Chris and Sarah reflect on this year’s Easter outreaches in red-light areas.
“The Easter outreaches went very well and all the literature was very well received,” described Chris*. He sometimes provides transport for his wife Sarah* and other outreach workers, driving them from brothel to brothel and waiting while they go in to speak to ladies. OM workers Chris and Sarah serve with a partner organisation that supports women to find freedom from prostitution and rebuild their lives.
This Easter, small teams gave little gifts and cards to around 250 women in red-light areas of a capital city in Europe. The cards, designed by MediaWorks, shared a message of peace and hope in Jesus. As with previous publications created specifically for ladies in prostitution, it included contact details and a QR code to the Magdalena video. The film seeks to share the gospel with women and point them to the Saviour who changes lives.
“They just loved the card, loved the picture, and said they would watch the movie,” Sarah expressed. One young girl, who had previously received a different card with the same link, said she had already watched Magdalena many times and would view it again.
However, this year, terrible acts of aggression had occurred in brothels and on the street before and during the Easter outreaches. Sarah found that many women were experiencing higher levels of fear. “There is more violence, more fear, deeper talks,” she stated, summing up the outreaches.
In addition to deeper conversations, outreach workers are noticing an increase in individuals contacting them for help to leave prostitution. “Getting out is a long journey, and affordable places to live for the ladies are in short supply,” explained Sarah. “One co-worker is stretched to the limit to find solutions.” Since ladies often live in the brothels, gaining their own accommodation represents an essential step out of prostitution.
The dangerous environment and desperate situations, spurs the red-light ministry on in offering women support and giving hope of restoration. “There is a real need to keep reaching out,” emphasised Chris.
Please pray that women would come to know Jesus and ask Him to rescue them. Pray for courage to change their circumstances, provision for practical needs as well as healing and renewal. Pray for wisdom and stamina for outreach workers when offering long-term support.
*name changed