A letter from Carol Fujii in Thailand
November 2013
Dear Family in Christ,
“I used to work at the bars, but felt ashamed and I didn’t want to be that kind of mom for my little girl…”
“Yes, I've tried to commit suicide before twice because I was so stressed and overwhelmed…”
“I used to deal drugs and recruited girls to send to customers."
Oh working on an art piece
—just some of the stories from women I meet with at the Well, a Christian foundation for women at risk. I have returned after a period of hiatus. These precious “diamonds in the rough” have such painful stories of brokenness and bondage, but they have been introduced to Jesus. The process of life transformation is often discouragingly slow and with frequent relapses. These women need to be loved, believed in, and given multiple chances to begin again. Desiring to keep loving and believing in them, I am reminded that our Heavenly Father measures fruitfulness by a different standard. As I minister I am worshiping Jesus. If all I do is for Jesus, then His affirmation is enough, whether or not I see results. God is the One who brings change, healing and wholeness, not me. He is working in ways that no eye can see or measure. And so by faith I must learn to simply partner with our wonderful Counselor in His transformative work both in my life and in these women. God is helping me to understand and grow in compassion as I have struggled myself with some similar issues. I'm so thankful for this opportunity to be with these precious women again.
Oh, at one time trafficked, is now ministering at the Well. Oh came to the Well around nine years ago when Jim and Judy Larson, founders of the Well, began this ministry. She understands that the road to recovery is a long one. It is beautiful to see God at work in Oh’s life bringing healing and wholeness, and now she’s giving back. She ministers to the newer students by taking them under her wing. A growing artist, Oh leads the girls through art therapy sessions twice a week. As the women create, they begin sharing and opening up about their past and present struggles. Oh says, “Doing art together helps me see their hurt and needs more readily. I just want to love them in the way I was shown Jesus’ love.”
Women at the Well in process
Oh inspires me. I’ve asked her to come alongside as I meet with the women individually. Seeing God’s wonderful work of grace in Oh’s life gives me hope of what He can do for every woman. Oh says, “It takes a long time to see change, but look at me, look what God’s done in my life.”
Thank you for standing with us as we continue to navigate through this time of expanding into new ministry opportunities. Thank you for your faithful prayers and financial support and correspondence. During this season of Thanksgiving, we are grateful to be able to know and be loved by Our Lord Jesus and to love and serve the Thai together with you.
Prayer Requests
1. For a sincere love for the women at the Well and wisdom from God in knowing how to respond.
2. That God would sustain and give great grace to the Larsons and the team ministering at the Well. http://servantworks.com/the-well/
3. That God would break strongholds of addiction to men and substances and the love of Christ would control instead.
A Blessed Thanksgiving to you,
Carol for the Fujiis
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 224
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