I went to a strip club
A while back I was asked by a group of pastor’s wives to go with them to strip clubs.
That sentence alone sounds strange. But hang with me.
At first I was a little hesitant. And not for reasons you might think.
I love people. Especially ones who are broken; it’s part of my purpose. But, given what I’ve walked through, I know how fragile hurting people can be.
And I know how insensitive the church can be.
And I was uneasy.
But, these weren’t just any pastors wives.
They had a vision.
One that longed to love on women that society had thrown aside.
It reminded me a lot of Jesus.
So, I jumped on it.
Their plan was to visit these clubs once a month to deliver a meal, gift baskets and assistance. I joined them the first night and I’ll be honest, I had NO IDEA what to expect.
Now, I had my fair share of time (back in the day) in bars and such, but I’d never been to a strip club. I was totally unaware of what I was walking into.
We arrived and the bouncer ushered us back into the dressing room where we introduced ourselves and began distributing the gifts and food.
I was shocked by what I saw.
And I’ll tell you why:
I was raised to believe that no good comes from places like that. Which is probably true on many levels. (I wouldn’t suggest making it your go-to for date nights)
But, I was filled (as were many church kids) with fear about “places like that”. That “those people” were heathens and doing all kinds of sinful, shameful things.
Which, again, is true of strip clubs.
And bars.
And many other places.
Even churches.
But, these girls – these lovely, girls – were so…..normal.
As I talked with one in particular, she reminded me of any young mom I’d talk to in the school pick up line.
Minus the fact that she didn’t have much clothing on – I tried not to focus on that.
(Oh dear God, she’s talking about strippers in a Christian blog and talking about them being half naked. We should not EVEN be thinking such things! First, my sweet friend, it’s okay to laugh. Like seriously, it’s OKAY. The fact that 4 pastors wives and their pregnant friend even went into a strip club is kinda funny. If you’re going to love like Jesus, you’re going to find yourself in some pretty awkward situations. And if you don’t have a sense of humor, you’re toast. Like seriously. So, I give you full permission to go ahead and laugh at the mental picture) 🙂
They showed pictures of their children, talked of pregnancy (I was pregnant at the time) chatted about trying to get back in shape after having a baby, etc. It was SO NORMAL.
But, as we talked and I looked into their eyes, I saw women – young, broken women. Who had stories, probably much like mine or yours.
We didn’t stay long. They had a shift to work, and we didn’t want to overstay our welcome.
But, as we left, they thanked us.
More than once.
As I drove home, I totally fell apart in my car.
Not because I felt sorry for them. Not because I thought I was so much better than they were. Not because I pitied their circumstance.
I cried because my heart was broken.
One thing God continues to do in my heart, is humble it. Like over and over. Countless times, I think I’m going in to love on some lowly soul and then I walk out, completely undone because the condition of my own heart was exposed.
I wept in my car – realizing the way I had viewed women in that profession.
Because, people – that could have been me.
It could have been any of us.
Had my journey taken a few different turns, I very well could have been on the receiving end of that encounter.
Man. I WAS WRECKED.
I had my baby shortly after that visit and didn’t get to go back for the monthly visits to see the women.
But, I stayed in contact with one of the women organizing it and every so often, I ask her how it’s going.
They have been visiting them for a year now and received permission to leave a prayer box where the women could leave prayer requests.
The first few times they collected the box it had silly things written in it.
But they continued to leave it there.
Over the following weeks and months (as they continued to love on these women), the prayer requests got real.
Real situations
Real hurt
Real needs
Last time my friend and I got together, I asked about the strip clubs and this is what she said:
Her eyes always, always fill with tears when we talk about it because God is SO in love with these precious women.
She said, “The women are starting to reach out more. I’ve been texting with one and getting to connect with her a bit deeper”
We talked a bit more and she turned to me and said something that I am still rattled by.
“You know what one of them said to me last time?”
“What?”
“She said that she was so glad we come to visit them because we’re not like the other churches”
I said, “what did she mean by that?”
She said, “Apparently other churches send them hate mail. ALL THE TIME”
I’m sure my face turned three shades of white.
Complete shock and disbelief gripped me.
We both looked at eachother and about fell into a pool of tears right there.
People – church – WHAT ARE WE DOING?!
