During special Easter outreaches to women in red light areas, outreach workers go in the knowledge that Jesus is with them and His resurrection power gives hope, strength and life.
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4 (NKJV)
“Before we go out to speak to women on the street and in brothels, we always pray the verse, which says: ‘Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world,’” shared OM outreach worker Sara*. “It’s a declaration that the light of Jesus in us is stronger than the darkness we go into.”
Sara and OM partners held on to this truth during special Easter outreaches in Central Europe. Small outreach teams talk to ladies each week; however, on this occasion they sought to reach more women, bringing gifts to over 750 individuals. They offered Easter eggs together with a leaflet, which communicates the hope found in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. The leaflet was designed by OM EAST’s literature and media ministry and written specifically for those in red light areas.
“The ladies definitely received our gifts happily and we had quite a lot of personal talks,” reflected Sara. “It was hard work, but God gave us strength.”
In one brothel, Sara found Janka* alone. Sara has known Janka for years, but, for the first time, they were able to have a deeper conversation without being watched. “I came to faith through the literature you gave me,” Janka told Sara, sharing some of her journey from the past few years. “Later, in my despair, I called to Jesus; I asked Him to help me and He heard me.” Janka felt Jesus’ presence and she received strength and hope. Since then, she has taken steps towards being able to leave prostitution. “I believe in God—He is real and obviously leading me,” she added.
“It was special to meet Janka,” said Sara. “Usually it is a long road for individuals leaving prostitution because they are traumatised and there are many consequences. The Holy Spirit needs to, and can, help them—we have seen this happen.”
“For people coming out of prostitution who were not protected from many things, there is a lot more to deal with from the past,” considered OM worker Simon, who designed the leaflet. “But it’s like all of us who come to faith; we decide to follow Jesus and then the process of growing starts, like a plant that needs watering and nurturing.”
Sara and her colleagues continue to speak to ladies, build trust and give them contact details. “Relationship is key in helping healing take place—that’s why we do what we do,” she said. Recently Sara gave her name, and phone number to Nadia*, pronouncing her name clearly. “No,” Nadia replied. “Your name is ‘mama’,” and proceeded to type “mama” into her phone.
“Even though we don’t see it, we know Jesus is in us,” said Sara, referring again to the verse of Scripture. “It is His kindness, friendliness, love and life reflected in us to those we meet.”
Praise God that in Him there is light, strength and hope! Give thanks that Jesus hears prayer and responds to people in their time of need. Please pray Janka and others will experience God’s provision in enabling them to find freedom.
*name changed