Broke at the Casino

Bar ministries. Something I have never done or really even thought about doing. But when we were told that we were going to be doing ministry at the casino, talking to the prostitutes (prostitution is legal here in Panama) I was nervous and yet so excited to see what God had in store. I wanted to have something tangible to give to the girls when we talked to them. So I made about 20 cards with verses on them to hand out and we also bought flowers to give out as well. 

Our group headed into the city with David (the director of the YWAM base here) and I got more nervous the closer we got – I just didn't know what to expect. But we eventually arrived and walk in  ready to fight the darkness that surrounded the casino. The casino was just like something you would see in the States, with big flashing lights, alcohol flowing and people dressed up to party. It felt like I was right back in college, everyone was laughing and having a good time. Girls were out to impress and guys were out with their intentions of what the night would hold for them. Even though part of me wants to never compare the two, I can see similarity in the darkness of underlying emotions and actions. What reminded me I was in Panama was the fact that everyone spoke Spanish and there were girls walking around in their skimpy dresses looking for business that night. Along with security guards and pimps watching their every move and everyone who was interacting with them. Lets just say, our group very much stood out!

Not only we were nervous but our hearts were heavy.  My heart seemed to have broken in half just seeing what seemed like a normal bar but knowing the darkness that was crawling everywhere. We split into groups, mine being David, Liz, Moriah and myself and we walked around for a bit, probably looking ridiculous with our flowers and verses in hand. And it seemed like every time we started approaching someone, she would look or walk away or she would be surrounded by people.

I was feeling pretty useless at this point, so the four of us sat down and just prayed. For open eyes, willing hearts, and boldness. And God gave us just that.  As we got up to keep wondering around, these two girls were walking by themselves in our direction! It was definitely a God thing, and even though it was an awkward Hola!, we were able to start a conversation. I told them, "Hey we were just praying and saw you girls and wanted to let you know that we love and God loves you." Even though they looked surprised at first, after they read the verses we had handed them, one of them looked up and told us that it meant so much to her. She said the day before she had felt like there was no hope. But now after what we had said and given her, she felt like there was hope again.

Wow. God is incredible. 

She then opened up to us and told us that she and her friend were from Colombia and she had been working there for two months and her friend for a week. They both needed to provide money for their families back home and this was the way they felt they could. We asked if they would leave this life and do something else if they could, and they said of course. They didn't want to be there, but they felt as though they didn't have any options. 

As hopeless as that sounds, I still thank God for the opportunity to speak and give them courage. To share love with them and to pray with them. I can't fix all the worlds problems, I can't even begin to. But I can share my love and God's love and just pray that He has a bigger plan for their lives. He holds their hearts and has the power to work miracles. So pray for a miracle.