Love 146 does not use many pictures … brothels, safe homes, caregivers, pimps, children at risk etc … to tell their story. I have often wondered why more specific information on what they are doing and where is not available? Its a bit of a naive notion. To post pictures and give specifics is to put their partners, the children they are serving and themselves at risk. Beyond the fact that there is money to be made in exploiting children and the people who make that money will protect their ability to do so, there is something else less obvious. There is an active community of pedophiles who will use information found in places just like this to seek out new opportunities. A Love 146 partner on the ground told us that after a well publicized “Dateline NBC” story of a raid and subsequent arrests in brothels here in Phnom Penh that they actually experienced a rise in activity in the same area … the opposite effect of what you might think would happen.
Additionally we are asked not to take pictures of the children we see and meet. These are children have already been used for others gain. We wont do the same thing even if we think we are the good guys and that our end is justifiable. I will not be able to be as specific as I would like … I cannot show you the faces of the amazing people I am meeting. Yesterday I was surrounded by beautiful children who are living in and (perhaps starting to overcome) the most awful and unimaginable of circumstances … and some absolutely incredible people … Cambodians and westerners who are setting aside their own comfort and security to be here and make a difference … real life heros like I have never met before. So if you are frustrated by the lack of pictures … close your eyes and try to picture what hope looks like.
One thing I can do is try to dialogue with you so if you have questions or comments about what Im experiencing post them below and I will respond as I have internet access.
Matthew
Matt – Hope you are doing well – sounds like it. Your reports make me nauseaus – and we all know, not many things do that.
Proud of what you are doing there. – Your Bro.
PS – Yankees stink.
May Our God be with You in Grace, Peace, Compassion and Love as You continue to observe this Ministry Of Mercy, You are in my and all the Fam’s Prayers.
Matthew –
So encouraged that you are making your church community aware of this issue! I work with a non-profit organization, The SOLD Project, that recently completed a documentary about child prostitution in Thailand. Would love to share more about our work with you and see if this could be a tool in sharing your experiences with Love146.
We’ve gotten great feedback on the integrity of the film which makes me think you would appreciate it:
I just watched the SOLD dvd. For quality of production, creativity, and sharpness of content, for being powerfully poignant without in any way exploiting the pain of others, I’ve never seen anything so well done. Even more, though, I’m impressed with your creative approach, and the spirit of your endeavor. Thanks so much for letting me see your work. I hope our paths will cross in the future. God bless you in all your plotting of goodness.
BRIAN MCLAREN, Author of ‘A Generous Orthodoxy’
Thanks for creating awareness… abolition!
Rachel
Thanks Jason … I love you and will be checking to see how the Red Storm did today.
Thank you again Pasquale, your prayers mean the world to me.
Rachel, I know about your project … because Im traveling with Kristian Rose from Apostles Church in NYC. They became aware of Love 146 through us … we are fellow Acts 29 Churches. Kristian has been speaking highly of you and your work. I would love to see your film and talk about a screening in our area. I will be home on 4/30 and can be reached at matt@terranovachurch.org
Matthew