Austins in Thailand

Recently I visited with new friends at the Garden of Hope in Chiangmai, Thailand (Gardenofhopeasia.org). The Garden of Hope seeks to serve and ministry to women and children at risk or involved in prostitution. It’s difficult work. We had a conversation about stereotypes and being true representatives of love. . .

The ministry of the Garden of Hope is not one of sensationalizing the situation but one of incarnational, day-by-day, work and love. I was impressed that despite the heart breaking work, there were no signs of despair or anger. I asked what they thought of the men who came to use the women. Their response was the same response I believe we would receive from Jesus, “They need love too. They need healing as well. They are God’s lost children also.” We discussed the need to remove barriers and stereotypes. Nothing is black and white. Instead of labeling, which is the easy thing to do, we should instead be true representatives of love.

The people at the Garden of Hope reminded me that we are all - everyone of us - God’s children, made in his image, in need of love and healing regardless of our situation.

I want to be a true representative of love.