This blog post is going to give you a glimpse into what has been heavy on my heart for the past year. I wasn’t expecting to encounter this here in Bougouni, but it’s here and very close…
A few nights ago we (my team and I) were giving our presentation about what we have observed in the culture to one of our professors. She mentioned that many things can go unnoticed when trying to observe what is happening around us. She then told us that earlier that evening she was at the gate (we live on a gated/walled compound) with Uncle Joseph and a woman walked by, greeted Uncle Joseph and continued walking. Well, we live off of a major road that goes through town so many trucks stop and park in front of the compound for the night to sleep. The woman walked around the truck like she was just passing by, but Uncle Joseph noticed that she went around to the back of the truck to where the driver was sleeping in a tent. He said, “This is the problem, she greeted me so she pretended she was just passing by, but really this man has called her to come.” When our professor started the story I had no idea that it was leading to THIS. There is prostitution happening right outside of our gate? Across the wall that I can easily look over from our backyard? This news took me off guard and I had to force myself to keep it together. We finished our presentation and then I went off to another building so I could be alone. There was such a heaviness on my chest. I was overwhelmed and confused. I wanted to pray but could do nothing but cry. I felt completely wrecked and helpless. Earlier that morning I was reminded when reading in Romans 8 that “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.” Even though I had no words, the Spirit was interceding on my behalf and on behalf of those women and the men as well.
I think what was most overwhelming was that it is becoming reality. I have read many books, read blogs, heard stories, and even presented on this issue, but had not actually encountered it until now. This is a worldwide problem, no country is without it or immune to it, it’s everywhere. I feel as if this was a “garden moment” for me. I just finished reading a biography of Amy Carmichael and she explained that she had a vision of the Lord weeping and praying for the children (she ran a home that took in girls who were committed to being temple prostitutes). Elisabeth Elliot, who wrote the book said, “She knew it was the Lord, praying there in the garden for the children. So the burden was His, not hers. She need not ask Him to share it with her. He was asking her to share it with Him, to search with Him for the lost lambs.” I believe that God is sharing His burden with me for these women who are forced into this, who are trapped, who are so desperate that this seems to be the only means of survival. They need to know their worth and their value in Him.
I don’t know where this will lead me but I am trusting in His guidance and waiting on Him. For the time being I am going to focus on being here in Mali
“Wherever you are - be all there.”
Jim Elliot
“God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him.”
Jim Elliot