Did we forget (or do we just sing it songs) that Jesus was a friend of sinners, the outcast, the lonely?
Did we forget that it’s God’s kindness that leads us to love others?
That ALL OF OUR GOOD BIBLE LOVING STUFF are like filthy rags without love?
Jesus was UNAFRAID of walking in love to the least of the least.
Like the scum of the scum.
He walked right in, sat down and ate with the outcasts of society.
Gross, ugly messy people.
And the religious HATED HIM FOR IT.
A few years ago, I met with another pastor’s wife across the country who shared with me a similar ministry, although after months of developing relationships with the dancers, they asked the owners a crazy question.
They asked to hold a Bible study.
IN THE STRIP CLUB.
Just for the dancers.
Surprisingly, they were given a yes.
(Something about it building morale in the employees, but whatever. It was a surprising yes and they were thrilled)
So, they started leading a Bible study in the club.
But, something was missing.
And those serving knew it.
The women they were ministering to needed to be led by a man – not because these women were incapable, but because of the damaged, skewed image they had of men. They needed to see a man who was safe – they needed a man who loved like Jesus.
This woman’s husband (who was a pastor) stepped up and took on the challenge. And, for months the dancers wouldn’t even look him in the eye.
But he kept showing up….
Soon, one by one, the women met a divine love through this pastor’s humble, gentle leadership.
There was prayer.
Women found freedom.
And many went on to lead, healthy restored lives.
All because this group of women and this pastor were unafraid to go where God’s love was leading them.
I’m not suggesting that we all have this purpose.
I am not God.
What I AM saying to you is that if Jesus were here, walking among us, wouldn’t it be just like him to walk into the most un-religious place (strip club or whatever) and completely freak the religious folk out?
Just a thought.
He loved then.
He loves now.
But, he can only reach as far as you and I are willing to go.
Hugs,
Anna
*Comments have been disabled*
435 Comments
sincerelythemckinleys
The Lord gave me a vision of doing this last month… How do you go about doing this? Is there a person you have to go through? An organization?
Mat Fretschel
Check out iamatreasure.com
Anna McCarthy
Hi there! The women I was connected with contacted a local strip club and asked the manager if they could bring the dancers a meal and gift baskets once a month. The manager agreed and they started going once a month.
If you get an open door, the key is to respect their time and not overstay your welcome (we were literally in and out in 15 min). Also, make sure you only bring a small group and that it’s the same people that visit each time. Consistency builds trust.
Hope this helps 🙂
Anna
Ps: They left a prayer box a few months in (that they collected monthly) and left their cell numbers. These provided ways to connect outside of the dancer’s work time.
Lori
I think the manager was also a key here. You might not find one like that in every situation.
Lisa Simmons
My sister did this with people who were homeless for one reason or another….a lot of drug abuse etc. She started by taking a couple of women from her church and just showing up with food in the parking lot of these hotels that were known for the “kind of people” Christians don’t associate with. She would knock on the doors and say, “I’ve got hotdogs (or whatever) out here if you’d like one” Some would come out, some wouldn’t, so she’d just take them one and hand it to them thru the crack in the door. After a few months people began to come out and sit and even help distribute the food. Gradually she began to hear their stories…abuse to and by them…illness that left them penniless…mental illness…a felony which wouldn’t allow them to get a decent job…you name it. She calls her ministry “Take 5” based on the 5 loaves and 2 fish that Jesus fed thousands. It’s a name that tells of Jesus but also challenges Christians to “take $5, 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days…” Whatever God calls you to take and use it to reach out to “the least of these”. It’s still considered a small ministry by most standards, but it has had a huge impact on lives there in our little hometown (El Dorado, Arkansas) It’s amazing what can happen when we get out of church and send church out!
LYNDASCHMIDT
you need to try to get this out there where it can be seen more,people are haters of other people and it is so sad.,they have forgotten how to love one another and the meekest and most meager of circumstances. i fell the animal abusers and the people who hurt others ! Well! i dont know why they are forgiven .REMEMBER IF NOT FOR THE FFAITH IN GOD THERE GO I> THANKYOU FOR THIS MESSAGE> I FEEL FOR THESE WOMEN AND COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN WORKING THIS JOB MYSELF! OUR SOCIETY PUTS THEM IN A REALM WHERE THEY DONT BELONG! GOD LOVES THEM VERY MUCH! HE SEES THERE TEARS .HE SEES THEIR TEARS. HE SEES THEIR BROKEN HEARTS! DONT FORGET ! OUR LORDS LOVE AND FORGIVENESS TO MARY MAGDELAIN!!
