there and back again (part two)

I’ve been reading about human trafficking for years. 

If there’s a documentary about it, there’s a good chance I’ve watched it and can recommend it to you. I’ve read books, I can name off some of the big name organizations focused on eliminating it and rescuing victims, I know that trafficking for labor and sex happens both in the United States and overseas. I’ve read of horrific cases that seem so dark and so riddled with evil that they almost seem fabricated–how is it possible for humans to treat other humans with such contempt? The same is true for hearing stories of children left to fend for themselves. How can adults watch children, five year olds taking care of one year olds, and not feel the overwhelming sadness of it? How can people watch and do nothing?

The difference for me now is after going to India, and being just minutes away from the Red Light District (though I never went it), I have more than stories and statistics.

I have people. 
I have relationships.

I have face-to-face moments I shared with tiny human beings who have personalities and are real people.

I have three little faces* looking up at me with dark, trusting eyes, and I hear that they watched their father set their mother on fire and that she died in front of them. These ones? These little ones, 7, 5 and 2, who still somehow smile and play–two boys and a little girl. She’s too young to remember, which is the only mercy, but the older boys surely must remember something. The oldest boy wakes up from naptime crying almost every day. All the kids protest, but he fights me with a particular distress. It occurs to me that maybe he remembers something.

It’s not a story. It’s not an impersonal, distant statistic.

It’s a reality, and it’s their reality.

It’s not “so many children are suffering with AIDS”, it’s our little Sultan*, who looks more like a three year old than a six year old, and more like a little elderly man with his missing teeth.

He sleeps most of the day, and was feverish and lethargic when I first arrived, but finally started school for the first time the last week I was there, and it’s an exciting triumph. He didn’t warm up to me too much in the time I was there, since he has his favorite “didi” (the name the children call us all: “sister”), but he did climb into my lap once to laugh at videos on my phone. He was so small in my lap. He has siblings, much older siblings, but doesn’t want anything to do with them and throws temper tantrums. I’m not sure why.

It’s not “ex amount of children are living on the streets alone”. It’s the fairest Indian boy I’ve seen yet, with bright blue eyes that make him look like more like a European. I find out that his funny little swagger and tough guy nature that causes him to lash out occasionally with his fists probably kept him alive while he lived homeless from two years. He’s about eight now. He’s so young. How is it possible?

It’s not “such and such children grow up in the brothels their mothers work in”, it’s this little one and the fact that her mom was swinging her into a brick wall by her hair in the brothels when the girls found her.

She’s been taken back by her mom twice, and if she comes a third time, Rahab’s won’t be able to keep her. Her eyes are huge and her smile is contagious. She’s so beautiful, even now with her short hair that had to be cut to help with the lice all the kids share, and I can’t fathom it as I look at her. How could someone look at this little doll and harm her?

And on and on and on it goes.

But even as I share here, I realize they could be reduced to stories. It almost feels sacrilegious or disrespectful to share, somehow. I choose to, still, because meeting them changed my perspective on things. What I previously categorized as an atrocity that was predominantly a woman’s struggle I now see as a dark claw that reaches past women to children, both boys and girls, and men as well. There is no cinematic glamor or grit about it and it should never be simplified with dramatics. Please understand me when I write the words that are so unflinching and so uncompromising: it was real.

And now that I know, now that I’ve seen, now that I’ve been there… now what?

What is the next step?
What can I do?
What can I say?

Sometimes I feel that sharing my experiences means that I should have an answer or a “lesson learned” or a sunny bow to tie everything up with by the end of the blog. I usually do. But this is heavy and today I don’t have answers… other than I know with every fiber of my being that I’ll fight this.

Satan is a nasty foe, but Jesus has already overcome.

*For safety reasons, names have been changed and faces are hidden

To read this blog in it's original format:

http://alizetigirl.wordpress.com/2014/07/08/there-and-back-again-part-two/

Used with permission from author. 

there and back again (part one)

No hobbits here, but I have made it back again after an eye opening several weeks. I think that I’ve been somehow avoiding writing because I haven’t been ready to process but I can tell it’s time. With some solitude and a little iced coffee, I suppose it’s okay to let the tears fall freely.

