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!