A Life Changing Conversation

October of last year, I had a life changing conversation with the first girl whom I had ever met, who was involved in the commercial sex industry. Her name is Kami, and I met her through dialing her phone number from an on-line ad. I was very nervous and fearful of rejection, when I dialed her number. She answered the phone and, by the Lord’s grace, she didn’t hang up on me when I told her who I was, and that I wanted to meet with her. She then surprised me even more, when she said that she would meet me at a public location in Dallas, a local Starbucks.

When Kami drove up to Starbucks and got out of her car, I immediately knew that it was her! She stood out in her appearance, clothes, make-up and all. She claimed to be 19 years of age. We talked for several hours and, believe it or not, we laughed and cried together too! She had a history of low self-esteem, and she had gotten involved in a bad relationship with her boyfriend, who told her that she would exchange sexual services for money, in order to help with finances. Through this conversation, she found out that he was not really her boyfriend, but a pimp with whom she had become involved.

During our time together, she showed me, on her body, where her pimp had "branded" her with a tattoo of his name and other symbols of ownership. These tattoos were a reminder to Kami that she was the property of her pimp, and it also let other men and pimps know that she was taken. She described her life as one of a slave. She was told daily what she was to do, including what she would wear, where she would go and what kind of posture and eye contact she was allowed to make around other men.

For the life of me, I couldn’t believe that this young American girl had allowed herself to be put into this horrible situation. I asked Kami if she had ever tried to leave her pimp and leave the life of prostitution. She responded, saying that she had just run away from her pimp and that it was not easy to leave her situation. Her pimp would physically abuse her, and if she tried to leave, he would also use daily tactics of control, intended to prevent her from becoming independent.

Kami and I also talked about God, and how much He loves her. I explained that He hated the sin and injustice that was in Kami’s life. We talked about how God wants a relationship with her, and that He is crazy about her. She wanted to believe God’s truth, but there were so many barriers in her life. Her barriers were not the same barriers that you and I face on a daily basis, but I am sure that you and I can both relate to feeling so overwhelmed by trials, that you wonder if God is really there in the midst of all the mess.

As Kami’s and my conversation was coming to a close, I gave her a phone number where she could reach me. I told her about several services that I could offer to her to get help, and I prayed for her before we parted. Kami was very grateful, but I knew that it was going to take God’s work in her life for that help to be substantial.

After meeting Kami, I was much more aware of how some girls get involved in the life of exploitation for money. It was sad, but it also gave me the knowledge, that I needed to continue in ministering to these girls...all of them.

I also became so much more aware of God’s heart for Kami and for all the others out there who are desperate for God's love and our help. God loves these girls so much more than I do, and I know that the only reason I have a heart and a desire to minister to them, is because it was His desire first. He has just allowed me to be a part of His plan. God continues to build my testimony daily, as I see his work in my life and the life of these girls.

God is continually connecting me with people who are interested in hearing more about these girls, and how they can help. I welcome the opportunity to get together with you, your friends, community group or church to discuss these things.