Asia (PNS/MNN) ― As the global market expands, so too do the problems that come about as development steamrolls over young women.
For many, the way to escape poverty is to be part of the sexual and labor exploitation. Some join voluntarily; others are tricked into it. And still others are sold into being trafficked.
Ministries like PIONEERS are working to provide another avenue for these women. Beyond Brothels started when Amanda, a PIONEER in Asia, felt called to serve the many women trapped in the sex trade.
Beyond Brothels offers these women an alternative: to make and sell jewelry for a living while being ministered to in Christian love. That's one avenue of vocation.
However, PIONEERS wanted to offer more. Not everyone is interested or good at making jewelry. The ministry is now looking at baking.
A team that has started a bakery is reaching out to trafficked women, offering them an alternative vocation and teaching them to bake. They're looking for women who want to help teach the chemistry of the kitchen, shoulder-to-shoulder with women who have decided to leave the sex industry.
Baking provides an opportunity to make these women feel special. It's a fantastic way to bond with these women and provide the opportunity to work together towards a common goal. It opens up avenues for communication through discussion, questions and answers, and opportunities to talk about the Gospel. Aside from learning a valuable skill, the women also find spiritual mentoring and friendship.
The local team is running three cafes and is looking for those who have the flexibility to assist where needed with a desire and burden to reach out to women in the red light district.
In other words, this project is aimed at educating women--empowering them with the knowledge needed to support them and improve their quality of life.