The Organization

First I want to share about Rahab’s Rope, wonderful nonprofit I was privileged to join in ministry. Started by Vicki and David Moore back in 2004 after Vicki heard stories of young women and girls being trafficked for sex, they have three locations in Bangalore, Goa and Mumbai. Additionally, Rahab’s has a store location in downtown Gainesville, Georgia where they sell products that the women create to generate revenue for the ministry.

God has shown them incredible favor and opened up opportunities for them in the darkest of places—their predominant position of ministry is directly inside the brothels and red light districts where they spend time teaching (both reading, English, trade skills and most importantly, about Jesus), loving and building relationships with the women that are enslaved. Rahab’s partners with International Justice Mission to actually rescue women, but they also don’t give up on the girls that are unable to leave, or even more incredibly, not ready to step away from the only life they know.

I can’t speak highly enough about the dedication and bravery of the long term staff that walk into places most of us would consider unthinkable and spend their time serving and loving those the world at large might consider unredeemable. To me, that is the very heart that Jesus had while he was on earth, and it is part of the beauty of our God—there is no one, no one, who can find himself (or herself) out of His sight or out of His reach.

I’ve never been more passionate about a cause in my life, and I stand 100% behind Rahab’s Rope, International Justice Mission and any group of believers who not only are dedicated to helping women in a tangible, physical, practical way, but also recognizes the need for the spiritual healing that only Jesus is able to offer.

—–

The Children’s Home: Mumbai

With specific numbers varying from source to source, it’s estimated that there are between 20 million (Hindustan Times) and 31 million (UNICEF) orphans in India today. Some children are abandoned by their families, some are orphaned by AIDS, some are ‘illegitimate’ children of commercial sex workers (CSW), some are HIV/AIDS positive themselves. Any way you choose to look at it, there are staggering amounts of children who are in dire physical need; it goes without saying that the spiritual poverty is just as devastating.

Partnering with local brothers, who are also pastors, Rahab’s is caring for about 75 children between the ages of 2 and 18, the help of full time national staff and short-term volunteers from the States. All of the children living in the home are either 1) orphans, 2) children of CSW and/or 3) HIV positive. Together, Rahab’s and the nationals have been able to arrange scholarships with different schools around the city so the children are able to receive an education, as well as a more stable living condition that is found at the children’s home. The little ones have their basic needs for clothes, food, shelter, health care, education, loving care and play met—and they learn about Jesus.

I’m not able to post most of the photos I took for safety reasons; some of the children are still being sought after by madams in the brothels and putting images of their faces on the internet is ill-advised. Rest assured, they are completely and flawlessly precious.

—–

Where I come in

As a short term volunteer I spent my time in the children’s home, predominately with the young 5 – 9 year old boys, doing VBS activities, helping the boys get washed, dressed and ready for the day, playing little games and doing lots and lots and lots of cuddling. It’s difficult for the kids to get enough one on one cuddles and attention that all children inherently need, and that is the most valuable thing I was able to contribute during my time. Love given to honor Jesus, no matter how seemingly “insignificant” or small, is never love wasted. It is the very heart of God.

——–

The Team

I also had a chance to meet other girls my age passionate about the same things as me, despite the differences in our backgrounds. There was a time where I would have said that two nursing students, a nutritionist student, a missionary kid/psyche graduate, a naval officer, an ex-elementary teacher and myself wouldn’t have anything in common, but we all shared a love for Jesus and a desire to be His hands in a world much darker than the one we grew up in. I can’t explain how encouraging and exciting it was to see these ladies in action each day, and to share a living space with them. We shared so much fun and so much heartbreak over the little ones and the experience would not have been the same without them.

Several of the girls are still over there and you can read more about their day to day activities and learn how to pray for them and the littles ones on their blogs:

Moments in Mumbai – Kaitlin

The Scarlet Cord – Valerie

(To Be Continued)

To read blog in it's original format:

http://alizetigirl.wordpress.com/2014/07/07/there-and-back-again-part-one/

Used with permission from author.

All about You...

"I'm coming back to the heart of worship, And it's all about You..."