Acting Out For Love Corp.
You wonderful women of God are doing a great and Nobel. God bless you.
Michele Burdo
Hi Anna,
I used to help lead worship at a warehouse church and we had several strippers that were welcome there. My husband and I are song writers and I was once watching one of the girls at the alter , crying while we did music. Out of that scene, I wrote a song called: Be Mine. One our most requested songs.
“She dances while they watch with their leering gaze. And she can see their faces through a smoky haze. But she has a secret she will never tell, there’s a part of herself she will never sell. She went to a place and she heard about Jesus. She cried when they said that He came to free us. He knew all her secrets but He loved her so fine. He’s calling her now saying, Won’t you be mine?”
The song can be heard/purchased on iTunes or Amazon, etc. Take a listen and if you feel inclined, send on my contact to your friends who are going into the clubs. I’d love for them and you to take a listen to the song. One of my closest friend is a former stripper and we’ve shared a lot and laughed a lot. We are sometimes known as The Goody Two Shoes and The Playboy Bunny. “Like” us on Facebook, I’d love to hear from you. Thank you for writing this timely article. In Jesus, Michele
Kelly
We go in to our local club every other week. We weren’t part of a group at the time, just our church. We knew God wanted us to go. We have now joined together with StripChurch. Check it out! Lots of great help…
Christine
Treasures is a well established organization that does outreaches in the sex industry. They have training sessions and resources on their website. I recommend attending a training before attempting an outreach on your own. http://iamatreasure.com
kimberlybeasley
I would reach out to any number of organizations that are doing this well already, you don’t have to go through their ministry, but to get advice from several organizations that have done it before. I have listed a few that I am aware of, but there are more out there! I second Mat’s suggestion of Treasures, they are great.
http://www.stripchurch.com/
http://www.wearecherished.com/
Lisa
http://www.stripchurch.com
J. Perry
Reblogged this on The True Vine and commented:
I love the courage to express unconditional love and the advancement of the gospel!
Phil
I am a teacher In men’s prison . I teach a pre release class for everyone from DWI to murder.
Many of my students have frequented strip clubs. I stop them by asking what if that was your daughter? How would you feel about it? I guess the feelings I have about the men in my class are similar to the one you have visiting the women at the strip club.
Becky Childs
There really shoukd be a “love” button…
Becky Childs
There really should be a “love” button…
Yves Kalalala
Great! just great and so true, if Jesus was around these would be places He’d be walking into, and if we who holds Christ in us should take a pause and listen to where He’s leading us into, whether it be uncomfortable places…
May God bless you and the wo/men doing this ministry!
Kristen
My father was part of a Christian motorcycle group who in one city was invited every Easter to hold an Easter service in that city’s most well known “bad” motorcycle gangs. NO ONE darkened their doors without explicit permission. My dad’s group was not only allowed, but they were invited, and it was because the LOVED the way Jesus loved. It took a long time to get there, but they are still invited to this very day. Thank you for sharing.
Teresa Perez
I read your story about the strip club ladies and I was so touched and moved by it because I was one of those ladies in my younger days, I am 62 years old now. I was also molested as a young girl. The only difference is I didn’t have a group of angels visit my place of work back in the day. My heart goes out to these women because I know that they are not all bad people. Alot if not all, have very sad stories that they have lived and then eventually got pushed into this kind of life. I was running away from home and running from an abusive father. I had an angel for a mother, but she could only do so much to stick up for me. She is in heaven now, I wish I could’ve made her life easier. She did get to see me give my life to Jesus and raise my kids in the Lord, even though 1 out of 4 still is not saved yet. He is my oldest, the one that saw and remembers alot of my past life. I believe that somehow he hasn’t been able to forgive me for alot of what he went through. He tried to take my life once by choking me and two of my other children got him off of me. He didn’t speak to me for 7 years one time. He still holds so much anger inside so I continue to pray for him. He lives in another state but we talk and text, we stay in touch, we’ve come a long ways. I love my son dearly. Sometimes I wish I could reach out to ladies that are living the same life I lived. I live in a very small town that has no strip clubs and I feel like now I’m so old to be able to reach out to anyone now. I guess I can pray for the ones that are going out and reaching out to these ladies. Dear Lord, please be with these angels who are going out and making a difference in these ladies lives. Open doors every where for them to minister and touch the hearts of these needy and desperate women. Some even facing death out in the streets as I was one day. Bring deliverance and free them in Jesus Name. Let them know there is another way to live and that You will show them the way through these angels that visit them to bring hope to there lives. ThankU Lord for watching over me when I was lost and bound by sin, thankU for my angel I called Mother, I’ll see you soon my angel.
