Did you know?

Prostitution in the Philippines is illegal, but it is often tolerated, and its approximately 800,000 sex workers ranks it fourth in the world, behind China (5 million), India (3 million), and the United States (1 million). But prostitution isn’t always a choice, as women and children from poor, rural communities are often exploited by human traffickers and enticed into urban areas for purposes of sex work and other forms of forced labor.

Sisters Angela* and Isa* were prostitutes in Manila. Having never completed a formal education, and with children to feed and support, the sisters found themselves there, in the country’s capital, eking out a living within the city’s dark—and illegal—sex trade.

But the sisters were desperate for a break, for a moment to breathe and spend time with their children without worrying about surviving another day. So, they packed up their families and traveled to the coast. They expected it to be a momentary reprieve, but the Lord had another plan for their lives.

A Vacation That Becomes Permanent

While the sisters embraced the relative quiet of a palm-tree and seascaped backdrop, missionaries local to the area were busy in their daily work of visiting with those they met, distributing Bibles, and sharing the gospel. When they came across Angela and Isa, they engaged the sisters in a conversation.

That conversation led to an evangelism encounter.

“They sincerely received the Word and understood fully that true salvation in Jesus Christ creates change.”

“The teachers shared the gospel with them and discipled them in the Word of Jesus Christ,” the ministry leader later said. “Grace by God, they sincerely received the Word and understood fully that true salvation in Jesus Christ creates change.” The women eagerly accepted the Bibles the missionaries gifted them, and there, during what was meant to be a quick vacation from their grim reality, they not only committed to leave Manila—and their lives of prostitution—for good, but they also surrendered their hearts to Jesus.

A New Start, A Bright Future

The missionaries took Angela, Isa, and their children under their wing. Soon, the sisters began to participate in the ministry’s livelihood program, which teaches vulnerable people trades to support themselves, such as sewing pillowcases, blankets, and dresses. The ministry also helped the sisters’ children with their schooling.

“Thank God for their transformation.”

“Before they came to know Jesus Christ, they were very busy earning a living,” the ministry leader said. “They didn’t even have time for their kids. Thank God for their transformation.” But now, because of the missionaries’ kindness, because of their willingness to go where the Lord led and to speak with whom He nudged them toward—these women and their families have a future bright with hope.

Your Assistance Supports Missionaries in Their Gospel Work

Missionaries such as those met by Angela and Isa are able to provide for the vulnerable and share the gospel with all they encounter because you help support them with their daily needs. Please pray their eyes will always be open to opportunities to share the love of Jesus. And please consider a donation today to assist them with their work.

*Names changed for security.