Wednesday, April 3, 2013

A Message of Hope


Recently I was blessed to take a trip to India.  The Lord had been speaking to my heart for 3 years about going. I didn't even know why, but I kept praying for clarity for what his will was for this trip and that I be obedient in his calling.  In God's perfect timing, he revealed to me India's Human Trafficking. I was led to a wonderful organization called Rahab's Rope who are passionate about this cause.




Southeast Asia is home to the world's largest population of slaves.  Trafficking into forced prostitution victimizes more children in India than any other country in the world. (International Justice Mission) A report by the United Nations Center for Development and Population Activities indicates that approximately 200 girls and women in India enter sex work every day.  More than 160 are coerced into it. (Times Of India).



I had the opportunity to be with some the women who have been victims of India's sex slave trade. Rahab's Rope is  working with
these women to educate them and teach them about Christ, so they know they have a choice. They live by the cast system.  If you are born poor, you stay poor. Born rich, you will be educated and be able to have a good job. And If you are from the slums, you are not even good enough to be in the cast system.  Many also believe in reincarnation.   If you work hard enough at the level you are born into and pray, you will die and come back at a better level.

While I was in India we  went into the slums and met some beautiful girls (10-14), many at high risk for prostitution or for being sold.  These girls were so much fun!  They were just regular, silly teenage girls. They were learning English very quickly, and were also being taught the word of God.  If these girls receive help and are educated, no one will know where they came from, and they will not feel forced into prostitution.  I did not want to leave them; even I now, miss them so much. 

Another place we visited was where the prostitutes are brought after the police have a raid, where  they must wait  (sometimes for months ) to be tried by a judge. I cannot express the emotion I felt in that place. I felt led by God's Holy Spirit to speak to them and tell them the God of Abraham is their hope.  I felt this was my purpose for being there. At this same place, we met some boys who were found begging at a train station and were brought in.  They will probably end up in an orphanage.  Their smiles were so beautiful, and they were such a gift to meet.

God's word commands us to help the poor and those in need.  We may be persecuted, but we have the promise of eternal glory. The faithful women I served with on this trip also felt God's call to reach out to these women and children. I was abundantly  blessed more then I could ever give. I could never have done this in my own strength, and I continue prayer for guidance to go back to fulfill God's purpose.   Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths  straight." I find this verse to be true.


Blessings,
M- Bangalore Christmas Team