Photo via salvationarmy.ca

Operation Mobilization ministries serve women worldwide

At night, many women line the streets of Vienna, Austria. Some were sold into prostitution by relatives, some came looking for "easy money;" most were trafficked in from Nigeria and Eastern Europe, reports MNN.

"The image of God stands broken as these ladies from Eastern Europe--victims of female trafficking, the property of pimps--sell themselves," wrote a member of an Operation Mobilization team doing ministry among prostitutes in Austria. "They are not there by choice but as a result of the lies and manipulations of others."

One woman left this nightmare and now shines as a beacon of hope. With the help of an OM EAST missionary and a partnering organization, the woman left prostitution. She now earns her own money by cleaning churches in Vienna; she can almost support herself financially. Although prostitution is legal in Western Europe, women cannot obtain a work permit for any other job if they want to leave the profession.

This woman serves as an example of OM EAST's ever-developing vision. Currently, OM missionaries work with a local charity in outreach to prostitutes. They hand out snacks and presents and give the Gospel to ladies working on the streets.

"As one lady tells us, to be out here and doing what they are doing means that they are truly second-class citizens," wrote the OM team member. "They gratefully receive a book."

OM ministers to oppressed women worldwide. Some are involved with prostitution and human trafficking, while others suffer honor killings, abuse, childhood marriages, temple prostitution and dowry crimes. OM seeks to provide love and honor for these women, letting each one know she is a precious child of God. Each ministry accomplishes this through practical ministries: health projects, community development, education, skills training, micro-development, friendship and employment.

OM EAST is a EurAsia support team seeking to serve and strengthen the church in Eurasia. Its ministries include voicing the needs of forgotten peoples and supplying them with Christian literature and multimedia.

SALE! 40% OFF! How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week

TAGS: Austria Operation Mobilization ministries prostitution human trafficking Christian literature

[09/03/2009]

Print Version