Sparking Freedom

Our weekly visit to a brothel to bring hope and compassion to the women working there. Our visit was marked by both tragedy and moments of connection, highlighting the harsh realities faced by these women and their resilience amid unimaginable circumstances. 

During our visit, we learned that one of the women had been murdered by a client. This woman, a foreign national, had been trafficked into the brothel when she was just 14 years old. At the time of her death, she was 22. A week prior, she had shared her dream of finishing school and moving to America. 

This loss weighed heavily on the women and the atmosphere within the brothel. That week we spent quite a significant of our usual visits. The administrator (pimp) allowed this extra time, recognising the women’s need for comfort and support after the recent tragedy. Interestingly, she also played a protective role, ensuring our team’s safety and instructing clients to wait while we spent time with the women, pray with them, and listen to their stories. This unusual dynamic revealed the complexity of her role within the system.   

Another woman, Ai, opened about the isolation the women experience. She explained that while they work together, they know little about one another and each other’s families. This lack of connection further underscores the challenges they face, not just physically but emotionally and relationally as well. 

This visit highlighted the harsh realities of human trafficking, exploitation, and the loss of dreams and dignity that many of these women endure. However, it also demonstrated the power of presence, prayer, and listening in providing moments of comfort and hope.