Disappointing Day

Posted by Brian

The other day we were in Monte Llano at our church and there is a restuarant across the street. We saw the sister of a few of our students pulling up to the restaurant on a brand new motorcycle. The girl on the motorcycle is named Sonya. So she proceeded to get off the her bike and go into the restaurant and talk to a few older german men, who we have seen looking for her in Pancho Mateo. After she was done Beth went to talk to her, just to see how she was doing. As it turns out she has moved into her own house out of Pancho Mateo. We heard this from her sisters a few weeks ago. The older man owns the house and bought her the motorcycle. This is quite remarkable considering she is only 16. From what we gather, the man is a pimp that sets up tourist with young prostitutes. Her mom knows she is involved with this man and approves, in fact sends her to do this. It is a shame because her sisters who are 11 and 12 look up to her as someone who is successful and admire her. It bothers us because it sends the wrong message. It also bothers us because it happens so often in the Dominican Republic, actually the DR is well known for its prostitution among tourists. While prostitution is legal, underage prostitution is not and yet a blind eye is often turned upon it.
We wonder what the men that use these prostitutes feel like, how they can justify this act. We have seen this man in Pancho Mateo before bringing this family ice cream and toys, the other children are envious. It is an aweful situation. So please pray for the children, Sonya, and for the men involved. It is very easy for me to feel angry at them but at the same time I know they are in need of prayer. Also pray that Beth and I have the wisdom to deal with these Problems.