On Christmas: Darkest Night of the Year

Darkest Night of the Year. It’s the title of Over the Rhine’s Christmas album, but the words themselves seem to be the mantra to which I walk as I pass in and out of brothel doors. Every time I enter these places, I have let my eyes adjust to the dim red glow of the interior; I have tried to block out the mixed smell of alcohol, sex and urine; I have swallowed the never-dulling shock and disgust of passing an exiting client as I make my way toward one of my friends. Tonight somehow feels different, darker in a way that didn’t seem possible before…

La Noche Más Oscura del Año

Al son de “Noche de paz” cantamos: “Noche de amor, noche de paz.” Se siente casi irónico. ¿Cómo puedo cantar al amor y la paz en este lugar donde se profanan las más bellas expresiones de amor…

Broken Glass

June 2006

Living in Bolivia sometimes feels like my grandparent’s house. Bolivians save everything, because anything can be fixed. A few weeks ago one of our staff asked me about a broken plate of glass we had been holding in storage. “I think it’s still there,” I replied, learning a few days later the reason for her question.

Update

April 2005

Myths About Prostitution• Women who prostitute want to prostitute.• Women who prostitute love sex.• Women who prostitute are lazy and just want easy money.• Women who prostitute make a lot of money and are wealthy.• A woman who prostitutes will do anything, with anyone for money.• A woman who prostitutes has no morals and cannot be trusted.• Most in prostitution began prostituting to support their drug addiction.• Legalizing prostitution would reduce its harm.• A prostitute cannot be raped.• You can tell a woman who prostitutes by her clothing.• Once a prostitute, always a prostitute.

January 2005

September 2003

May 2002

We have an important prayer request we'd like to share with you.

May 2002

Well after months of research and prayer, we have finally decided on our ministry focus: sexually exploited women and children. It is estimated that 800-2,000 girls are currently working in El Alto, where we live. Sixty percent are believed to be underage. However, we have not found a single group, church, or mission agency working with this population.

October 2001

September 2001

“When we walk around in a strange [environment], speaking the language haltingly, and feeling out of control and like fools, we can…learn that our true value as human beings has its seat far beyond our competence and accomplishments…” ¡Gracias! A Latin American Journal Henri Nouwen

August 2001

March 2001

In the account of the adulterous woman, Jesus reminded me, "I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Sin hardens our hearts and limits our ability to love God and others. As we seek to minister among the broken, our prayer is that we not overlook our own brokenness and corruption. Please pray for us, as we love those who He has called us to serve.