Domestic Violence & Dancing

In Cambodia like many other countries domestic violence is an ongoing issue. I have read about husbands locking up their wives in their homes after beating them. Even in the brothel scene, women not only face violence from the 'johns' who visit them but some who are married have also experienced abuse from their husbands. Today our two teammates Marty and Joy presented a workshop on domestic violence. They shared their testimonies and you could here a pin drop as the girls were listening intently. For some the stories they heard hit very close to home. After the time of sharing, the girls were invited to join in on a dance to a simple song called 'Jesus, remember me'---it was probably one of the most anointed times as the girls got up and with an unusual unison, lifted their heads and hands upwards with their eyes in a heavenly gaze as they proceeded to use their hands to mirror the words of the song. It was as if the Spirit of the Lord was speaking to each of their spirits directly as the music was playing. Indeed it seemed as deep was speaking to deep.

When asked if they wanted to receive prayer, they all came up open to share their burdens and struggles with us and our translators. It was an incredible time of ministry with 4 translators assisting us as we prayed for the girls one at a time. One gal was led to the Lord and it was obvious to see her countenance change. We see God slowly building the heart to heart connections as we have begun to learn the names of the girls. This morning Tara got a list of all names of the girls and which business group they belong in. We are using this list during our morning intercession as we pray for all the needs of Daughters. But with each passing day as they become familiar with us and we with them, we are having a lot of fun. These past few days, the dance team has been playing a Bob Marley song called ‘No woman, no cry’---for some reason this song seems to resonate with the girls and so we all find ourselves dancing a little bit ‘chacouth’ or crazy. It has now become our ‘closing song’ at the end of each day and God has used this song to bring much laughter and joy to lives that have had little much to laugh about.