There is hope, and this vicious cycle can be broken. We
can start by reaching out in love to this generation of
broken women, men and children. This is the heart of
Tamar Village: to rebuild broken lives in the red light
district by walking with each broken individual for as
long as it takes. This is Christ-like love; unconditional
and manifested in every possible way. What does it
look like? It’s not complicated. Love is simply tuning
in when they need a listening ear, accompanying
them during meal times when they’ve always been
alone, and taking them to the hospital to allay their
anxieties, even when it’s late at night. Love is being
there even when it’s inconvenient. When a homeless
lady comes in on a busy day, love drops all other work
and says, “I’m here for you.”
lives, even when many others have deemed them
hopeless. But most importantly, their security needs
to come from the knowledge that they are always
greatly loved and valued by their Heavenly Father
who waits for them to come to Him.
As vices are exchanged for restored minds, bodies,
and souls, it is Tamar’s hope that their children and
the future generations will benefit from the reformed,
stable and wiser decisions of these broken mothers.
Resources have been rallied around these children;
programmes that build character, assists them in
their studies, and guides parents with their parenting.
Children should be taught, not just the little virtues
but the great ones – beyond thrift lies generosity,
above caution sits courage, look past shrewdness to
frankness and truth, and don’t stop at tact, but love
your neighbour and consider self-denial.
Oftentimes, love forgives when the women least
expect it. They’re accustomed to condemnation
for their lies and deceit. Looks of disgust and harsh
words, “You will never change,” have vanquished all
hope that someone will believe in them. Against their
every expectation, Tamar Village extends to them
a kindness and mercy that is relentless. Stealing is
no longer confronted with expulsion, but a gentle
admonition that assures, “You are in a safe place now.
You don’t have to steal anymore.” Confession for any
wrongdoing is received with positivity, “We are proud
of you for telling the truth,” before discipline of the
offence and its consequences ensue. Love doesn’t give
up on them, and believes they can live transformed
Children will move from infancy into adulthood, but
their love for life should never weaken. As we look out
for the next generation, we can always be sensitive to
the reticent and melancholic ones, while keeping an
eye on those who are wayward and socially inept. No
one should be neglected, especially those struggling
with abuse and dysfunction. As we become more
patient and generous when loving that special child,
we’ll realise that more than meaningful, we can’t leave
anyone behind, because every child is the face of our
society’s future.
Tamar Village reaches out to marginalised women, (who, because of
circumstances in life, have been caught up in prostitution), offering friendship
and support, both on the street and at our Tamar Skill Centre.
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