Della
Teresa, I am a part of one of these ministries in Austin, TX. One of my team members is 70. She reaches women that I never could. The girls love her and feel so safe with her. Please know that if God is calling you to this mission, you are never too old. Xo
Robert
You’re not too old. If you are serious, God will give you something to do. Tell Him you’re serious and he’ll open up what he wants you to do.
Phebe Bell
I was once a lost girl working the club for all I could. I’ve been saved for 3 years now. I never had a “church” person try and get me out. I don’t think the clubs I worked at would have allowed it. One was owned by the mafia, the other was high end. I thought that gave me status. Now my identity is from my Father. Thanks to a praying mother who never gave up on me. I read this post on face book about going into clubs. I had to read the comments. I sit here in my chair, do I blast this on my Facebook page? Do I tell the truth that I was a dancer? Do I try to organize something? And the shame comes creeping back in. But what will the church people think? The people who matter know and have helped me get help. If you want to pray for someone, pray for me to step out and make a difference. Prayer should never be a last resort.
Anna McCarthy
Hi Phebe! I can’t reply to every comment, but I wanted to respond to yours. YOU have a voice. A strong, mighty voice that this world needs. Never before has the church needed such a wake up call and the Lord is calling people like you and me (ones who have stories…not always the pretty packaged ones the church likes to hear). I am behind you. I champion you. And I want to encourage you, that when you’re the most afraid to step out, it’s just because hell is terrified of what you have to say. As one who has dealt with years of shame, I can encourage you that everytime I’ve stepped out in faith, the Lord has met me and covered me with a CRAZY amount of grace and mercy to face my fears head on. I’m not perfect at this. But I have resolved to keep getting up and using my voice. You can too sister! All of heaven is behind you. Love and hugs.
Sarah
Phebe,
The apostle Paul referred to himself as the chief of sinners. He was responsible for the imprisonment, torture, and death of many Christians in the early church. But guess what? ALL sin separates us from God, whether it is murder or the little lie we told our boss about why we were late for work. It is humans who attach “levels” to sin. But God has changed your heart as he changed Paul’s. Paul was not afraid to use his former sin as a teaching tool. Don’t you be afraid either. The power of such a testimony is worth more than you can possibly imagine to those who are lost and much more than the words of someone who barely struggled in comparison before being baptized as a child. Go forth and remember Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Brian Francis Hume
You are NOT too old to share the love of Christ with younger women. They don’t need an angel, but a mother figure like you who is filled with the love of Christ. Be encouraged. Ask God to help you find creative ways to reach out to younger women in your small town. Pray that He will open your eyes to previously unseen opportunities. God bless you!
Jenny
Love your testimony! But, you are Never too old to help the younger women! Never. We all need wisdom and experience from older women! Read Titus 2 – that the older woman may train the young women. God can use you at any age! Maybe you could send cards of encouragement with your testimony inside to some strip clubs that are too far to drive to visit? Or help start a group that will drive you? Or find just one younger woman in your community that you can love on and share your story with? There are hurting women everywhere they need the love and guidance of an older woman! Praying is good too! Have you seen the movie War Room? Beautiful example of an older woman guiding a younger woman! Stay strong and use the gifts that God has given you to use – right where you are!
Becky
You are never too old to share your story of what Jesus has done in your life. It can give them hope in a way none other can.
