VISIT TO SOI COWBOY & PATPONG

We jumped in a taxi and headed down town to the red-light areas of Bangkok to pray. As we walked through these areas, bright lights and erotic signs flashed in our faces as scantily clad women and lady boys aggressively beckoned us to come to their establishments. The atmosphere was very evil and dark; nothing in sight glorified the name Jesus. People celebrated the darkness with drunkenness and every kind of sexual lust or fantasy you could think of. I could sense falsity in the love and intimacy being offered. The emptiness and loneliness has placed a choke-hold on the identities of the men who frequent these red-light areas. However, as we walk down these streets I refuse to believe that the love of God and the power of His grace lack the ability to transform any man’s heart, even in the middle of a dark red-light district like this. 

I sat slouched in the back of the taxi drinking a Starbucks as we headed back to our apartments later that night. We continued to pray and think, truly believing that pursuing these men is close to the heart of God. Our prayer is to know God intimately, to know how He views us as His Sons, and to know the truth about who we now are as redeemed men of God! We believe that knowing our true identities, accepting the love of God in our own lives, and walking in His freedom gives us the authority to speak into these men’s lives with boldness; in hopes to show them what they too, can become.

My hope is that these men would return to their wives and become husbands, return to their kids and become good fathers, and return to their communities and become examples.

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

The MST Project staff took a trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia over the weekend. We had a great time meeting new people and connecting with our friends there, despite only spending 24 hours total in the country. Even though our time was limited, we felt like we had a pretty productive trip. 

We were up and out the door around 5 AM Friday morning to catch the first flight out of Bangkok.

Upon arrival we had a meeting with a few local ministries who we partner with, which went great. Then, after lunch we conducted a training seminar. A training seminar's main purpose is to share the MST Projects's vision with those interested in who we are and what we do. This was the main focus of our trip to Cambodia, and it went great because the people who attended the seminar really understood and caught on to our perspective, vision, and our hearts for the project. I personally was thrilled about our time so far because this acted as my first official venture with the MST Project. After dinner and to end the training seminar we finished with a night of ministry in the red-light areas of Phnom Penh. 

I had mixed emotions. I felt tired from travelling, excited to do what I came to do, and a little nervous considering I had just arrived to the ministry two weeks ago without ever experiencing it firsthand before moving half way around the world. Although nervous, I had confidence knowing that The Lord was most pleased with my obedience to follow him into the "Heart of Darkness," and to be one of the few who will stand on the street corner to offer these men HOPE! Our two teams got to engage with quite a few men, talk to and listen to their stories. For me personally I didn't have the greatest night connecting like some of the others did, but I still love what I represent and do; even on a night where I might not realize just how powerful God was moving.

The night ended with intercession for the men we had just met. We arrived at our hotel around 2:30  AM, I was exhausted. Within seconds of hitting the pillow I was out cold only to wake up to anonymous wakeup call at 6:20 AM. Back up and at it, we were on the first flight back to Bangkok. 

We had a great trip. Thanks to all who were praying.

BEGINNINGS IN BANGKOK!

I have been in Bangkok for about three weeks now, and I must say I am starting to feel at home. Hartville, Ohio will always be where I am from, but I have started a new chapter of my life in Bangkok. In my last post: "The Lord is my Shepherd" I told you how I came to make this decision to move to Bangkok, and now, as I settle into this new place and into my new home, I will share with you the experiences of living on the other side of the world.

Staring out the window as my plane was making its final descent into lit up Bangkok, I felt as if the past year and a half spent planning made its way to fulfillment. Moving to the other side of the world alone may seem daunting and intimidating but I was filled with peace. I was confident because I had the word of the Lord; and that my friends, is all I need. When I arrived at my apartment late that night all I could do was pray and thank the Lord for bringing me here. Since arriving the past few weeks have been somewhat difficult. Rightfully so. It is easy to miss home especially when you just left your closest friends and family behind. However everyday I have the ability to think back and stand on what God has spoken to me.  I think back to the promises He has made me and all the growth I gained while preparing. I am encouraged by the Spirit of Truth because I know I am in the will of God for my life. Again, that fact is enough for me. I sense that I am at the beginning of great things here in Bangkok as I establish myself in my new home for years to come.

So far my time here has been focused on learning the language. I must say I enjoy the challenge of learning the Thai language and I feel as if I am picking it up rather quickly - it helps being fully submerged into the culture and having a great teacher. The MST Project is going well, too. We have had a lot going on in regards to logistics, training, and meetings. Actual ministry will start up shortly as we are still preparing, learning the different ministry locations, etc. 


We did visit one ministry location called Nana Plaza, which is a very popular tourist area for sexual services. The night we went, we met up with our friend Vashi. Vashi is an Indian man who runs a custom tailor shop with his wife. Above his store in the heart of the Red-Light District, his sign reads: JESUS IS LORD! I've only met him once, but I sense a great relationship in the making (who doesn't love Jesus and custom suits?). At night Vashi allows us to use his shop as our prayer center/ministry headquarters. So while at Nana Plaza we prayed blessings over him his wife and his business as well as prayer walking through the "three levels" of Nana Plaza.

Thanks for reading. The update about the MST Project trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia is coming shortly as well as our future trip to Wisconsin for the ICAP Conference in May.