Yesterday was the last day of the mission with Rahab's Rope, in Goa, and my last full day in India. So after almost 10 weeks with Oasis, in Mumbai and Bangalore, and 2 weeks with Rahab's Rope in Goa, my trip is coming to an end and I was given chance to reflect on what God has been teaching me. One of the questions in our group debrief was, 'what is the main thing that God has taught you during this trip?’ That is a challenging question. He has been so tangibly close to me in my whole time here and I have countless examples of His grace, mercy and faithfulness. He has taught me so much about His character, and mine, and I am excited about what the future might look like now that this experience is being woven into it.

But, what is the main thing He has taught me? As I often do in those situations I began frantically trying to rehearse an answer that would sound good, witty or very spiritual (yes, I do that) but then I stopped. I literally laid down and waited for God to bring something to mind. I should do this more often because it was pretty incredible. He just reminded me of a thought I had begun last Sunday, but stopped because it was a bit scary...

We were in church and the band were playing 'Heart of Worship'. I love that song.



Yes, I could definitely resonate with this. I sang along, feeling content that my being in India was 'all about You, Jesus'. I've been here living out the gospel, right? Good news to the poor? Release for the captives? Setting the prisoner free? Yep, it was all there.

 I was only a week away from going home and I realized that I'd missed the point somewhere along the way. It wasn't 'all about You, Jesus' was it? I'd made it all about so many other things...

"I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
. When it's all about You"



I'd made it about things that may seem good, and right even.
 I'd made it about the women, and about the children. About those who were still living in brothels and being systematically raped every day. 
 About those who have been abandoned in orphanages that don't meet their needs. About women who eek out a living during the monsoon seasons when nobody comes to her shop.

I'd made it about me, about how I could change the world, how I could rescue them and how I could tell others about what I've done.

 And yes, I was doing this for God. I was doing all of this because I fully believe this is what following Jesus looks like; this is radical discipleship. I'd forgotten that this is all about Him. That this is only about Him. It is Jesus who rescues, heals, redeems, frees and loves. I am blessed that He has chosen to share His work with me but it really is His work, not mine.

 I had made an idol of the ministry and the women and children (even of the pimps and the madams), and that is my biggest lesson on this trip.



Yes, I have learned enormous amounts about prevention, intervention and aftercare in human trafficking. 
Yes, I have learned about the faithfulness, grace and mercy of God. 
Yes, I have learned about life in India and the atrocities of the commercial sex trade here. 
Yes, I have seen, heard and experienced things I will never forget.

The bottom line is that this is ALL about Jesus. It is not about me. It is not about India. It is not even really about human trafficking.

 This trip has been an out-working of worship; a response to God's love for me and my understanding of His love for the world. Worship. And that needs to begin with the realization that it is Jesus who changes the world, not me.

Blessings,
G - India Volunteer

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

India and Suda

India. This is my third time coming to India through this organization. It has been so amazing to see this organization grow and to be apart of what Rahab’s Rope is doing has been a privilege and such a blessing. I always come to India with a heart to pour into God’s people and every time I leave being poured into with a heart that is overjoyed by the time I had here. During my time in India God put it on my heart his love for us and how we can practically love on his people and what that looks like. Love is clearly defined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. I want to love people in this way as God loves us. Every person and child I meet while in India loves us with no questions asked and with little knowledge of who we are. This is how we should love on each other every day and how God loves us. India teaches me how to love. God loved us before we knew him and while we were still sinners. God sent his one and only son to die on the cross for us. This boggles my mind every day and I am continually amazed by who God is and his love for us. I fall more in love with the people in India every time I come. The women and children teach me so much not only how to love but also their hospitality and willingness to give when they themselves have very little. Taking with me back home to the states would be giving more, showing more hospitality, and reaching out to my own community, and loving God’s people practically.