Tina
I don’t know you personally. I only know what you’ve written on here. But to know that you’ve come this far is already such a win! If 1 of your 4 kids hasn’t come to the Lord yet, just keep waiting. Although you want salvation for him, he has to want it for himself too. Just as you wanted it when you were living a different lifestyle than you are now.
You’re prayers are so powerful and there is so much power in the name of Jesus! When you feel like they may not be working right away, or can’t see anything changing, know that God’s timing is the best timing! He knows the desires of your heart before you even pray about it. He loves you oh so much!
MaryJean Bower
Teresa, I am praying for your son. God knows who I mean and He will handle it to bring him a spiritual awakening.
Roxanne Sutherlin
Your story touched me deeply. I am the mother of two sons (25 & 31) who are not serving the Lord but do know the Truth. And I fully believe these lost sheep of mine will return to the fold. I pray I live to enjoy seeing their life in Jesus. But if not, the most important thing is the assurance they WILL know & serve the Lord and I will see them again after I leave this world. I believe, as I am sure you do, your last one out will come in. I see you are wise and full of the Holy Spirit giving your precious son his space & time and allowing the Lord to do His work in him while you as his mother love unconditionally. I will pray for you and your son Teresa Perez. Thank you so much for sharing your testimony letting all know how the power of God can transform lives and the love and grace of Jesus Christ can set us free from the power of sin and death! God bless you and your children!
Leah Whitby
Amazing Grace at it’s finest. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. There are no boundaries of where in the Bible. I admire you ladies! Keep on shining the light of Jesus to others, no matter what, that is how he loves us, no matter what!
Robin
I was a girl working in a strip club that a group of women visited and brought gift baskets. I was pregnant and contemplating abortion. Two months after their visit I was in a situation where I was going to be homeless, so I called their outreach number and one of the women moved me into their house. I gave my life to God and He completely transformed my life. That was 7 years ago, if those women had not planted that seed who knows where I would be, I am now healed, married, own a home and enjoying watching my daughter grow up(the one I almost aborted). God is so good!!!!
Jen
Robin, thank you!
Robin
You’re welcome! I love sharing, I pray all these shared stories just become an inspiration to men and women around the world to reach out to people in the sex industry.
Brian Francis Hume
Beautiful story Robin! Praise God for His tender mercies towards us. God bless you as you continue to walk in the fullness of His purpose for your life!
Robin
You’re welcome!! I am just one woman of thousands of more that have been rescued(not specifically from our church organization.) There are so many outreach programs for strip clubs and it’s just the beginning many more to come!!
Yahlovesme
To God be ALL the Glory!
Harry Henderson
I volunteer to go!
Ginger
I have good friends in San Anyonio who have a ministry just like this! God is doing wonderful things through Lavish. Check out http://www.thelavishgirls.com
Ciaran
I have a friend who is a stripper and she’s not broken at all. A lot of her friends are strippers too. They’re just girls who found a way to get through college without having to do a ton of work so that they can focus on their studies. They like the dancing because it helps them stay fit and they’re comfortable with their bodies.
Honestly, strip clubs wouldn’t even be a thing if religious people hadn’t created a taboo about nudity which created the industry.
Aly
This was the most judge mental thing I’ve ever read. Of COURSE you walked into a dressing room full of normal women, what the heck were you expecting? A room of taloned demons? If Christians truly believe that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God, then the sin (you perceive) of them dancing is no worse than the disgusting sins you have committed in your life, and you are no more worthy than a woman who dances for money to crawl across Heaven’s door. What utter nonsense. Coming into someone’s place of work and calling them broken and depraved… You could have walked into a Walmart and left a fruit basket and prayer box and gotten the same notes.
Idalia Maria Pineda
wow robin amen to your story
I was one of those women(ex stripper) but have been restored like u since 2000 living in Canada….wow wow wow
Idalia Maria Pineda
too bad that u don’t see FATHERS LOVE AND HEART OF GOD IN THIS MATTER…..but u are sooo loved no matter wat u post
Tim McRoberts
I agree with you…This smacked of “Im better than you” from the very start
Tim McRoberts
No kidding! Or do I say amen? How about: I agree with you
Robert
Great story.
Davelish Preacher
There used to be an ministry called JC’s Girls and that’s what they did, minister to the ladies in strip clubs. They also have a booth at the annual porn convention in Las Vegas. The group I knew of took Bibles to pass out and they distributed all of them.
