We met at the Monte Christo House and had a time of fellowship at which time we got to know the other volunteers who come out weekly to participate. We sang a few songs (thanks to our Elliot for playing the guitar) and then headed out in the van. The goal of the night was to bring love and hope to the streets, targeting the prostitutes. At first, it felt like a covert operation. We drove around and then pulled over in a discreet location when we saw a woman on the streets. A couple of women would go talk to her and offer her food and prayer. We alternated who would go out so that all of us had a chance to experience this. I was amazed at how open the women were to share their stories. Often, a pimp would be nearby watching and would make his way over, at which time a couple men would go talk with him. Even the men were open to share their experience and “story.”
I’m not sure that team members will ever forget the faces of those with which they spoke or the sound of the voices telling of their pain.
Personally, at first I was indifferent past the emotion of knowing it is “unfortunate” that they are out on the streets. I have a strong moral code for myself which I’m proud of; however, I know at times when that code is not in check, it is easy to become judgmental of others.
As we drove around (and during many other moments on the trip), I realized a point from The Hole in Our Gospel book that I recently read several times, that the only thing that separates us is where we are born/the circumstances in which we are born. I began to think about the fact that I have the luxury to be there in the van on the streets serving because I was born in the United States into a supportive middle-class family who provided a strong foundation for me that enabled me to become who I am today. My parents were able to provide both basic needs and many luxuries. I have a great career that enables me to serve others and get a paycheck for it, but that foundation was also provided by my parents and a stable childhood. When I looked at some of the women, I imagined that SHE had been born to Cary & Peggy Jones. What if I had been born there into her circumstances? Would I be able to do anything differently with struggling to survive being homeless or abused and being able to rely on little or no family support? My heart began to break more and gratitude coupled with humility quickly set in.
Then, we arrived to meet the woman who is 9 weeks pregnant and working on the streets. Her pimp was actually her brother who looks out for her on the street. I think it is easy to cast judgment on the mothers on the street because they have another life they are responsible for. I began to wonder how far I would go to make sure my child is fed and has basic needs. Would I resort to the streets if I felt I had no other option? I hope not, but I began to see a mother’s love for her children in a different light.
So many women cried and expressed the desire to get off the streets. The ministry gives them information so they can be connected with someone who can try to help them. Ameaka and Jacques, as well as the rest of the team, remember them and encourage them again if they spot them the following week(s). What I loved about Ameaka is that she’ll stop anywhere she sees a woman, outside of “project time,” and ask her what her name is and give the woman her contact information. This even happened on the way to the airport when they were taking me for my departure.
At one point in the night, we were pulled over and a few team members were out of the van talking to a girl when the police pulled up—lights and all. Immediately I was wondering how I would explain being arrested in SA on a mission trip for soliciting prostitutes. The girl quickly ran away. The police gave a warning that they were watching her and using her as a decoy.
Another emotion that I faced on the project was one that I struggle with often ~ fear. We were in a shadier part of town and there was a group of men on the street. The plan was to get out of the van and walk the street for a bit but start by approaching this group. Well, I’m not one who is usually scared of being out in the city as I frequented some shady places in LA when I lived there but I generally stayed away from groups of men at night. I could just hear my mother’s voice and Southern drawl saying “Don’t go askin’ for trouble.” I was terrified to get out of the van. I thought it may be best to stay in the van and keep Ameaka company, as she was the driver and stayed in the van at all times. When my entire team jumped out enthusiastically, I decided it was “all for one” (well, right after I had a head shake and a *tsk tsk* moment because they had no idea where they were). I also thought of the Bible story of Jesus and the disciples when he asked Peter to get out of the boat and he doubted (Matthew 14:22-32 which I’ll post at the bottom). I thought about how many times I’m too nervous to “get out my boat.” So, out I went! I stayed huddled in the group avoiding the outskirts for the majority of time. We walked down the street, and I saw a large group of young men and women approaching. Instantly, the fear set in. I always say that God has a sense of humor, especially with my life. In fact, I think it’s his biggest source of entertainment (and he got several chuckles during this trip). When a couple guys approached us to talk, I noticed they were carrying Bibles. Church had just dismissed! It was fun meeting them. One of them sang a Christian song to us that he wrote—the funnier part was that it was to the tune of Akon’s “Right Now Nah Nah Nah.”
Overall, this project was the most challenging for me emotionally and spiritually as it revealed several things about myself as well as served to show a harsh reality of the community.
Requested items of prayer from this ministry include:
- That churches in Paarl would get involved in the STREET WOMEN PROJECT
The gang: (Ameaka on left, Jacques in the back middle)
The passage referred to in the blog:
Jesus Walks on the Water
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
