Annie and Jeff serve in Bangkok, a bustling metropolis of more than 10 million people. Annie works with NightLight Design Co. Ltd., a business-as-mission, which employs and empowers women affected by the sex trade in Bangkok. One of Jeff’s ministries is to serve as chaplain at NightLight.

Annie writes: When Nikki's husband died of a heart attack, leaving her with two young children, a friend told her she could get her a job in Bangkok as a companion to wealthy clients at great hotels with the opportunity to make a lot of money in a short period of time. Nikki was desperate for a way to support her two children. She left her home and family in Central Asia to try it out for a few months in Bangkok. She didn't realize until her first night in Bangkok that she would be prostituting, but by then it was too late. She didn't know it would turn into three years of hell.

Nikki hated it and was desperate to find a way out. A Thai customer took her in as his girlfriend but he turned out to be abusive and manipulative. She ran away to a hotel but he found out, called the police, and she was arrested and thrown into jail. Her passport had been stolen and she received no assistance. While in jail she met a woman who gave her our cell phone number. Nikki got out of jail and sent a text message, "Can you help me please?"

The guesthouse where she was staying was threatening to have her arrested if she didn't pay up that very night. We paid the bill and brought Nikki to our shelter. For the first time in three years she felt safe. She picked up the Bible in the room and as she began to read she cried. She had prayed to God for help and He had heard her cry.

Dignity Restored
Nikki came to us with just the clothes on her back. When she was arrested at the hotel they had kept her belongings. Two volunteers went to the hotel but the manager and staff refused to turn over Nikki's belongings unless she showed up in person. Nikki was much too frightened to do that.
 
Through a friend, we contacted a supportive high-ranking police official. In the morning, Nikki, and the two volunteers headed back to the hotel. Taken away initially in handcuffs, Nikki returned this time with a police escort of 6 bodyguards. One of the police had been there at her arrest. This time they marched in and demanded justice. The hotel staff jumped and immediately turned over Nikki's belongings. The very place where Nikki was arrested in shame became the place where God restored her dignity.
 
Nikki had to wait for her documents to come through. While she waited she joined the women at NightLight in making jewelry. When Nikki returned to her home and family in Central Asia she was equipped with a kit of jewelry making materials giving her hope for a better future.
 
God is near to the brokenhearted and the oppressed. God heard Nikki's cries; he rescued her and honored her in front of her oppressors.  (See Zephaniah 3:19-20)
 
 God's compassion and grace are sometimes overwhelming. Nikki is the 8th woman from Central Asia that has been rescued and sent home safely since August 2007. It is your support and prayers that makes this possible. As more women seek assistance to be rescued and restored the need and urgency for prayer will increase.
•    Pray for Annie and Jeff as they minister in the name of Jesus to women caught up in the sex trade in Bangkok. Pray for the God’s continuous infilling and for wisdom, faith and boldness.
•    Pray for the staff and volunteers who assist in the ministry 
•    Pray for their children: Jordan, student at Full Sail College (FL), Kristina, soon to begin Judson College (IL) , Skyler (14) and Chandler (11).