Confession: I go to strip clubs

       I figured that would get your attention. But its true. Just not for the purpose others go. Recently, I have joined a local ministry that goes into the clubs and loves on the women. These women are mothers, wives and are broken. Men go in and just take, we come in and we give. The ministry has been doing this for 3 years and goes to 10 clubs in the area. (There are about 50 clubs in the area by the way). I don't know why we are aloud into the clubs except to say it's a God thing. We don't try and persuade the girls to come with us and leave( even though that's what we want), we go in full of love and empty of judgement of the women, and also the men.
      They call us the "Church Ladies" and expect and look forward to us coming every 2nd Friday of the month. We come bearing gifts and desserts in hopes that they will let us delve into their lives and bring the hope of Christ. I've been able to build a relationship with a young mother(she can't be much older than me) currently living in a homeless shelter just trying to stay afloat. She called me a few days after I first met her and we talked for 45 min, about her life, her past and what she wants for the future. I knew right then that I am in this for the long haul, I am called to this. Called to go into Satan's territory and bring the light of Christ. Just like a flashlight in pitch black, a small amount of light can illuminate the entire place. Some clubs are dangerous, and the bouncers walk the "Church Ladies" to their cars to make sure they leave safely. Some women may be trafficked, or think they are living in freedom when actually a "company" has them all in a mansion not far from me. That's a story we heard last night. Some women, like the woman I have befriended, have a criminal record and now cannot find a decent job. I have seen things I thought I'd never see with my own eyes and images I cannot erase, but they only fuel the fire to love these women enough so that they see they are worth more than just meat for men to stare at. If you could pray for us every 2nd Friday of the month, it would be much appreciated, as Satan does not want us there and will try and stop us. Men (and women) who go to the strip clubs for entertainment may sound innocent nowadays, but it is far from that. It's dark and it's an investment into the wrong kingdom. As long as there is darkness and brokenness present, the light bearers will be present, but with God. Who can stop us?

Lauren