Our flight from Beirut to Istanbul took just over an hour but it will be memorable.
We sat near the window with an extra seat to my left. A beautiful teenage girl slipped in next to me, rather tentatively and we said bon jour and merhabah. She spoke Arabic and French and held a newly issued Togolese passport in her hands. If you don’t know where Togol is, it’s okay, neither did I.
I asked if she was alone and she said no, she was travelling with the Ambassador to New York. They were bound for New York where she would be working for him, her master, she said.
I noticed her lovely long fingers and a shiny gold ring with a large stone. The quality was something you might find at Walmart but she wore it with pride and I knew the feeling of it was unfamiliar because she twirled it around and around like a newlywed on her honeymoon. She wore new clothing, brand new leather shoes and a silver necklace with an irradescent stone. When I asked where the Ambassador was she said he was in the first class section of the plane.
The pieces gradually began to fall into place. I was looking into the face of 21st century human trafficking. It was not the time for tears and so I prayed with all the energy I could muster and offered her, who was not mine to offer, to my God who is compassionate and full of mercy.
We laughed over her knitting attempts with my current project and when we reached Istanbul, she wrapped her arms around me, gathered her things, turned and blew me a kiss. Sweet little lamb.
Saafat is joining the hundreds of young women who are sold as modern day slaves to feed the insatiable appetite of the world’s largest industry. That’s right. Pornography is the vehicle, selfishness and lust are the drivers and Saafat is an innocent passenger who is about to find herself on the most terrifying ride of her life.
I gave her the phone number for the USA human trafficking hotline and told her if she ever needs help to call. I also gave her the section I tore out of John’s gospel about the woman caught in the act who experienced the compassion and gentleness of Jesus.
How I wish I could have done more.
Heartbreaking, Sandi…It sounds like you’re experiencing what an old hymn said, “Let my heart be broken for a world in need…” Praying for you.
During my morning prayers the day or so before we left on this trip I felt God asking me if I were willing to let my heart be broken. He prepared me and walks with me in my heartache as I let my heart be broken with what breaks His. Appreciate your prayers for Saafat.
Oh wow. Heartbreaking.
I can only imagine how surreal it is to you having had that opportunity to spend time with Saafat. I am sad for what her future holds. I will also offer up prayers that God will intervene in a big way and change her life.
Hi Sandi.
I believe that sometimes the nudge to act that comes from God is very apparent to us and at other times we do not realize how we were used by Him until some time has passed. The 60 minute plane ride from Beirut to Istanbul was God’s timing for Saafat and a very present nudge for you. I pray that she will never need the HT hotline number but if she does need it she will remember the beautiful spirit of the woman who gave it to her. I truly believe that God will bring you peace about Saafat and your interactions with her just as He gave you the courage to meet Saafat and prepare her a little for her journey. Consider how many seats were on that plane and consider the probability of you sitting beside Saafat. God is so good! Thank you for stepping out in faith and acting with such compassion. You and Saafat will be in my prayers.
Travel safely. Sleep well.
Blessings,
Cheryl
….one of those “for such a time as this” moments, the “used” part of our prayers are being answered. God is definitely scheduling appointments for you & using you (& I’m sure Gord, too)! Praise Him for going before you & preparing you, and then the plane seat maps 🙂
PS can’t wait to see you!