In the beginning of 2011, I decided to join a weekly outreach to prostitutes in one of Cape Towns suburbs.
This article is not an expert analysis of the problem or related issues it is the personal learning experience of a novice in outreach ministry.
Taking the initial decision and step to become actively involved was the difficult part. I had to overcome my personal inhibitions, mainly being afraid of exposing myself to unfamiliar and probably uncomfortable situations. But after listening to a speaker from Straatwerk, an organisation that equips the church to reach and restore women in prostitution, I felt moved to support and join this group. They needed men to partner the teams of two to three female members (mainly for protection and support), that directly engage the prostitutes on the streets. I felt I could not ignore the request for assistance.
One of the first questions I asked was how successful is the outreach? How many converts have they had; what are the statistics? I soon learned that it does not work that way. Although there have been instant conversions, albeit very few, mostly it is the proverbial seed of the gospel that is sown in the heart of the person, which after considerable time in some individuals, starts to grow.
A typical case in point is the story of a male prostitute who was once handed a cup of coffee late at night with a slightly awkward and simple Jesus loves you. A few years later he decisively broke with the lifestyle and also went for drug rehabilitation. He cited that one incident as the main reason he decided to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
A typical outreach evening consists of the group coming together at a local church for preparation. We share updates, discuss issues of concern or note and then pray for the evenings outreach. Thereafter the teams will take to the streets (so to speak), each team consisting of at least one male together with two or three female members, covering a designated area. In engaging and talking to these women, cards with inspiring scriptures and contact details and sometimes related literature will be handed out, as well as little gifts. These are usually sweets, but often also items of clothing (especially in winter). The teams meet together again at a set time and all the contacts are recorded. Discussion on the contacts follows and the evening is concluded with prayer.
I was surprised to find that the vast majority of the women are willing to talk if they are approached positively. They share their life stories and problems and appreciate the genuine interest and concern. In some cases they are willing to pray together with the team and sometimes even request prayer.
Sin enslaves us
What is so clearly evident to me is the misery in which these women find themselves. Sin and its consequences play havoc in their lives. Many if not most come from dysfunctional families and backgrounds poverty, sexual abuse and drugs are most often mentioned. The power of sin to enslave is obvious and although the majority express the need to break out of the lifestyle (sometimes in tears), they simply cannot make the break, or repeatedly fall back into the lifestyle when they do. On average an individual who has left prostitution will have seven relapses.
Many of them feel they have sinned so grievously that they are beyond salvation that God simply cannot love them anymore. They feel completely unworthy and helpless against the destructive pulls of prostitution and the other causative factors in their lives and express having lost all hope. The experienced team leaders I work with state that through the years they have found that it is only Jesus Christ who can work complete and radical change. There are various other approaches and methodologies, but it is only Jesus who can fill and cure the deep and painful void in their lives.
I have met some of these women and stand amazed when they tell me their life stories and their conversions. From their accounts it was never easy nor quick, but the spiritual healing, intense commitment, rekindled hope and love are clearly evident. I count myself privileged to know them and see the evidence of Jesus Christs soul transforming power.
Staying motivated
I have to work at staying motivated and maintaining regular participation in the weekly outreach. After the initial momentum wears off, other demands for ones time and energy start to compete, especially after a hard day at the office or on a cold, rainy evening. However, I am always struck at how blessed one feels after an evening of outreach, even when starting off in a personally unmotivated state. No single night on the streets is the same as the next, and every one presents with some new experience.
Being part of a multi-denominational outreach team has had unexpected benefits. I have made new acquaintances and friends who are very supportive, had the opportunity to undergo formal training by knowledgeable and experienced professionals, and have become part of the overall energy of an outreach ministry with many events and members.
What I have related is a small part of my personal experience and observations. There is much more to this outreach ministry to prostitutes, especially in the follow-up, rehabilitation and development work, where other teams are involved.
As the instruments of God we represent Jesus Christ to those people whom we reach out to in his name. It is a very sobering reality and can only be genuinely achieved with his power. I have learned that Jesus Christ is the only Soul Physician. As the Bible tells us in 1 Peter 2:25, we are all like sheep that have gone astray, but when we turn to Jesus Christ, we return to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.
The bottom line is that Jesus loves all these women. He even declared that the tax collectors and prostitutes would enter the Kingdom of Heaven before the Pharisees of his time (Matthew 21:31). As part of this ministry, I am privileged to be an instrument of Jesus love..
If you would like to learn more about Straatwerk, you can visit the website www.straatwerk.org.za.