Suda is a little girl who I have seen the past three times I have come to India. She is twelve years old and has deformed arms and legs. When she was born she was able to walk and gradually over time all her limbs started to bend where she could not longer walk on her own. Her brother and friends help her get to school every day along with her mom bringing her to the program Samir holds at his house every afternoon. Shortly after I left over the summer she broke her hip bone causing her to be bed ridden and shortly after that she fell while riding the bus and her thigh bone broke. She can no longer go to school or attend the afternoon program but has to stay home and rest day and night. Her dad sees her as a burden and with every bone that breaks he drinks more. She is a beautiful little girl inside and out and every chance we got we would go visit her and she always had a smile in her face. Seeing her in that state breaks my heart, but also encourages my heart just to see her smile. She is never angry or upset by her circumstances, but filled with such a joy. She inspires me to smile in the face of trials and rejoice in all circumstances knowing God will get me through. I love her so much and I ask that you would keep her and her family in your prayers.

Blessings,
C- Goa Christmas Team

First Impressions Aren't Everything

They say that first impressions are everything. After living in India, I’m not so sure that’s the case. My first impression was that it was dirty, had an odor more potent than tear gas, and that all the citizens were ruthless, dehumanizing people. All I ever heard about India in the states was about their lack of compassion towards their own people, and of course, about their notorious human trafficking trade. It didn’t take me long to realize that the media was missing out on one big thing: their love. Pure love. 

In the months I've lived here during the summer, and this quick week of return, my heart has been overwhelmed by all the love I’ve received. These people aren’t ruthless at all. They have shown me what it means to love unconditionally. They took me as I was, and loved me for all that I was. They taught me the meaning of ‘love your neighbor as yourself." And even in the midst of their pain, they somehow still found a way to show me the meaning of joy. 

I often wondered why they treated me the way they did. The poorest of poors would still serve me a three course meal, knowing that their own family would probably not eat tonight. They demonstrate the sacrificial giving that we see in the gospels of the widow who gave her last two coins. But why? I’d like to believe it was because of me but to be quite honest, I know it wasn’t. There is nothing fantastic about my nature and to say that would be quite narcissistic. One day as I sat in front of the women for life skills I had asked them why they like us here. Her simple response gave me the answer I’ve been searching for. She told me “we like to hear your stories about your faith. We like your God.” They love us because He lives in us. It wasn’t about me or any individual person that came through the slums of India, but about the way Christ shined in that person. Day in and day out, believers are walking into the slums not because they think they can change anything, but because we know Christ can. These beautiful people showed me that India is worth far more than I could ever imagine.

Blessings, 
J- Goa Christmas Team

English Lessons

Growing up in an English speaking nation, I never realized how difficult learning our language could be. Nor have I ever stopped to think how having multiple languages in one country could make an impact. India has numerous languages, but to be able to communicate with foreigners, a major source of

income for many Indian people, they must be able to speak English.

I spent Friday morning this week teaching English lessons to some ladies who spoke primarily Hindi, which, though it is India's main language, it is just one of the many languages spoken there. The ladies were so sweet and so eager to learn, that it really blessed me and reminded me how available knowledge is in the States, but how hungry people are in other cultures to

learn. Kids in the U.S. see school as something to be endured until adulthood, but these grown women wanted so badly to be taught our language.

English is a very difficult language to learn. I was reminded of just how many rules are irregular, and it is almost unfair to those who try to learn English later in life. Trying to teach the difference between "coming" and "going" was much more difficult that I ever imagined it might be. How do you explain such a subtle difference in connotation to someone who wouldn't think that it just "sounds right?" And how do you explain what a direct quote is to people who are having to work so hard to comprehend your every word? And yet that is exactly what we did. And through the grace of God, it seemed to work! We were able to draw pictures, act things out and give examples to help the ladies understand. The most rewarding part was when they began to get the sample sentences correct on the first try. And they just kept wanting to do more and more until our time was over.

I so often take for granted the education that is available all over the U.S. We don't even have to learn another language if we don't want to, but if we choose to do so, we can pick up a book on tape at the library and learn a new language just for fun. This is not the case in India, nor in most of the world outside the U.S. I am so blessed to have gotten to see the desire these ladies have to learn, and to have been a part of their learning. This experience has made me much more thankful for the education and opportunities I have had, because I now realize what a rarity that is in this world.

Blessings,
LB- Goa Volunteer