Today I would like to tell you briefly about a few of the individuals I’ve gotten to know during my time thus far at Neustart. I have changed their names, and have withheld certain details of their lives when appropriate to protect their identities.
Juliette is in her early 20’s and is from a country that borders Germany. She is one of the few who speaks English, and so that is the language we normally use to speak with each other. She is deeply passionate about justice and wants to change the world. She also would like to finish school and one day become a journalist, or maybe a nurse. However, she feels trapped in the life of prostitution, and she is afraid to take the steps necessary to get out of it. Please be praying for courage for her, and that her heart would soften towards the Gospel of Jesus.
Mana is in her 40’s and is from Eastern Europe. She has been in Berlin for quite some time now. She sleeps in a nearby café*, and perhaps because of this she is very often tired. Her favorite thing to do many afternoons is to come in to Neustart and play a few rousing rounds of Mensch Ärgere Dich Nicht (which is essentially the game “Sorry!” in Germany), although she also enjoys taking naps in the park when the weather is nice. Pray that she would be able to find a different and better life for herself.
Bernadette is an older woman, who is also from Eastern Europe. She will often come into the café and sit down and read quietly for awhile. However, don’t let her demeanor fool you. She can get quite loud and excited at times, especially when playing Mensch Ärgere Dich Nicht. At first it can be difficult to approach her, but often times she is willing to talk and share about what is going on with her and she doesn’t mind if you pray for her as well. Please be praying that she would be freed from the bounds of prostitution and that she would recognize the love of Jesus for her.
This is only a snapshot of those who are trapped in prostitution and sex trafficking and come into the café every day. Please be praying for them and others like them, both in Berlin and all over the world.
God Bless,
Robby