Benjamin Hampton
wow!!!
Evelyn
Myself I believe even strippers have souls. I knew many girls in young adulthood. Most were raising a child. Most were believers of Jesus Christ. The real reason people I’ve spoken to as to why they don’t practice active chritianity or religion is the judgement of man. I’ve been told its hypocrisy to talk of God when you live a certain lifestyle so its better to keep it to themselves. People need to judge their own righteous soul first and just care if these “sinners” need to get saved. The rest takes care of itself by God.
Sarah
What kinds of things were in the gift baskets?
Anna McCarthy
The baskets that we took the night I went included: nail polish, body lotions, hair products, etc.
quirkywritingcorner
Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner.
Brian Francis Hume
Thank you for sharing this amazing story with your audience. My heart was deeply stirred by the example of these pastors’ wives. We’re all called to shine the light of Christ into darkness of our communities. I will pass along this blog posting to share with others that I think will be inspired by this example. Blessings!
withoutaveil
Reblogged this on withoutaveil and commented:
Get ready … Wonderful Jesus-perspective from Anna McCarthy – worth the read!
Chautona
Needed to read this. Today. It shocked, offended, and enraged me–in a good way. I feel a book brewing. Thank you for being the example we NEED to see. Thank you for reminding us that the people we dismiss as “less than” are hurting souls that Jesus DIED for. We know it. Our heads know it. We need to see it. We need to feel it. We need reach out and show love.
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
Susannah Ailene Martin
Wow. This is just fantastic. I’m thinking I might have needed to send a strongly worded letter to the churches sending hate mail. But I’m so glad there’s people out there like you and your friends that don’t mind going into the dark places to share the light. Just beautiful.
Kristy Paolucci
can i just say?? not all of us are damaged goods. i for instance am a happily married woman who grew up in poverty and found a way out. i have saved a lot of money and have turned my life around and its all thanks to dancing! i like my job!
Michelle
I stumbled across this post on Facebook. I am not a religious person and am not entirely sure how or what I believe when it comes to God, Jesus, etc. What I do believe in and find so inspiring about your story is the compassion, empathy, and acceptance. We need more people with all three. Thank you for sharing this story. It touched my heart.
outofsa
Awesome post! I have been loving sex workers and strippers for the past 9 years. I have been doing it alone, I can’t find like minded/hearted women to come with me.
What an amazing blessing that you have a group of women to love these beautiful souls.
Thank you for your post.
Rosemontower
Awesomeness!! Glory be to God!!! 🙂
Jennifer Williams
“The least of the least – the scum of the scum” are those who profess Christianity while judging others in less fortunate life circumstances denying them love or basic human dignity. One mistake I believe many ‘religious’ people make is believing they are superior to those to which they minister. People don’t need ‘superior’ Christians to swoop in and rescue them from their ‘evil’ ways. They need human beings to love them as part of their family – God’s Family. Through this love, they can then be empowered, with support, to rescue themselves. It sounds like you have a beautiful ministry.
pwcamy
I love that these women are being brought the love of Jesus through people like you! Great post!
Robin Gilbert Luftig
Reblogged this on Robin Luftig and commented:
Thoughts from Anna McCarthy on the first time she and a handful of ladies from her church went to a strip club.
Moving.
Humbling.
Challenging.
Your thoughts on serving may be changed after reading this. I know mine waskine was.
Kim
My daughter was a cocktail waitress at a strip club in another state. I got to meet many of the employees personally. Yes, they were normal women with normal problems. The really interesting twist was that the mother of one of the dancers told the owner that she was praying for him. He became a believer, but it took several years to unload the club because of financial entanglements. But he really treated the girls fairly and drugs and organized crime (so prevalent in this industry) were not a part of his operation during that time. When he finally did succeed in closing the business, he donated the building to his church and it is now used for worship.
Tammy Hall-Eldredge
You are Jesus’s hands and feet. Jesus would walk into a strip club to minister, he just did when he sent you. Love big and follow Jesus.
