"There Are More Important Things in Life"

 

Matt, Diane, "Maria", Ana and Evan

I have not been posting as many updates on our blog during our 6-week TREK7 intern program as I normally do.  With 9 people living in the mission house, the internet speed has been extremely slow.  As well,  we've been keeping ourselves very busy as we focus on human trafficking during the World Cup.  

We've been going into a red light district and other places of prostitution.  One of these areas is extremely close to our home here in Rio, and I'd like to share an encouraging story from last night.

Jeff and I, along with our 6 TREK7 interns, had the privilege to walk alongside one of our Brazilian partners from a nearby church as we shared the love of Christ to those we met on the street.

We encountered 3 transvestite prostitutes only a few blocks from our home here in Recreio and were able to share the gospel with them and pray for them.  Normally, transvestites don't want their picture taken, but our new friend "Maria" (not his real name) wanted us to take some photos, so our Brazilian partner, Regina, did so. 

Last evening, we spoke with these three men for 1 hour and a few things regarding our conversations stood out to our team.

First, when asked what makes him happy, Maria's first response was "respect."  This is how God created men.  Men are created with a strong desire to be respected.  Women are created with a strong desire to be loved.  Although he is portraying himself as a woman on the outside, God created him as a man.

The second thing that brought us joy was the fact that after talking to Maria for about 30 minutes, a car approached to offer him "work" and he declined.  He continued to want to speak with us for another half an hour!

After he declined this proposition for work I asked Maria why he chose to continue speaking to us rather than turn his next trick, he responded, "Diane, there are more important things in life than just making money".  We were astounded by this response!  He was obviously enjoying our conversation and didn't want it to end!  I believe completely that he was feeling the unconditional love of Jesus Christ through our words and he did not feel condemned or judged by us.  In fact, he said that he looks forward to speaking with us in the future!

Jeff and I are praying about returning regularly to this area with Regina and further these new friendships.  Please pray for God to use these nights to bring Himself glory through the salvation of many!  

Pray as well, that God will put a team together to most effectively work with these men and women in prostitution.  We have learned so much from working with our Brazilian partner, CENA, in Sao Paulo!  Yet, these is so much more that we need to learn!
 
Please pray for continued divine appointments for us and our TREK7 team as we strive to fight against human trafficking and lift the name of Jesus higher than soccer during the 2014 World Cup!

Amazed by His works,

Diane and Jeff