing, the mask went right back up.

I can't wait to be able to build relationships with these girls and I pray that God would be able to use me to show them His love.

When we got home, one of the girls from Beginnings opened the gate to let us in and I couldn't help but be amazed at God and what He does. A few of the girls here were prevention cases, but many of them were bar girls. It's just beautiful to see how far God has brought them from that. When I look at them I see a perfect picture of 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come!

Isaiah 43:9-10

By Megan Smith

Please be praying. Tonight will be the first night of outreach. Bonita talked with us today about what we can expect when we go into the bars. She told us that there is nothing to be afraid of as far as our physical safety in the bars, but that we are very emotionally unsafe.

I feel like I have been preparing for this for so long through prayer and by reading and hearing about it, but I know that seeing it first hand is going to have a completely different impact on me.

Bonita is going to take Mary, Rachel and I each individually, along with one of the girls from Beginnings for our first night of outreach. I will be going tonight and Rachel and Mary will each go over the next two nights. One of them will go on Tuesday and one of them will go on Wednesday. Please be in prayer for each of us as we go.

It is hard to know how I will react, but I am praying that the Lord will guide my steps and that He will protect my heart and my emotions as I see and process everything.

I'm finding rest in this tonight:

I took you from the ends of the earth,

from its farthest corners I have called you.

I said, 'You are my servant';

I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43:9-10

My Prayer

By Megan Smith

Yesterday’s emotions ran the full spectrum from being really excited to finally arrive in Bangkok to being a little bit scared of the unknown.
Towards the end of our flight from Tokyo to Bangkok I looked at the monitor on the plane and it said we had an hour and a half until we landed. Cue the second end of the spectrum of emotions. The nerves kicked in. But then I remembered that a good friend of mine had given me a card to read on the flight and I hadn't read it yet. It was exactly what I needed to hear. I want to share part of it because it is my heart and my prayers for this trip and these girls:

"Their story is yours to tell. You have read the book(s), now you enter into the chapters. You will witness first hand their pain, their sorrow, their loneliness and their captivity to their lifestyle. Your emotions will run high and low, they will also run deep. There will be times you will have questions without answers, but remind yourself that you go as his faithful servant. You go to share his love with these girls and maybe be a piece to the puzzle that changes their story forever.
Don't be misguided by how some of them may play the part so well. Deep down we are all girls/women that seek love and respect, not to be bought and sold for empty acts of pleasure. Their honor to their family is strong and all they do is for them, I pray that for you that you will be able to share with them that Christ's love is stronger and deeper than they will ever know.
I pray that you get many opportunities to just sit and talk with these women, to be their friend.
Despite the challenge of the language barrier I pray that the Holy Spirit would fill those voids of words."

We met Bonita today and talked with her about what things will look like for us as far as teaching English here at beginnings and doing outreach in the bars. We won’t start either until Monday.

We covet your prayers as we begin outreach on Monday, as there will be much to process.

My heart has already felt heavy since we’ve been here. The darkness is so pervasive. It’s everywhere. From overhearing explicit conversations on the plane between men discussing the “one reason” they come here, to looking out my window tonight to see a young Thai girl walking hand in hand with an older western man, I have finally seen it firsthand. It is one thing to read the books and hear the stories about everything that goes on here, but it is completely different to be face to face with it.

Arrival in Bangkok

We arrived safely in Bangkok late last night. We got here at 11:20 pm on Thursday.

Yesterday was a long day with almost 24 hours worth of flights. But, we are so glad to be here. We have met several of the girls here at Beginnings and already love them.

Thanks again for your prayers.

Team 1 - Leaving June 2

Our first team will be heading to Thailand soon!

We had a little bit of a delay and didn't end up leaving on the 22nd as planned. But instead, we're leaving this coming Wednesday.

A few weeks ago we had an awesome time of prayer and fellowship with our team before they sent us off.

It was so encouraging to be lifted up in prayer by them and it made us feel that much more prepared to go.

God has been faithful in providing for us through the preparations for this trip and we trust that He will continue to be at work in and through us while we are there.

Wednesday will be a long day for us and we appreciate your prayers for safe travels.

We will be flying out of Roanoke at 6:15 in the morning and will have a layover in Detroit and Seattle before arriving in Bangkok.

We will update once we are there to let you know that we got there safely!

Thailand Team: Summer 2010

We are so excited about the opportunity we have this summer to go to Bangkok, Thailand and serve on behalf of Brentwood at Beginnings. We are also looking forward to building relationships with the girls there, and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for this trip.

There will be two teams going this summer. The first team will be there May 22-July 4.

Team 1 : Rachel Tiemeyer, Mary Fordham and Megan Smith

Thank you in advance for your support and prayers along the way! Your prayers are such a huge and important part of this trip.

Here are some specific things that you can pray for now:

That God would continue to prepare each of us over the next month for the things that we will see and experience while we are there

For the people that we will interact with

And that God would prepare the hearts of the women that we will encounter

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Isaiah 61:1-4