A visit from Sunil*

I've been computer-less this week (I am typing this at our public library).  Over the weekend, a techno-savvy friend has been trying to determine if our computer can be saved.  Hopefully, even if it is dead, my recent documents and recent photos can be saved . . .

I wanted to tell you about Sunil*, who was visiting from a large city in India.  He orchestrates rescue operations for girls trafficked in the red light district in his city.  He's been in our city for one month, and took time to speak to my ministry team about his work.

I don't mention it often on our blog, but I lead a ministry in our city that serves women who work in the local s*x industry.  We were able to listen to Sunil's life story and hear how rescue operations are conducted in his organization.  He was born into the red light district himself, as his mother and an aunt worked there.  When he became a Christian in his late teens, Sunil felt that God had placed him in a unique position to help women, especially minors, escape the degradation and enslavement that was forced upon them. 

He is an incredible man of God, serving out of his own past woundedness.  It was fascinating to hear how he gathers information about girls who are literally hidden away, works with the police to organize rescues, and gets the girls to a safe place where they receive counseling, receive an education, attend Bible studies, learn a trade so they can support themselves, and have time to heal from the trauma they've endured.

Please keep Sunil in your prayers.  His work is very dangerous, and can be discouraging because he knows they are only able to help a small number of the girls who are being exploited every day.  In the face of those realities, his dedication and relentless willingness to help are all the more amazing. 

*name changed for his safety