Arriving at the cafe where we’ll have a time of food and fellowship together before returning to the upper rooms of ‘Chab Dai’ for a deeper time of spiritual preparation, I instantly sensed strong bonds having already been built with some that I had met during our trial run with MST Project in early March, and new comers who came to join us for this our first official outreach of the new MST Project Cambodia. The bonds were formed in part because of the one ideal that we all share in common; to lessen and if possible; eliminate all together the need for Cambodia’s women and girls (boys too) to work as prostitutes on the streets and brothels of Phnom Penh, by reaching out to men who are otherwise despised by most, with the gospel of Christ. The message that there is a love that is much greater than that which they seek by using a person who may very well be complying against her will.
Other bonds were formed during our time of accountability and prayer for one another, where after splitting up into gender specific groups, we shared our fears, failings, and struggles with one another. This particular night revealed a commonality in the tools Satan uses to hinder men from going forward with the work given to us by our Savior Jesus, who is building his kingdom in Cambodia, but especially evident was his attacks on those who are called to this ministry in particular. The end of this time together instilled in me a greater enthusiasm to ‘hit the streets’ knowing what we’re about to do must be significant enough in His kingdom work to warrant such attacks by the enemy.
After a quiet van ride together to the site where we would be having conversations with men who are most likely ‘looking for sex’, we picked a spot on the side of the road near a popular night club called ‘Heart of Darkness’, setting up a table, attaching to it a sign with a lone ‘question mark’ painted on it’s face. It was only a few minutes later that each of us (I and five other team members) were engaged in conversations that began with a survey about prostitution in Cambodia, eventually leading to events in their own lives that led them to this place. Though there were no crosses visible, not a bible in sight, and no one wearing white (that I can remember), one man approached the table with the question; “Is this about Jesus?” As I engaged in conversations with men that I believe our Lord had brought to us that evening, the effects of the ‘hot season’ and still air without breeze, caused me to sweat to the point that my shirt was almost soaked through. Two of our team members who were momentarily uninvolved in conversation, bought some water at market close to where our table was set up, for some much needed refreshment. The conversations continued.
The man that I had spent the most time with was from France. A cyclist, he had recently arrived in Phnom Penh from Vietnam and would be heading up to Siem Reap in the next few days, but has been living in Southeast Asia for over a year. Like many, his only knowledge of Christ was from his religious background, and at this point though he believed in God, was not sure about Jesus or other stories from the Bible he had learned about as a child. God lead me to focus the conversation on the difference between religion and an actual relationship with our Creator, which I have had since asking Christ into my heart 38 years ago. By the time our conversation had come to a close (nearly one hour later), the man had allowed me to lay my hand on his shoulder and pray that soon Jesus would reveal Himself to this guy in a way that would be undeniable, as He has done many times in my life as well. He left, thanking me for taking the time to hear his heart and thanking all of us for being out there that night. I heard that same sentiment being echoed by others who left conversations with different team members, even one who said; “I’d rather be out here talking to you ‘churchy people’ than in one of these bars around here”.
As our van picked us up, at least one conversation had to be cut short. It was now after 1:00 am, and the activity in our chosen ‘red light’ district was much louder and livelier than when we had arrived shortly after 10:00 pm. We returned to the upper rooms for a time of reflection and prayer, and to join with team members who graciously stayed behind to pray for those of us who felt led to minister on the streets. Did we make a difference? Was anyone’s heart changed to the point of leaving their life of participation in Cambodia’s ‘sex trade’ so that fewer women would be needed; thus fewer abductions, enslavements, and abuses would now be taking place? There was no evidence of that, at least from my stand point, but I believe what God’s word says; “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
Also I remember that somewhere in the state of Wyoming there is a man who handed me a comic book in 1972, that changed my life and many others who God has ministered to through me, who never knew the effects of our short conversation together. In all, I am excited about MST Cambodia’s ministry and looking forward to future evenings in the ‘red light districts’ of Phnom Penh, and what God will accomplish through everyone’s obedience and willingness to serve. This is ‘just the beginning’.
Written By: John Y.
(John Y. is one of MST Project Phnom Penh’s committed volunteers)
