“If you get me a picture of Jesus, I will take my idols down and put Jesus on my wall instead. Jesus listens.”
*Note: Names and identifying details have been changed to respect the privacy of the individuals we serve.
Mali* has been working in the red-light district since she was in her twenties. When our team at อิลลูมิเนท first met her several years ago, she was lost, battling a severe addiction to alcohol, and living in a very dark place emotionally and spiritually.
For years, we consistently visited her at the bar, simply loving her and reminding her that she was not forgotten. Mali would occasionally visit the illumin8 center, but her struggles kept her at a distance. However, a breakthrough began with her child. A few years ago, Mali came to us and shared that her daughter wanted to learn about Jesus. We immediately connected her daughter with the TawSaeng Project, where she has been attending and thriving ever since.
Seeing her daughter’s joy, Mali began coming to the illumin8 center more frequently, even as she continued to wrestle with her addiction.
A Breakthrough in the Presence of God
Sometimes, in ministry, you wonder if you are making an impact—but God is always working beneath the surface.
In October, illumin8 hosted our first Saturday morning worship service. Mali showed up heavily intoxicated. Rather than turning her away, our team simply held her, loved her, and let her rest in the safety of the center.
During one of the worship songs, an image of Jesus praying appeared on the presentation screen. Suddenly, Mali jumped up and shouted, “I want one of those!”
After the song, with tears streaming down her face, she explained what she meant. “If you get me a picture of Jesus, I will take Buddha down and put Jesus on my wall instead. Jesus listens.” Even in her broken, intoxicated state, the Holy Spirit had pierced through the haze, reminding her that Jesus is a God who hears the cries of the hurting.
We joyfully framed a picture of Jesus for her. True to her word, she hung it on her wall—a fact confirmed by several other women from the bars who proudly told us they have seen the picture in her room and love it.
Generational Impact
The ripple effects of God’s love are reaching across Mali’s entire family. Recently, our team stepped in to help Mali’s daughter complete the complex paperwork required to get a passport so she can move overseas to live safely with her father.
Through this process, the father sent a heartfelt message to our team. He shared that the impact of illumin8 and TawSaeng on both Mali and his daughter has been monumental. He noted that both mother and daughter now frequently talk to him about Christianity, and he expressed deep gratitude that our ministries are in their lives.
God is actively tearing down idols, healing families, and answering the prayers of those who have felt unheard for far too long.