This year the monthly banquet we hold (Father’s Love Banquet) to bless the women working in the red light district grew immensely. There were over 250 attendees this year, all individuals currently involved with the sex trade. The banquets are a step in building trust for the girls, and a part of teaching that escape is possible. We visit with them weekly on the avenue where they prostitute, however the banquet is an opportunity to really demonstrate their value is far higher than a client’s price tag.
Along side the banquets, we began a discipleship group for women who have already left the sex industry. You can watch a testimony about the banquets and discipleship program below.
Many of the women who end up in prostitution grow up in local slums where there are few options for employment. We work regularly in these communities providing encouragement and resources to the people who live here. Many attend our church on Monday nights, and the children come weekly for a game day. This year we also began a discipleship group in the slums that greatly served to unify the community. Besides this, our ministry there grew to include a chocolate making course for mothers (see Oct post for more info).