Dude@Dude.com
This never happened. Sorry, but I’m not buying it. This whole article is a complete work of fiction. This never happened. Not in this country. There’s no way any manager at a strip club in the United States would allow a group of non-employees with gift baskets and bibles to go back into the dressing room and talk to the girls about God. The security rules at most reputable strip clubs are very strict. They have multiple bouncers on staff to stop people from going into areas where they aren’t supposed to be. They already have someone on staff called a “House mom” who brings in food and snacks for the girls so they can eat during their shift. They dont need gift baskets. Further more, most of these girls are making about a grand a night. They don’t need free hand outs. They have money – that’s why they work there. Trust me – I DJed at a stripclub for the better part of 7 years. If some ladies showed up asking to go back into the dressing room with gift baskets, our manager would have told them to leave and threatened to call the police. It’s a nice story, but unless this happened in Sweden it’s just not based in reality.
Anna McCarthy
We contacted the manager beforehand, received approval and then began visiting them once a month. If you’re ever in KC, let me know and you could probably go along with the women who are still doing this. It’s a pretty amazing experience.
Hugs,
Anna
Robin
I don’t want to argue with anyone on here but her story really did happen. She and her church are not the only ones visiting clubs and talking to women in the dressing rooms. I am a woman who worked at one where women came in and brought gift baskets..that was 7 years ago. Also have you ever heard of an organization called Treasures…the owner of the organization used to also be a stripper and now they go back in and take gifts to ladies in clubs in Las Vegas…yes it does happen and it will continue to happen. You cannot say it doesn’t happen just because you have never seen it with your own eyes.
Claudia
Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible”.
Idalia Maria Pineda
I beg to differ my friend…this is a TRUE story..u are entitled to your opinion BUT rest assure that this is true story..as I was ex stripper…
so your comment is false..sorry just saying the truth here…..anyway hugs
Jennifer Speer
Anna, Thank you for reminding those of us who occasionally live in ivory towers of theology to get out there and live it.
Blessings,
Jennifer
krishoffman
Reblogged this on acupofcontentment.
Joanna Lynn
I know a group of women who do this and for one of them, it has totally changed her view on life and herself. She now knows it is a passion God has given her to love on these women. Thanks for writing about such a “touchy” subject. It’s really not, but Christians can get so uppity and lose sight of who Jesus has called us to be for the downtrodden.
Elizabeth
I am wrecked by this… Thank you so much for sharing!! These tears have totally convicted my heart. ❤️❤️
joymorgan1
This makes my heart full!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ If you are interested in some insites or have any questions that I might be able to assist you with please reach out. I was once one of those girls. I have told some of the stories of Gods grace here “Letting go of the Strip Pole and Clinging to the Cross” https://joymorgan1.wordpress.com/
Kimberly Rae
Thank you for this post! I’m working on a series of novels started by the idea of the woman who wept on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. I wondered what would happen if a woman who was a “sinner” came to Jesus in a big way in modern times – who would react like Jesus, who would react like the religious leader, and what would happen to the woman? Anyway, in the 2nd book, which I’ve started working on, the prostitute who comes to Jesus is trying to convince the women in her small-town church to start a ministry in the strip clubs. I printed out your blog because it so expressed what so many of them will be feeling, including the pastor’s wife, who is afraid of what people will think. So thank you for helping me share in a story the message you have shared in your blog – that Jesus loves the broken and we shouldn’t love them from a distance. God bless you and your work for Him!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Rae
Know your Worth, Change the World
http://www.kimberlyrae.com
Cherrilynn Bisbano
Our God rewards obedience. Thank you for sharing. May God continue to minister to you and the ladies you served.
Jill
This is beautiful. God rescued me from this very environment many years back. I love this story!!!
lizzymcgizzy
I was a stripper between the ages of 19-22. Now , ten years later, a married, religious, homeschooling mother of three; I can tell you that the damaged view of men took YEARS to overcome. But you are correct, the women there are ‘normal’ if broken. And the men who frequent those places are lonely, misunderstood, lost, they’ve been imasculated. There are some smart women there, trying to pay for college. There are drug addicts just trying to get enough for more of their vice. It is an ugly place, but only inasmuch as it reflects so clearly the problems already rampant in our society. The strip club is simply more honest.
Amber P.
Woe. Just. Woe.
