Sex workers special guests
On Valentine's Day in 2019, FEBA (Far East Broadcasting Association) Philippines' radio station in Davao, DXFE, celebrated its anniversary with unusual guests—a group of sex workers. "The Lord placed them on my heart," recalled Magnolia, the station manager. "He impressed upon me that these prostitutes must feel so excluded, especially on Valentine's Day."
The team invited a group of these women as special guests and encouraged listeners to donate clothes, makeup, and other gifts. They hosted a special dinner, gave them roses and Bibles, and shared the story of Rahab, the courageous prostitute of Jericho who saved two Hebrew scouts and became an ancestor of Jesus.
This was the beginning of the Blessing Rahab program.
There are more than 4,000 registered sex workers in the city of Davao. Due to limited resources, the Blessing Rahab team focuses its ministry on just one street in the city, where they invite 20-30 women to attend seminars. Here, they learn skills such as meat processing or making herbal oils and ointments, which can help them earn a living in a different way. The practical approach is only one aspect of these gatherings.
"We hand out Bibles and share Jesus' love with them in tangible ways," says Magnolia. "We also pray with them and encourage them to share their burdens and problems with us. We make no promises that we can solve their problems, but we offer them a shoulder to cry on and a sympathetic ear. More importantly, we point them to Jesus. We make it a priority to help them understand that Jesus' love is inclusive."
Although Blessing Rahab does not have a dedicated radio program, it is discussed during other broadcasts. The team invites listeners to participate in the program by donating their time and resources without prejudice, and they are welcome to attend special events featuring the Blessing Rahab women as guests.
Since launching the Blessing Rahab program, Magnolia says, they have learned to love people unconditionally. "At first, we were shocked by how they spoke, how they behaved, and how they dressed, but we learned to love them and (literally) embrace them. We cry with them and hold their hands like sisters."
The team's efforts have made an impact on the Blessing Rahab women. One of them shared: "In their eyes, we are people, not trash. They pray for me to be a good person and for my companions as well. They help you, give advice, check in to see how you are doing and whether you have any problems, and provide support. Many thanks to DXFE radio station, for providing for us and helping me."
When I read this touching story, it reminded me of a song by Steve Camp:
Don't Tell Them Jesus Loves Them
Oh, the suffering souls
Crying out for love
In a world that seldom cares
See the hungry hearts
Longing to be filled
Much more than our prayers
And a young girl sells herself
On Seventh Avenue
And you hear her crying out for help
"My God, what will we do?"
Don't tell them Jesus loves them
Till you're ready to love them too
Till your heart breaks from the sorrow
And the pain they're going through
With a life full of compassion
May we do what we must do
Don't tell them Jesus loves them
Till you're ready to love them too
And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” John 8:11
Chris Erasmus
De Doorns
072 228 5760
chriserasmus17@gmail.com
