Men of Justice

Awhile back over Chuseok (Korea's Thanksgiving), some of us went to Busan's red light districts. We wanted to see what the industry is like in other parts of Korea. It was different from other districts we've been to. But, it's all the same: Darkness, depravity, injustice, rejection, neglect, abuse, stifled cries. What's different: the individual lives of these precious men and women.

As we were walking in one area, we saw many Southeast Asian women. Our hearts were broken as we saw them waiting for men. We also saw many men from Central & West Asia.

We took some time to process what we had just seen and sat outside at a nearby cafe. My heart was aggressively being stirred as I saw 2 policemen a few feet away from us, a few feet away from the red light. I could not sit still and was urged to talk to them, to ask them how such injustice can be taking place so near to people appointed precisely for justice.

Below are some questions that were asked and the responses the policemen gave:

"What is going on in those streets?"
"Oh, it's for tourits who like shopping."
"But why are there women standing outside?"
"Tourists like it."
"So Korean men don't go?"
"No! Only foreigners go."
"What do women do there?"
(In a very hushed voice) "They're selling their bodies for sex."
"Is that legal or illegal in Korea?"
"Well, it's illegal but here it's ok."

More policemen joined our conversation. 1 pretended he had no idea what was going on in these streets and asked me to show him. Hesitant to walk through w/policemen, I decided to briefly walk w/them. They saw the women, the men, the pimps, the madams. At one point, a pimp was yelling profusely at us to get out. The policemen hurried us out in a gesture to protect us from this pimp.

Upon leaving, the policemen said, "I don't know what you're talking about. There is no illegal activity, no prostitution, no human trafficking. If we can't see it actually going on, it's not there."

At this point, I was flabberghasted and there was a righteous anger stirring in me. We continued to dialogue about this but there seemed to be an thick wall of apathy, deceit, arrogance, and pride in their country.

"You all are placed here to protect people. If I was in the streets and cried out for help, would you help me?"
"Yes, of course."
"These people are crying out but no one is listening to them. You are placed in positions of authority to execute justice."
"But we're only policemen. And we are so young."
"That is no excuse. You have authority. You have power. If you don't stand up for them, who will? I hope you will stand up for justice, not just for the people of Korea but for all people in this nation. I hope you will be men of honor and integrity."

There was 1 policeman who looked extremely bothered and his heart was heavy. It seemed that it was the 1st time he thought about this injustice. We continue to pray for this young man. Oh that he would be frustrated! That he would stand up!

We've been wondering where the men of Justice are. The men in the Church. The men in authority. Who will stand for Righteousness? Who will stand for Justice?

Righteousness and Justice are the foundation of His throne.

Our hearts are burdened. We believe there is a specific role for men to intercede and stand in the gap. Men play such a strategic role to be in authority and as leaders. Men can call out changes in a special way.There seems to be no gentle way to say, "Man up."

There is a supply because there is a demand. Brothers, would you stand with us and cry out for justice? Would you cry out for the men who are soliciting as pimps, customers, and government officials? Would you declare the Father's love for these fathers? Won't you petition for these men living in darkness? Won't you be proactive in praying for these precious souls? Won't you be bothered?