I opened this up ready to get down and dirty saying how inappropriate it is and how we should not by any means place ourselves in such temptations or in situations that may make others think we are “doing wrong” (…”sustain from the appearance of evil”…). But then when I immediately started reading it I became convicted and knew you were absolutely right.
There is one strip-club in particular that my husband and I have to drive by often throughout the week…And we make fun of it. If we see a car parked there the jokes come spewing out. I will make sure that will NOT happen again. The ONLY thing I disagree with in what you wrote is that ya’ll brought a man into the mix which is not only dangerous for him (such an incredibly strong temptation, like dangling tangible porn right in front of him) AND that it’s potentially setting up any inappropriate relationship or attachment to form. We don’t believe men should counsel women and visa-versa unless the spouse is with them the entire time and even chiming in. Way too often that is how affairs begin.
Aside from that, many thoughts came to me while reading this:
1. “I wonder if I could start something like this in my own town? My church has already started a prison and rehab ministry…Why not reach the “women at the well”?”
2. “I’ve been bummed that there isn’t much of anything I can do for the women in sex slavery since I have a family I am responsible for…I can’t just leave them and travel out into these delicate and dangerous situations trying to save these women like my heart has longed for so long. So I just pray for them often. BUT the women in these clubs and such are just as trapped…Or at least feel like it…And I CAN help them without abandoning my family.”
3. “Wouldn’t they feel attacked that these people came into their club thinking they needed their help?…OH! Apparently not.” -Their reactions were the most surprising thing to me while I read this.
Anyways, thank you very much for writing this. My heart needed it. It will also bring a great conversation later between my husband and I when he gets home…..
Jessa
“I love people. Especially ones who are broken; it’s part of my calling. But, given what I’ve walked through, I know how fragile broken people can be.”
We are all broken. We are ALL broken. Strippers are no more broken than I am, or you are.
Amelia White Harrison
Anna, I really want to thank you for sharing this. I have often felt moved, spiritually speaking, for the plight of ladies in the sex industry. I actually had a friend who bar tended in a strip club, and I could see that it changed her over time. Anyway, I mostly feel like I want to help those walking the streets for money, but for a long time I never felt “Christian enough” or whatever you want to call it, but my heart always goes out to them. I’m not sure how I would go about speaking to them or helping them. I know their “boyfriends” if they have them won’t want them to talking to non-customers. I guess if anyone has suggestions, please let me know (I will also check out the links some of you already shared). I don’t currently attend the same church regularly (my family is in search of a church home), so I don’t have church friends or whatever to come along or from whom to receive guidance. All I can say is I am so glad that people like Anna are willing to get out there and minister to those who need it most. God bless!
Lisa Simmons
I know I’ve already commented,(I do love this ministry) but I forgot to say as Amber did, I do not think a male pastor should have brought into the mix. Women can talk about the appropriate relationship that men and women are supposed to have without bringing a man in to be used as an “example”. Men and women do not think the same when it comes to the female body…no matter how “pastoral” you think he is…just not a good idea.
Also, I’d like to know the “logic” behind a strip club owner allowing this since I’m sure he knows that he could lose some of his dancers due to the feeling of conviction and Jesus transforming their thinking. Is there already such turnover ie: so many waiting to get in to the business that he doesn’t have to worry about the ones who leave? There’ll be someone ready, willing and able to fill her spot? If that’s the case, we have a lot more work to do. Hopefully the heart of the owner can be changed as well so that he no longer wants to own such an establishment.
devaughnwifey
Wow. This totally just spoke to me. The Lord keeps speaking, and I am not listening very well sometimes, but this might have just gotten through! lol Thank you for posting!! Even if you felt awkward about it, it was a post that was needed and is appreciated.
Douglas Abbott
Reblogged this on the sanctified muse and commented:
LOVE it!
JenE
I love this! This is the type of Christian I want to be. I need to be active, I need to be moving forward, I need to redefine what Christian is for me. I started my own blog for this very reason. I want people to know that Christians are waking up, shaking off the dust, and really trying to break the mold about what it means to be like Jesus! I love it! Thanks so much for this post. Inspiring.
Adrianna
Amazing! It’s always nice to hear positive things happening in the community! So much negativity in the news these days. This was such a good read. And such a good thing that these women are truly stepping up and trying to follow in Jesus footsteps. So inspiring! Love it!